Meaning of "Aibohphobia" by Shakey Graves

The lyrics of "Aibohphobia" by Shakey Graves paint a vivid picture of a mysterious woman named Madam Palindrome who captivates the narrator with her enigmatic charm. The repeated encounters at the chocolate shop and bakery highlight the cyclical nature of their relationship, symbolized by the palindromes present in her name. The narrator's fear of palindromes, known as aibohphobia, reflects a deeper anxiety about the repetitive and ultimately unfulfilling nature of their interactions. Despite Madam Palindrome's outward appeal and entertaining demeanor, there is a sense of emptiness and disillusionment underlying her glamorous facade, highlighted by the image of her dressed up aboard the SS Guru Rug, an ironic contrast to her modest Toyota. The repetition of the phrase "Race car, kayak, nurses run" reinforces the palindrome motif and serves as a symbol of the circular and unchanging nature of their relationship. The final invocation of "Madam Palindrome" in the coda suggests a lingering fascination and perhaps a sense of resignation to the cyclical nature of their connection, as the narrator and Madam Palindrome are drawn onward to an uncertain future.