Meaning of "Opossum Minister" by Clutch

"Opossum Minister" by Clutch seems to be a cautionary tale warning the listener about the dangers of getting involved with certain people or communities. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of both Prathertown and Montgomery Village, using imagery such as rocking chairs, snake charmers, and fake farmers to evoke a sense of mystery and suspicion. While Prathertown is portrayed as somewhat benign albeit strange, Montgomery Village is depicted as a place to be wary of, where darkness lurks and affliction reigns. The opossum minister serves as a symbol of something sinister lurking beneath the surface, with the narrator questioning if there is any hope left in the face of such malevolence. The repetition of the refrain regarding the darkness in the eyes of the people of Montgomery Village reinforces the idea of a community plagued by something ominous.