Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a picture of a "girl" who's got a "restless soul" and a "fever in her head," hinting at a wild, untamed spirit. There's a sense that her intensity and perhaps her desires are hidden from conventional society, whether it's the "church" or "kids." This hidden nature is framed by the recurring idea that "we all work on borrowed time," suggesting a urgency to live fully, even if it's outside societal norms.
The central tension seems to be between this girl's inner fire and the world's ignorance or indifference. The narrator urges her to "run as fast as you can," a plea that feels both like encouragement to embrace her nature and an acknowledgment of its fleeting, perhaps dangerous, quality. The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the relentless pace of her existence, a life lived on the edge of what's known or accepted.
The imagery of a "long snake moan" and "voodoo in her hips" creates a potent, almost primal, sensuality that contrasts sharply with the implied judgment or unawareness of the "church." This juxtaposition highlights the narrator's fascination with her, seeing a raw power that the outside world misses. The "god-shaped hole" is particularly striking, suggesting a deep, perhaps spiritual, longing that drives her actions, a void that conventional faith might not fill.
Ultimately, the lyrics resonate because they capture a feeling of exhilarating, yet precarious, freedom. The narrator's observation of the girl's intense, hidden life, coupled with the reminder of our finite existence, creates a compelling portrait of someone living life at full throttle. The final line, "Every dog will have its day," offers a touch of fatalistic hope, implying that her unique spirit will eventually find its moment, even if it's on "borrowed time."