Meaning of "I Smell A Rat" by Patty Griffin

The lyrics of "I Smell A Rat" by Patty Griffin portray a sense of betrayal and mistrust in a relationship. The repetition of "I smell a rat, baby" emphasizes the narrator's strong intuition and suspicion that something is amiss with their partner. The mention of whiskey running down the partner's chin suggests alcohol abuse or reckless behavior, further fueling the narrator's distrust. The image of stumbling down the hall and bumping into walls symbolizes a lack of direction and awareness, indicating a lack of responsibility on the partner's part. The constant warnings to "watch out" serve as a caution to the partner that their actions are being noticed and are not going unnoticed. Overall, the song delves into themes of deception, alcoholism, and the breakdown of trust in a relationship.