Meaning of "Shit In Your Cut" by Modest Mouse

The song "Shit In Your Cut" explores the feelings of loneliness, insignificance, and displacement. The narrator describes their desire to remain unnoticed and hidden, comparing themselves to "shit in your cut." The reference to burying something in an abandoned lot symbolizes the burying of memories and emotions associated with a place where they once found solace and happiness. The use of "clumsy ballet" to describe the pacing of the narrator suggests a lack of grace or purpose in their actions, further emphasizing their feelings of displacement.

The mention of a doctor who arrives with wet fur symbolizes the futile attempts to find a solution for their emotional struggles. The doctor's lack of knowledge about the problem they are facing reflects the difficulty of expressing their innermost feelings and finding someone who truly understands. The line "we'll have to ride the winter" implies a sense of forced endurance and perseverance through difficult times.

The lyrics also touch on the theme of vulnerability and the need for comfort. The reference to "expulsion from an exoskeleton of our mothers" suggests a sense of being thrust into the world without the protection and support of caregivers. The use of insects trapped in a window as a metaphor highlights the entrapment and stagnation that can occur when one's emotions and experiences are not properly acknowledged or addressed.

The refrain "don't everyone go at once" expresses a fear of abandonment and the belief that everyone needs to leave eventually. This could represent a fear of being left behind or forgotten. The repetition of the phrase emphasizes this fear and the desperate plea for others not to abandon them all at once.

Overall, "Shit In Your Cut" conveys a sense of isolation, displacement, and the struggle to find a sense of belonging in a world that feels indifferent and unwelcoming. The lyrics explore complex emotions and the desire for understanding and connection in the face of adversity.