The song "Come On, Illinois" by Houndmouth seems to carry a political message and tells a story of a fire in the city of Illinois. The lyrics suggest that there is unrest, noise, and possibly political disagreements happening in the city. The protagonist is urging the people of Illinois to take action by putting their votes in a box and joining a political action committee. However, the line "Take what you know, throw it down the goddamn privy," indicates a frustration or disillusionment with the political system. The chorus emphasizes the distance and difficulty in reaching the "borderline," which could symbolize a desired change or resolution. It could also refer to the idea of breaking free from the current situation and finding a new path. The second part of the song introduces a character named Vivian, who is considered a "bad girl." She is responsible for starting the fire by dropping her mother's lantern in a farmhouse, which eventually burns down the city. Vivian is portrayed as a young and pretty girl who had no chance to escape the consequences of her actions. The lyrics describe Vivian's misguided belief that building her house on a drawbridge would protect her from the flames. However, the fire quickly spreads, and it seems that her downfall was inevitable. Overall, the song appears to reflect themes of political frustration, social unrest, and the consequences of one's actions. It portrays a city in turmoil where even those who may have initially thought they were protected are ultimately affected by the chaos.
