Lyrics
i'll be a writer when i finally go deaf,
The speaker envisions becoming a writer when they lose their ability to hear.
in the manner of whoever they say is the best.
They plan to emulate the style of the acknowledged best writer of the time.
committing to paper the chances i have missed,
Expressing a commitment to documenting missed opportunities on paper.
the girls i have loved, the dogs i have kissed.
Referring to past romantic relationships and fond memories with pets.
i'll be a drunk when i finally go blind,
The speaker anticipates becoming a drunk when they lose their eyesight.
sharing a pint with whomever i find.
Describing a desire to share drinks and secrets with others.
telling the secrets i had never let out,
Talking about revealing hidden secrets that were never disclosed before.
sharing a stout with whoever's about.
Expressing a willingness to share experiences with anyone nearby.
i'll be a bore when i finally go broke,
Envisioning being a boring person when financially destitute.
i'll bum cigarettes and learn how to smoke.
Describing a scenario of bumming cigarettes and learning to smoke due to financial hardship.
i'll have a good laugh whenever i'm told
Anticipating laughter at suggestions of running for office in old age.
i should run for office now that i am old, and i am old.
Reflecting on the inevitability of aging and being considered old.
i'll be a preacher and i'll save all the souls
Imagining a role as a preacher who saves souls from damnation.
that burn down in hell like a billion coals.
Symbolically referring to the salvation of numerous souls from hell.
and jesus may sing through these strings,
Suggesting that Jesus might speak through the speaker's writing.
or the devil may cry through these eyes,
Alternatively, hinting at the possibility of the devil expressing anguish through the speaker's eyes.
or the virgin mary may stay just that way through this unlucky body.
Mentioning the Virgin Mary and her unchanged state within the speaker's unfortunate body.
i'll be a writer when i finally go deaf,
Reiterating the desire to be a writer despite potential obstacles like losing hearing.
but i can't write away this new shortness of breath.
Acknowledging a physical limitation (shortness of breath) that impedes the ability to write.
is my body expressing some impossible desires
Raising questions about the body expressing unattainable desires and its implications.
which i'll surely take with me into the fires?
Contemplating whether these desires will persist into the afterlife.
into the fires...
Repeating the reference to entering the fires, suggesting a contemplation of the afterlife or challenges.
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