Meaning of "Don't Get Cute" by Kurt Vile

The lyrics of "Don't Get Cute" seem to delve into the themes of authenticity, ambition, and exploitation in the pursuit of success. The repeated line of "Don't get cute" could be interpreted as a warning against trying too hard to impress others or be deceptive in one's actions. The references to competing with a man in an alligator suit and turning tricks in a 12 block radius suggest a sense of absurdity and dissatisfaction with societal norms or expectations. The mention of the baby with the singer's eyes back home may symbolize a desire for simplicity and authenticity amidst the chaos of trying to make it in the music industry. The lines about using others to achieve success and the pressure to show style reflect the compromises and sacrifices one may make in the pursuit of their ambitions. Overall, the song captures a sense of disillusionment with the idea of success and the lengths one may go to in order to achieve it.