The song "Loyalty Bldg." by Harvey Danger is a commentary on the chaos and unpredictability of life. The lyrics describe a world filled with disasters, scandals, and dark secrets, where the dead are the only ones who don't answer back. The narrator is resigned to the fact that bad things happen to good people, and there's not much he can do about it. The first verse describes the paradox of being slow to marry but swift to die. It's as if life is short and full of danger, so why bother settling down? The narrator seems to be detached from reality, acknowledging that his thoughts and words may appear crooked on paper but are straight in his head. The second verse is a metaphor for taking risks and living life to the fullest. Skinny dipping in the lake represents a carefree attitude, but it also has consequences (getting the itch). Molehill mountain is a reference to small problems that can add up over time. The dirty old young men symbolize the youthful spirit that never really dies. The chorus is a mantra of sorts, suggesting that the loyalty building is a safe haven in an unpredictable world. The narrator believes that there must be a reason or plan for everything that happens, whether it's a calamitous circumstance or great good fortune. The bridge delves deeper into the dark side of humanity, with references to a palace in receivership (financial ruin) and a jester with a busted lip (someone who's been beaten down). The crooked answers and the rapist nun represent the hypocrisy and corruption that exist in institutions of power. The papacy drawing up the papers behind closed doors implies a cover-up or conspiracy of some sort. The final chorus reiterates the narrator's belief in the loyalty building as a source of security and stability. Despite all the chaos and uncertainty in the world, there must be a reason or plan for everything. The song ends with a sense of resignation, as if the narrator has accepted his fate and is content to ride the waves of life wherever they may take him.
