Meaning of "Ruby Dear" by Talking Heads

The lyrics of "Ruby Dear" seem to be exploring the idea of being stuck in a cycle of repetitive behavior and not being able to break free from it. The repeated lines of "uh-huh" throughout the song contribute to a sense of monotony and a lack of progression. References to a broken record, watermelons rotting, and a dried-up river all symbolize decay and stagnation. The mention of temptation, with the door left wide open and the narrator feeling hounded, suggests a struggle with making choices and the consequences that follow. Additionally, the comparison between angels and prostitutes possibly points to the idea that things are not always as they seem on the surface, emphasizing a theme of deception and disillusionment. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of being trapped in a cycle of dysfunction and decay, unable to break free.