To Be of Use

Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a striking confession: the speaker's fantasies are equally split between "Making someone else come" and a profound desire "To be of use." This immediate juxtaposition sets a deeply personal and somewhat vulnerable tone. The speaker yearns for a "hard Simple Undeniable use," revealing a longing for fundamental purpose. The core tension lies in how these two seemingly disparate desires—sexual gratification and utilitarian function—are presented as equally dominant fantasies. It suggests that for the speaker, true fulfillment might be found in a form of service, whether that's providing pleasure or serving a practical role. The repetition of "To be of use" underscores this yearning for unambiguous purpose. The choice of imagery for "use" is particularly effective. The speaker lists humble, functional objects like a "spindle," a "candle," a "horseshoe," or a "corkscrew." These aren't grand, complex tools, but rather simple, essential items, highlighting a desire for a basic, undeniable contribution rather than heroic achievement. This grounds the abstract desire for purpose in concrete, almost primal functionality. Later, the lyrics elaborate on the sexual fantasy with more evocative, almost ritualistic imagery: "On a horse Over palms laid On the threshold Of the coming day." This elevates the act of "making someone else come" beyond mere physicality, imbuing it with a sense of arrival, significance, and perhaps even a sacred offering. The repeated plea of "Coming day Come" further amplifies this anticipation, linking personal fulfillment to a larger, almost mythic moment. The power of these lyrics comes from their raw honesty and the unexpected connection drawn between intimate pleasure and a deep-seated need for simple, undeniable purpose.