Meaning of "Tongue" by Butthole Surfers

The lyrics of "Tongue" by Butthole Surfers evoke a nostalgic reflection on the transience of life and connections. The references to cowboys and Indians conjure up images of wild, untamed experiences that have now passed. The singer seems to be recounting a time when everything felt exhilarating and out of control, but as time has moved on, those moments have faded into memories. The mention of "nice people" fading away suggests a loss of relationships or friendships that were once meaningful but now seem distant. The repeated refrain of "take back the memory" could be a plea to hold on to the past, to keep those fading memories alive even as they slip away. Overall, the song captures a sense of longing for a time and place that have slipped away, leaving only the bittersweet residue of what once was.