Meaning of "Exquisite Dead Guy" by They Might Be Giants

The lyrics of "Exquisite Dead Guy" by They Might Be Giants explore themes of mortality, isolation, and communication. The imagery of the exquisite dead guy in different locations highlights the inevitable presence of death in life, whether it be through the macabre display case or the unsettling hanging from a skyhook. The repetition of the question "How am I supposed to let you know the way I feel about you" reflects a sense of frustration and incapacity to express emotions, possibly due to a fear of rejection or a lack of understanding of one's own feelings. The juxtaposition of the fascination with the dead body and the desire to communicate emotions towards it creates a sense of unease and introspection, leading the listener to ponder the complexities of human relationships and the limitations of language in conveying genuine emotions.