Meaning of "Golden Retriever" by Super Furry Animals

The lyrics of "Golden Retriever" by Super Furry Animals seem to describe a toxic relationship or encounter with someone who has a manipulative nature. The use of the term "golden retriever" may be a metaphor for someone who appears attractive and friendly but ultimately takes advantage of others. The devil is mentioned in the first verse, suggesting that this person is not to be trusted. The lines "She's got powers magnetic/Devours you of everything you've got" highlight the destructive nature of this individual, as they have the ability to draw people in and drain them emotionally, mentally, and possibly even financially.

The puppy mentioned in the second verse acts as a warning, cautioning the protagonist about the "golden retriever." However, it seems that the protagonist is already under the spell of this manipulative person, as they are dismissive of the warning and continue to be enraptured. The repetition of the lines "Retrieves your oldest coin/Leads you blindly down every dark alley/And then she'll cream you dry" emphasizes the cyclical nature of this toxic relationship. The protagonist's oldest coin could symbolize their most precious possession or vulnerability, which the "golden retriever" capitalizes on. The dark alleyways represent the deceptive and dangerous paths they are led down, ultimately leading to being drained or exploited.

The overall meaning of the song suggests that there are individuals in the world who possess an irresistible allure but use it for their own destructive purposes. These individuals may take advantage of others' vulnerabilities and lead them down dark paths. The song serves as a cautionary tale, urging listeners to be wary of these manipulative figures and to protect themselves from being taken advantage of.