Meaning of "We Have Seen The Enemy" by The Mountain Goats

The lyrics of "We Have Seen The Enemy" seem to convey a sense of vulnerability and exposure. The narrator is caught off guard by their own openness and honesty towards another person, as they realize they have divulged more than intended. This realization is juxtaposed against the threatening presence of hungry wild dogs in the mountains to the north, creating a sense of impending danger and unease. The wild dogs may symbolize external threats or fears that lurk beyond the surface, highlighting the fragility of the human experience when faced with both internal and external vulnerabilities. The song seems to explore the idea of unintended disclosures and the consequences of revealing too much of oneself, as well as the constant presence of dangers and uncertainties that surround us.