Message Oblique Speech

Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a stark, almost grotesque scene: "Hypothermic ice cubes are melting down" alongside "prisoners." There's an immediate sense of decay and a harsh critique aimed at a "parasitic fool" who consumes and expels. The initial feeling is one of unsettling observation, hinting at societal disillusionment. A central tension emerges between this raw, visceral reality and a hidden, controlling force. The repeated refrain, "Message oblique speech / We're still working on him / We've thought of everything," suggests a pervasive manipulation or a deliberate obfuscation of truth. This creates a conflict between the chaotic, organic messiness described in the verses and the engineered, almost clinical control implied by the chorus. The lyrics cleverly juxtapose this control with a critique of manufactured value. Phrases like "Graphically perfect / Totally intact" describe a polished facade, while the repeated line about "All important rubbish made to publish made to last" reveals a cynical view of enduring, yet hollow, content. This ironic contrast highlights a society obsessed with superficial appearances, where even "All important rubbish" is meticulously crafted for display and longevity. The effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their jarring shifts in imagery and their deliberate ambiguity. One moment, the narrator observes a surreal, almost medicalized landscape where "Anesthetists don't dance," the next, a personal plea emerges: "Won't someone fire me." This fragmented approach, combined with the "oblique speech" itself, forces the listener to actively piece together meaning, creating a potent sense of unease and intellectual engagement that lingers long after the final lines.