Meaning of "Resonant Bell World" by The Mountain Goats

The lyrics of "Resonant Bell World" by The Mountain Goats depict someone who constantly changes roles and personas, never settling into a consistent identity or behavior. The imagery of a starling, kite, hyena, and stray dog conveys a sense of wildness and instability in this person's character. The speaker finds this behavior both thrilling and concerning, as the individual refuses to conform to societal norms or expectations. The metaphor of putting on a special coat and making a lunge for the throat suggests a predatory and aggressive nature that lurks beneath the surface. Overall, the song reflects the unsettling experience of encountering someone who defies conventional notions of humanity and resists categorization.