Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a striking image of St. Francis, a figure typically associated with peace, fumbling through a dark, domestic space. He's immediately thrust into a disorienting scene where crows move with paradoxical speed, setting a tense, almost surreal atmosphere. The narrator's urgent, repeated interjection, "And I cried go," hints at an underlying imperative from the very start. This St. Francis isn't just communing with nature; he's actively fighting. He battles "a fleet of angry men" who've stolen birds, suggesting a conflict rooted in human greed and a violation of the natural order. Yet, the true emotional core emerges when he discovers that "wolves lived in / Towns with wives and with children," a devastating revelation that blinds him to the traditional understanding of evil. The stark contrast between the traditional image of wild wolves and "The real wolves wore pants and shoes" delivers a gut-punch. This isn't about primal predators, but about the insidious cruelty found within human society itself. The repetition of "The crows know that your wavering / The crows know that your waiting" amplifies this tension, portraying the crows as almost omniscient observers aware of an impending, necessary escape. Ultimately, these lyrics effectively dismantle romanticized notions of good and evil, forcing a confrontation with uncomfortable truths about human nature. The narrator's persistent "GO," culminating in the final, capitalized command, transforms the piece from a simple narrative into a desperate plea for action. It captures the profound disillusionment of realizing that the greatest threats often come from within, urging a swift departure from such a world.