Meaning of "Bad Priestess" by The Mountain Goats

The lyrics of "Bad Priestess" by The Mountain Goats seem to explore the theme of hypocrisy and deception. The speaker observes someone portraying themselves in a certain light, possibly as a caring and charitable individual, but they see through this facade. The mention of new blue jeans and taking place among the poor suggests a performative nature, where the person is trying to showcase a different persona based on their surroundings. The use of "bad priestess" can be seen as a metaphor for someone who is acting as an intermediary or guide but ultimately is not true to themselves or their beliefs. The contrast between the sunlight making the speaker feel strong and the allure of the other person's gaze highlights the internal conflict between recognizing a falsehood and being drawn to it. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of disillusionment and skepticism towards surface-level appearances and the idea of authenticity.