Meaning of "Ulysses" by Mason Jennings

The lyrics of "Ulysses" delve into themes of existentialism, the search for meaning, and the dissatisfaction of daily life. The protagonist's quest for the book "Ulysses" in twelve bookstores mirrors a larger quest for answers to life's fundamental questions. By seeking out this particular book, he builds up a sense of anticipation that it holds the key to understanding the universe and solving all of his inquiries. In this sense, "Ulysses" becomes a metaphor for the ultimate answer.

However, the search for answers is juxtaposed with the protagonist's underwhelming daily routine. The mention of loose green tea, a bonsai tree, an underground apartment, and the mundane task of washing clothes while rice cooks highlight the monotony and lack of excitement in his life. This dull existence is further emphasized with the line, "Oh Jesus Christ, how I hate making phone calls." It can be interpreted as a dislike for the mundane, trivial tasks of everyday life that distract from the pursuit of more profound knowledge and understanding.

The waterfall mentioned in the lyrics represents a source of knowledge or insight. It tells the protagonist about someone, implying that there may be wisdom to be found by observing and contemplating the natural world. The funeral mentioned could symbolize the death of the old self and the birth of a new perspective. In this moment of transformation, doubts are discouraged, and possibilities are envisioned.

The mention of going into a liquor store looking for a bottle of Bombay gin is another attempt by the protagonist to escape the mundanity of life, suggesting a desire to numb or forget the daily struggles. However, the bottles are all taken, implying that even this temporary escape is out of reach. This can be seen as a metaphor for fleeting solutions and the inability to find lasting satisfaction or answers.

Throughout the song, the repetition of the word "Buddha" invokes the idea of seeking enlightenment or spiritual guidance. It could represent the protagonist's longing for a higher understanding and his desire to transcend the mundane. By repeating this word, it emphasizes the ongoing pursuit of meaning and the search for answers beyond what is readily available.

In conclusion, "Ulysses" explores the universal longing for answers and the struggle to find meaning in a mundane existence. The song touches on themes of existentialism, the dissatisfaction of everyday life, and the desire for knowledge and enlightenment. Despite the protagonist's attempts to find answers through literature, escapism, and spiritual longing, the lyrics imply that true answers may be elusive and that the search for meaning is an ongoing journey.