Meaning of "Masher" by The Mountain Goats

The lyrics of "Masher" by The Mountain Goats delve into the theme of loss and the passage of time. The imagery of brine boiling away, air choking you, and spending time in jail hints at feelings of suffocation and restriction. The reference to losing control of language suggests a struggle to articulate one's thoughts and emotions amidst the changes and challenges of life. The symbols of the red squirrel, pine tree, and cottonwood tree represent connections to nature and memories that are slipping away. The line about the hair hanging down in the leaves and neck tilted back to make a rainbow paints a picture of beauty and longing. Overall, the song captures the bittersweet feeling of losing grip on the past and the people and things that used to matter, while also acknowledging the inevitability of change and the need to adapt.