Meaning of "Burn Card" by The Barr Brothers

The lyrics of "Burn Card" delve into themes of deceit, loss, and the consequences of one's actions. The opening lines suggest that the act of tricking or deceiving leads to a sense of worry. It is implied that the narrator's fixation on someone or something ("it leads to you") only results in disappointment or a negative outcome ("leads to nowhere"). This leads to a reference of the Devil in the ocean blue, symbolizing the depths of negativity that can arise from chasing after fleeting desires.

The narrator seeks solace or guidance from the moon, asking for "orchids," a symbol of beauty and elegance. However, instead of granting this request, the moon offers a drop of blood from a rolling stone. This could be interpreted as a suggestion that the narrator's desires cannot be easily fulfilled or that they require sacrifice.

The lyrics further explore the theme of desire and the struggle to obtain what one truly wants. The narrator questions how it is possible to steal something that should be freely given ("how do you steal what you really want when what you really want is free?"). This expression of frustration suggests that the pursuit of desires is often complicated and hindered by external circumstances.

The lyrics also touch on the consequences of one's choices. The narrator mentions being "held… for ransom" and not being able to afford the reward. This could imply that the protagonist has made decisions that have led to negative consequences or that they are trapped in a situation beyond their control. The reference to dynamite from the ceiling to the floor suggests an explosive and destructive outcome.

The song continues with the motif of deception and trickery, referring to "one-eyed-jacks" and "rolled up trips." These phrases represent deceitful strategies in card games, symbolizing the idea that the narrator will leave when their opponents' winning hands turn against them. The lyrics also highlight the futility of trying to control or contain a situation, suggesting that there is no need for a dam on a river, just a slow and steady drip.

The chorus introduces the notion of being a "burn card," which refers to a playing card that has been discarded from the deck. The burn card is "lost in the shuffle at the bottom of the deck," representing a sense of insignificance and being overlooked. The protagonist attempts to hide or escape, but realizes that there is no place to go where the odds are in their favor. The repetition of the phrase "out to the snow and the wind and the rain, and again and again" portrays a never-ending cycle of hardship and disappointment.

Overall, "Burn Card" conveys a sense of resignation and acceptance of the difficulties faced. It suggests that chasing after desires can lead to negative outcomes, and that one must learn to navigate through deception and loss. The song encourages resilience in the face of adversity and acknowledges that sometimes one can only leave a situation worse off than when they entered.