Meaning of "Invisible" by Modest Mouse

The lyrics of "Invisible" by Modest Mouse delve into the concept of visibility and invisibility, particularly in the context of being inside a car. The song suggests that being inside a car gives a false sense of invisibility or detachment from the world. The protagonist addresses an individual whom they refer to as a "dancing shifter," someone who is always on the move and consumed by their own mission. Despite this person's behavior, the protagonist asserts that they are not truly invisible inside their car. This could be interpreted as a commentary on how people believe they are shielded from the consequences of their actions when they are inside a vehicle. Though the car may physically separate them from the outside world, they are still visible and accountable for their behaviors.

The song also touches on the concept of the moon's influence. The protagonist acknowledges that the moon can tug at their emotions and thoughts, comparing it to a force that can pull things back and forth. This implies that there are external factors that affect our lives and decisions, even if we try to ignore or resist their influence. The protagonist suggests that they should simply let the moon be, acknowledging that some things are beyond their control.

The lyrics also mention "saline tea," which could be seen as a metaphor for something that provides comfort or solace in times of struggle or emotional turbulence. The line, "Well, it's true that the moon can pull it back and forth away from me," suggests that even something soothing like the "saline tea" can be disrupted or influenced by external forces.

Overall, the song carries a sense of resignation and acceptance of the realities of visibility and influence. The repeated phrase, "We were never invisible, but that I guess we did not see," reveals a realization that, despite their attempts to ignore or escape visibility, they were always visible.