Meaning of "California/Fetid Adder’s Tongue" by Blackbird Raum

The lyrics of "California/Fetid Adder's Tongue" by Blackbird Raum paint a bleak picture of human nature and society. The references to firemen in a house made of brick suggest that people often focus on superficial solutions to deep-rooted problems, only to find themselves trapped in their own destructive patterns. The imagery of spitting pus and eating excrement conveys a sense of disgust and betrayal, reflecting how interactions with others can often lead to disappointment and hurt. The reference to the acquitted being rung through a dripping cloth suggests that justice is scarce and easily manipulated, leaving many to suffer unjustly. The portrayal of swine wallowing in muck and hens cackling in suffering highlights a sense of despair and hopelessness, where even in supposed paradises, individuals are doomed to misery and pain. Overall, the lyrics offer a dark commentary on the darker aspects of human nature and the futility of seeking goodness in a world tainted by deception and suffering.