Meaning of "Dead Skunk" by Loudon Wainwright III

"Dead Skunk" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the unpleasant and unavoidable things in life. The song seems to suggest that no matter how much we try to avoid certain situations or ignore certain problems, they have a way of making themselves known and affecting us. The skunk, with its distinct and pungent smell, becomes a symbol for these uncomfortable truths and realities that we cannot escape. The repetition of the phrase "stinking to high heaven" emphasizes the overwhelming and inescapable nature of these unpleasant experiences. Wainwright also mentions other dead animals, further emphasizing the presence of unpleasantness and death in our lives.

The line "You don't have to look and you don't have to see, 'Cause you can feel it in your olfactory" suggests that sometimes we can intuitively sense and feel the presence of something negative without needing to directly witness it. This may be a commentary on how our instincts and senses can guide us to be aware of and cautious about potentially harmful situations, even if we may not have concrete evidence.

On a deeper level, the song could be seen as a reflection on the human condition and the fragility of life. It highlights the fact that death is an inevitable and universal part of our existence, and it is often accompanied by unpleasantness and discomfort. The repetition of "dead skunk in the middle of the road" and the image of the skunk being squashed serves as a reminder that life can be abruptly halted and that we should not take our time on Earth for granted.