Meaning of "Vessel" by Dan Mangan

The lyrics of "Vessel" by Dan Mangan delve into the complexity of navigating through life's uncertainties and struggles. The repeated phrase "It takes a village to raise a fool" hints at the idea that mistakes and hardships are part of the human experience and are necessary for personal growth and learning. The imagery of being a vessel in the valley conveys a sense of being exposed and vulnerable, surrounded by the tallies and reasons that weigh down on the individual. The mention of being the widow of a conscience suggests a loss of moral direction or internal conflict, highlighting the struggle to make sense of the chaos and nonsense in life. Overall, the song reflects on themes of self-awareness, introspection, and the journey towards finding meaning in adversity.