The lyrics of "Black Eye" describe a man who proudly wears a black eye, feeling isolated from the world around him like his brothers and father. He acknowledges his black eye as a permanent part of himself, removing mirrors to avoid seeing his reflection and reminiscing about his youthful days.

Meaning of "Black Eye" by Uncle Tupelo

The black eye symbolizes physical and emotional wounds that have shaped the man's identity, leading to a sense of alienation from society. The pride he takes in it suggests a defiance against societal expectations and a desire for individuality. The reference to his family members further emphasizes the generational cycle of suffering and struggle. By removing mirrors and focusing on his past, he confronts his own mortality and reflects on his journey from youth to the present, coming to terms with the permanence of his scars.