The song "Wood Chipper" by John Hiatt tells the story of a man from the Midwest who finds himself in a dangerous situation involving a love triangle and criminal activities. The protagonist, who hails from the Midwest, is familiar with the region's landscapes and uses this knowledge metaphorically to navigate through difficult situations, just like he would navigate around a wood chipper. He is cautious of engaging in conversations with strangers, especially when addressed as "skipper," as it may lead to trouble. The lyrics indicate that the protagonist is in love with a woman who warns him not to follow her. However, he cannot live without her and continues to pursue their relationship. One day, he witnesses her with another man through a window. The man possesses a gun and a bag of cash, and she is handling some notes. Realizing that they plan to use the cash to escape, the protagonist questions how long they believe they can avoid capture by the authorities. Fueled by his emotions, he heads towards their location, injuring himself on a wood chipper in the process. The protagonist confronts them, and the man refers to him as "skipper." Before he can react, the man shoots him in the head, ending his life. This narration comes from the protagonist's ghostly perspective, reflecting on his demise and the events leading up to it. In the aftermath of the incident, although his body was never found, the authorities engage in a shootout with the couple just five miles away from the scene. A significant twist occurs as they find a piece of note paper in the woman's breast pocket. The paper, mistaken as a coded message due to its unusual nature, is revealed to be part of a letter set the protagonist had given her years ago. The lyrics conclude with a list written on the note paper, which turns out to be a grocery list. This sarcastic twist, with mundane items such as eggs, hamburgers, and toilet paper, highlights the absurdity of the situation and the woman's innocuous intentions. Overall, "Wood Chipper" delves into themes of betrayal, deception, and the lengths some people will go to disrupt a happy home. The song tells a dark and gripping tale of love, crime, and tragic consequences.
