Meaning of "Nightgown of the Sullen Moon" by They Might Be Giants

The imagery in the lyrics creates a whimsical yet introspective atmosphere, with elements of disorientation and a sense of detachment from reality. The repetition of being in the "nightgown of the sullen moon" suggests a mood of melancholy or introspection, while the references to drug trips and space walks hint at feeling disconnected or alienated from one's surroundings. The concept of feeling like "nothing but air" and being tied up in mundane tasks like shoelaces reflects a sense of emptiness and futility, contrasted with the weightiness of existence and the complexities of life ("big whoredom"). Ultimately, the repeated assertion that "your head is on the moon" could symbolize a desire to escape from the confines of reality and the limitations of earthly existence. The lyrics seem to explore themes of existentialism, escapism, and the search for meaning in a world that can often feel mundane and overwhelming.