The lyrics describe a mysterious figure called the "jungler" who sleeps lightly near an anthill, by some water with a trumpet. The narrator contemplates taking the fumes from factories to love them, and questions the importance of certain things. They mention overtaking the jungler and getting gold, thanking them when they are older.

Meaning of "The Jungler" by Midlake

The lyrics of "The Jungler" by Midlake seem to explore themes of ambiguity, introspection, and the passage of time. The mysterious figure of the jungler may symbolize the unknown or elusive aspects of life that we strive to understand or obtain. The reference to taking the fumes from factories to love suggests a desire to find beauty or connection in unexpected places. The contemplation of important and unimportant things reflects on the complexities of life and the shifting values we place on different aspects as we grow older. Ultimately, the idea of getting gold from the jungler and thanking them in the future could symbolize the realization of the value of experiences or lessons learned over time.