Meaning of "Evil" by The Flaming Lips

The lyrics of "Evil" by The Flaming Lips reflect on the regrets of not being able to protect someone from the harm caused by cruel individuals. The repetition of the desire to go back in time underscores the feeling of powerlessness in the face of events that cannot be changed. The singer expresses a sense of frustration at the existence of malevolent forces in the world and the pain they inflict on others. Despite the desire to understand why such evil exists, there is a resignation to the fact that some things will never be fully comprehended. This song taps into universal feelings of wanting to shield loved ones from harm and the inability to do so, ultimately reflecting on the complexities of human nature and the harsh realities of the world we live in.