Meaning of "Flathead" by The Fratellis

The lyrics of "Flathead" explore the complexities of a toxic relationship. The narrator is infatuated with a woman who may not have genuine feelings for him. The opening lines suggest that the woman may be using the narrator for her own desires by feeding him well and engaging in dirty talk in a hotel. Despite this, the narrator acknowledges that she might just be interested in him for his physical attributes, symbolized by the line "she might just wanted my bones."

The chorus introduces the character of Flathead, who is described as the second-best killer the narrator has ever seen. This could be interpreted as Flathead being another woman or perhaps representing the dangerous side of the woman that the narrator is enamored with. The contradictory nature of the relationship is highlighted when the narrator sings, "It's just so wrong, so very nice," indicating a conflict between the attraction he feels towards the woman and the knowledge that it is detrimental to him.

In the second verse, the narrator recounts seeing the woman at a club, engaging in self-destructive behavior by chewing on glass and a ticket stub. This further emphasizes her unpredictable and wild nature. The line "I heard you kicked the boy till he bled" suggests that she is violent or has a history of causing harm, adding to the dangerous allure that the narrator finds irresistible.

The dynamic between the narrator and the woman is further explored in the bridge, where it is revealed that the woman, Josephine, accuses him of having a bleeding nose. This suggests that she manipulates the narrator, projecting her own flaws onto him. The chorus repeats, reinforcing the obsession the narrator has with the woman and his willingness to do anything for her, even driving her car.

Overall, "Flathead" portrays a toxic relationship where the narrator is infatuated with a dangerous and unpredictable woman. The lyrics explore the conflicting emotions and allure of a relationship that is inherently harmful. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of becoming entangled with someone who may not have genuine feelings and can cause emotional and physical harm.