Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a narrator deeply attached to an unseen "little friend" named Stuart, who is perceived as a constant companion. This relationship is framed as a source of guidance, with the narrator seeking Stuart's input on everything from "political decisions" to personal choices, even admitting to relying on him when "going to falter." The narrator acknowledges the dreamlike, perhaps even "obscene," nature of this internal dialogue, highlighting a reliance that borders on obsession. The central tension arises from the narrator's desperate need for Stuart's voice, contrasted with Stuart's imagined, and rather critical, response. The repeated question, "If Stuart could talk what would he say," underscores this yearning. When Stuart finally "speaks" in the latter half, his words are not the affirmation the narrator likely craves, but a sharp rebuke. Stuart expresses astonishment at the narrator's "company" and "insatiable attention," explicitly stating his purpose is "for procreation / And not facilitating in your sin." The most striking craft element is the dramatic shift in perspective and tone when Stuart's voice is introduced. The narrator's initial portrayal of Stuart as a supportive confidant is shattered by Stuart's own words, which reveal a profound annoyance and a clear boundary. This imagined dialogue, presented as a dream, functions as a stark self-confrontation, where the narrator's internal desires are met with a projected, judgmental voice that critiques their very actions and perceived "sin." This lyrical construction is effective because it externalizes a deeply personal and potentially unhealthy internal dynamic. The contrast between the narrator's passive reliance and Stuart's active, critical voice creates a compelling psychological portrait. It suggests a struggle with self-control and morality, where the narrator's "friend" becomes a projection of their own conscience, albeit one that is fed up and unwilling to enable destructive behavior.