Meaning of "is this dust really from the Titanic?" by Car Seat Headrest

The lyrics in "is this dust really from the Titanic?" explore the dichotomy between artists' public personas and their personal lives. The narrator highlights the paradox of having artist friends who freely share their unfinished work, yet privately desire for it to be experienced in a different context. Through the observation of the messy state of their cars, the narrator realizes that their friends, who are seen as having a better grasp on life due to their artistic abilities, are just as disorganized and lacking in traditional stability. This realization brings forth a sense of disillusionment, as it challenges the romanticized view of artists. The inclusion of the narrator's own cluttered car signifies a shared experience, suggesting that chaos and disarray are often inherent in the creative process. The lyrics ultimately question the expectations society places on artists and challenges the notion that artistic talent equates to having one's life together.