Meaning of "Crooked Teeth" by Death Cab For Cutie

The lyrics of "Crooked Teeth" explore the theme of a failed relationship and the emotional toll it takes on the narrator. The opening lines evoke a sense of heat and despair, as the atmosphere becomes stifling under a willow tree. The tears that refuse to fall symbolize the emotional pain that hangs in the air without resolution. As the song progresses, the narrator realizes that he has made a mistake and feels trapped on one side of the relationship, similar to the Berlin Wall. The metaphor of a decaying home in the narrator's heart suggests that the relationship was built on unstable foundations and was doomed from the beginning.

The following verses delve deeper into the emotional struggle faced by the narrator. The reference to "treacherous streets" and "kids strung out on homemade speed" paints a picture of a chaotic environment reflecting the turmoil within the relationship. The imagery of a crooked smile filled with "crooked teeth" represents the facade of happiness hiding the underlying issues. Despite the charming aspects of his partner, the narrator realizes that they are both treading a destructive path.

The chorus emphasizes the idea that one cannot find anything meaningful if there was never anything there to begin with. It suggests that the narrator longs for a deeper connection in the relationship that was ultimately absent. The bridge reveals an ongoing internal struggle between the head and heart, with the head often taking a backseat to impulsive emotions. This conflict leads to a cycle of disappointment and regret for the narrator, as he constantly repeats the mistake of investing his heart before fully understanding the consequences.

The final verse alludes to the emptiness and superficiality of the world around the narrator. Churches, theme parks, and malls represent the shallow distractions that cannot fill the void left by a failed relationship. The repetition of the phrase "there was nothing there all along" reinforces the sense of emptiness and the narrator's longing for something more authentic.

Overall, "Crooked Teeth" delves into the complexities of relationships, the struggles of self-awareness, and the consequences of investing in something that lacks a solid foundation. It serves as a reflection on the pain and disillusionment that can arise from failed connections and the search for something more meaningful.