Meaning of "Matter Eater Lad" by Guided By Voices

The song "Matter Eater Lad" by Guided By Voices appears to be a whimsical exploration of consumption and the insatiable nature of desire. The character Matter Eater Lad is portrayed as a figure driven by an overwhelming hunger, willing to devour anything in his path. The lyrics may be a metaphor for the human tendency to consume relentlessly, whether it be material possessions, experiences, or even larger concepts like the universe itself. By starting off with mundane items like furniture and then progressing to grander scales like planets, the song suggests a progression of desires that can become increasingly destructive if left unchecked. It delves into the idea of greed, excess, and the consequences of insatiability. Ultimately, the song seems to caution against unchecked consumption and the potential consequences that can arise from unchecked desires.