Meaning of "The Tortoise And The Tourist" by Modest Mouse

"The Tortoise and the Tourist" by Modest Mouse touches on themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the search for meaning in life. The imagery of being tourists of the dead signifies a detachment from reality, perhaps feeling lost or disconnected from the world. The story of the tortoise with a jewel-covered shell represents ancient wisdom and the knowledge of the universe, contrasting with the man who greedily takes it for himself, symbolizing the destruction of wisdom for personal gain. The lyrics also depict a sense of wandering, feeling like strangers to oneself, and a desire to escape through both physical and mental exploration. Ultimately, the repeated refrain of "Let's walk on, let's go" can be seen as a call to keep moving forward, despite the uncertainties and hardships of life.