Meaning of "Pictures of Matchstick Men" by Camper Van Beethoven

The lyrics of "Pictures of Matchstick Men" depict a feeling of obsession and infatuation towards another person. The narrator is captivated by someone, as indicated by the repetition of the phrase "Pictures of matchstick men and you." This repetition creates a sense of intrusion, as the individual's image is constantly present in the narrator's mind. The metaphor of "Pictures of matchstick men" conveys a sense of fragility and vulnerability, as if the object of the narrator's obsession could easily be burned away or destroyed. The line "Windows echo your reflection / When I look in their direction now," suggests that the narrator sees their obsession reflected in their surroundings, further intensifying their fixation. The repeated affirmation that all the narrator sees is the person and themselves implies a lack of emotional balance and a difficulty in focusing on anything else. The final repetition of "Pictures of matchstick men" emphasizes the inescapable and relentless nature of this obsession. Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of a person consumed by their infatuation, unable to escape from the constant presence of the object of their desire.