Meaning of "Deer" by Manchester Orchestra

The lyrics of "Deer" delve into themes of loneliness, regret, and self-reflection. The narrator begins by acknowledging their isolation, feeling trapped in their own home while longing for a deeper connection with someone who is no longer part of their life. The repetition of "like you, like us, like me" emphasizes the desire for a sense of understanding and shared experiences.

As the song progresses, the narrator's feelings of abandonment become more apparent. They question whether the other person's absence is due to their busy schedule or if they are simply making excuses for being left alone. The mention of the "wooden drawers" implies that the narrator has searched for reminders of the past, but finds nothing that can bring back the person they miss or alleviate their boredom.

The lyrics take a turn as the narrator addresses the people they have known, confessing to acting like an asshole in order to maintain some semblance of control and superiority. However, this behavior has led to a pattern of abusing even those they thought were immune to their actions. The line "I killed the kingdom with one move" implies that their selfish behavior has caused significant damage to their relationships and potentially even their own sense of self.

The lyrics then shift to addressing the fans that have supported the narrator's music. They confess to acting like an asshole to protect their artistic integrity, but now find themselves in a state of hunger, both metaphorically and perhaps even literally. The mention of "scraps of dirty dirt" suggests a longing for something more fulfilling and meaningful.

Overall, "Deer" explores the complexities of human emotions, loneliness, regret, and the consequences of one's actions. It portrays a narrator who is searching for connection and redemption, acknowledging their past mistakes but also expressing a desire to move forward and find a more fulfilling and genuine existence.