Meaning of "Outskirts" by Blue Rodeo

"Outskirts" by Blue Rodeo delves into the inner turmoil and struggles of someone who feels like they are on the outside looking in, unable to reach their dreams and feeling disconnected from the world around them. The references to photographs, emotional holographs, and cutouts of different figures they could have been signify a sense of longing and a desire to escape their current reality. The mention of setting fires underneath a spoon and the allusion to drug use suggest potential self-destructive behavior as a coping mechanism for dealing with the disappointment and regrets that plague them. The reference to the silhouette of a man in another's arms at the L.A. Ambassador Hotel adds a layer of betrayal and heartbreak to the narrative. The overall message of the song seems to be one of introspection, regret, and a search for meaning and purpose in a world that feels overwhelming and hostile.