Meaning of "Black Molly" by The Mountain Goats

The lyrics of "Black Molly" capture the intense feelings of frustration and helplessness that can arise from toxic relationships. The presence of the black mollies in the aquarium serves as a metaphor for the looming sense of impending doom, mirroring the narrator's feelings of impending disaster when the person comes back into their life. The violent actions of throwing the stereo out the window and shooting a telephone symbolize the destructive impulses that can arise when faced with overwhelming emotions. The act of destroying photographs of the person reflects a desire to erase them from memory, yet the repeating cycle of their return suggests that they continue to have power over the narrator's life. Overall, the song conveys the tumultuous nature of dealing with a harmful relationship and the struggle to break free from its grip.