The song "Chicken Bones" by John Grant is a whimsical and somewhat bizarre piece with lyrics that convey a sense of frustration, defiance, and apathy towards the world. It portrays a character who wakes up feeling disoriented and burdened with negative thoughts. The mention of the bed lacking a right side and the head filled with Pop Rocks and cyanide symbolizes the feeling of imbalance and mental distress. The lyrics then shift to talk about an impending earthquake, suggesting that the turmoil felt by the protagonist has been building up for a long time. The mention of needing a mongoose and Calgon refers to the desire to escape or find relief from the chaotic and overwhelming situation. The chorus, "Some days, it's just chicken bones," implies that some days are trivial and insignificant, hence using the metaphor of chicken bones. The protagonist expresses the need for solitude and warns others to leave them alone, as they feel on the verge of exploding like a bomb made of Wonderbread (a brand of bread), indicating their unpredictability and volatility. The second verse takes a sarcastic tone, reflecting on someone else's need for help because their car broke down. The protagonist asserts their own priority to take the next bus out of town, emphasizing their selfishness and individualism. In the bridge, the protagonist acknowledges that they may not really need what others have to offer but suggests that they might entertain the idea theoretically. They playfully mention getting their "Old Spice on," implying that they are not concerned about conforming to societal norms or expectations. The chorus is then repeated, with additional lines expressing the protagonist's reliance on DC (possibly referring to Washington, D.C., as a metaphorical representation of power or influence) and their indifference towards others' opinions and attitudes. Overall, "Chicken Bones" portrays a character who feels overwhelmed, detached, and uninterested in conforming to societal norms. The lyrics use abstract and surreal imagery to illustrate their emotional state, while emphasizing their need for personal space and independence.
