In the Mouth a Desert (Live 1992)

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a transactional, perhaps exploitative, relationship where value is hidden and then extracted. The opening lines question how something unseen, like an "oil well," can be treated when its value is not immediately apparent. This sets a tone of suspicion and distrust, especially when the "site" is reduced to a "whore-sign," suggesting a superficial or degraded purpose. The central tension seems to revolve around control and irreversible loss. The "trust-knot" imagery, where "labels" and "favors" are placed, implies a binding agreement or obligation. The narrator observes a "yarn of twine unravel," a process that is final and cannot be undone, suggesting that once something is set in motion or revealed, it's gone forever, leaving the other party unable to retrieve it. The repeated phrase "It's what I want" coupled with "Twine comes down" highlights a possessive and perhaps selfish desire. The narrator asserts their will, and the unraveling of the twine signifies the fulfillment of that desire, even if it means the other person loses something irretrievably. The repeated "Make a try" suggests a persistent effort or a series of attempts, possibly to gain control or achieve a desired outcome. This lyrical construction creates a sense of unease and a feeling of being manipulated. The contrast between the hidden value of the "oil well" and the degraded "whore-sign," alongside the irreversible nature of the unraveling twine, leaves the listener with a stark impression of a relationship built on hidden motives and inevitable loss. The raw assertion of desire, "It's what I want," underscores the self-serving dynamic at play.