The lyrics describe a bizarre scheme to profit from cat skins by creating a cat ranch where cats are fed rats, and rats are fed the carcasses of the cats after they have been skinned.

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Meaning of "How to Skin a Cat" by Hüsker Dü


The lyrics of "How to Skin a Cat" by Hüsker Dü can be interpreted as a satirical commentary on the greed and exploitation prevalent in society. The absurd and unethical scheme outlined in the lyrics reflects the lengths people may go to in pursuit of wealth, even if it means resorting to cruel and unsustainable practices. By depicting a cycle of feeding rats to cats and cats to rats to obtain cat skins for profit, the song highlights the consequences of unchecked capitalism and the dehumanization that can result from prioritizing financial gain over ethical considerations. The repetition of this cycle throughout the lyrics serves as a darkly humorous critique of the absurdity of profit-driven endeavors that prioritize monetary success over morality.