Meaning of "Dirty Magazines" by Joe Henry

"Dirty Magazines" by Joe Henry delves deeply into themes of nostalgia, longing, and the passage of time. The cut-out picture of a sugar tart and references to hometown girls in dirty magazines evoke a sense of longing for a past that has slipped away. The miners strike and the romantic crew symbolize a bygone era where ideals clashed with harsh realities. The narrator's repeated question of "What am I supposed to do with you?" reflects a struggle to reconcile the past with the present, seeking deeper meaning and understanding in a world that seems to have lost its way. The desire to be king and hold the strings of fate juxtaposes with the acceptance of letting chance decide the course of life, reflecting a deeper contemplation on fate and free will. Ultimately, the lyrics speak to the complex nature of memory, desire, and the search for authenticity in a world tainted by illusions and longing for simpler times.