Meaning of "Brother Bill (The Last Clean Shirt)" by The Animals

The lyrics of "Brother Bill (The Last Clean Shirt)" by The Animals convey a sense of loss and anguish over the death of the narrator's brother. The ambiguous references to cocaine and gin suggest that Bill may have been involved in substance abuse, potentially contributing to his demise. The lines "They put the last clean shirt on my poor brother Bill" emphasize the finality of his passing and imply that Bill was not living a clean or virtuous life. The lyrics also highlight the grimness of the situation, describing Bill's stiff hand and the image of a tear trickling down the narrator's face. The preacher's words at the funeral serve as a reminder of the belief in an afterlife, offering some solace to those mourning the loss. The overall message of the song conveys both personal grief and a commentary on the destructive nature of addiction.