Meaning of "Fifteen Keys" by Uncle Tupelo

The lyrics of "Fifteen Keys" delve deep into the themes of uncertainty, dissatisfaction, and the struggle to break free from a cycle of negativity. The opening lines describe a sense of helplessness as the narrator witnesses the worst coming true and feeling like there is no escape. The repeated references to slings and arrows completing the score and always wanting more suggest a sense of perpetual dissatisfaction and yearning. The imagery of "Silver spikes and mace displayed in your eyes" hints at a feeling of danger and unpredictability in the narrator's surroundings. The mention of Thin Lizzy and the mention of "danger/slow" indicate a desire for change or excitement, even if it means leaving behind pressing concerns. The fifteen keys symbolize multiple paths or choices, but the narrator is unsure of where they lead, adding to the overall feeling of uncertainty. The repeated attempts to throw away troubles and the imagery of strings that pull and bend suggest a struggle to break free from a cycle of negativity and escape the never-ending song and dance of life.