Meaning of "Box of Spiders" by Drive-By Truckers

The lyrics of "Box of Spiders" can be interpreted in several ways. On the surface level, it tells the story of a great-grandmother who has an eccentric habit of keeping a box of spiders, which adds a sense of mystery and unease to the narrative. It also reflects the passage of time and the inevitability of aging, as the narrator describes his elderly great-grandmother's advanced age and beliefs about what will happen after she passes away. The reference to the General being buried behind a church and his last words being about the heat could symbolize themes of war, suffering, and redemption. The repetition of "Too mean to die" at the end can be seen as a defiance against mortality, suggesting that even in the face of death, one can hold on to their resilience and strength. Overall, the lyrics paint a surreal picture of family history, mortality, and the strange ways in which people cope with the complexities of life.