Meaning of "Mammoth Cave" by Guided By Voices

The lyrics of "Mammoth Cave" by Guided By Voices can be interpreted metaphorically as a journey into the depths of one's own fears and anxieties. The cave represents the darkness within oneself, with the plants at the entrance and flies at the exit symbolizing the stages of life - birth and death. The speaker's feeling of being ill-equipped and having their tools taken away could reflect a sense of vulnerability or powerlessness in the face of life's challenges. The line "Lost my way, lost my soul" suggests a deeper emotional and existential struggle, where the speaker feels disconnected from themselves. The foul smell and the reference to a sump pump in a sewer evoke a sense of decay and corruption, hinting at the darker aspects of human nature or society. Ultimately, the acceptance of being buried in the cave could represent a surrender to the inevitability of one's own mortality or inner demons. The song conveys a sense of foreboding, fear, and introspection, urging the listener to confront their own fears and uncertainties.