"When Margaret Comes To Town" is a song by John Mellencamp that delves into the themes of dysfunction, deceit, and the destructive influence of an individual named Margaret. The lyrics suggest that Margaret represents a negative force in one's life, causing chaos and pain wherever she goes. The song begins by painting a picture of a troubled childhood, where the protagonist received no proper guidance or love from their mother. The lies that were told overshadowed the truth, and Margaret seems to be associated with these negative experiences. The chorus states that when Margaret comes to town, she likes to keep things upside down. This implies that her presence disrupts the normal order of things and causes turmoil wherever she appears. The second verse continues to describe the consequences of Margaret's actions. Thoughts become twisted and distorted, children are forced to pick sides and lie, and the keeper (possibly a reference to the person responsible for maintaining order) becomes drunk and chaotic. The line "It's for your pleasure" suggests that Margaret takes pleasure in causing turmoil and chaos. The bridge further emphasizes the destructive nature of Margaret and those who believe in her. They are willing to sacrifice themselves, as symbolized by cutting off their noses to spite their faces. This leaves the protagonist feeling scared and lonely, as they are abandoned by those who once cared about them. The song concludes with a warning to take cover when Margaret comes to town. She is described as staying at the dark end of a frown, and her presence is compared to the allure of sirens who sing sweetly but lead to destruction. It is suggested that it is better to leave than to be influenced by Margaret's negative presence. Overall, the song conveys a sense of the impact that one destructive individual can have on a community or personal relationships. Margaret represents a force that disrupts and destroys, and the lyrics serve as a cautionary tale to avoid her influence.
