Meaning of "Keep 'Em Coming" by Alkaline Trio

The lyrics of "Keep 'Em Coming" by Alkaline Trio delve into the aftermath of a breakup, portraying the singer's overwhelming sense of despair and self-destructive tendencies. The repetition of "14 hours ahead" highlights the passage of time and the weight of the emotional burden the singer carries. References to toothpicks in eyes and a smile more yellow than the sky suggest exhaustion and an inability to hide inner turmoil. The imagery of a fallen milkman drinking bleach and the singer being much like him symbolize a downward spiral into destructive behavior. The longing for a past song and a painting in the head reflect a desire for a past happiness that is now lost, leading to a reliance on harmful substances like gas and paint to numb the pain. The refusal to go back to the past coupled with the acknowledgment of a sad excuse for coping mechanisms paint a vivid picture of someone struggling to move on and seeking solace in unhealthy habits.