The song "Slow Moves" by José González revolves around the theme of deceit, manipulation, and the struggle to maintain honesty in a world filled with lies. The lyrics suggest that there is a compromise between being truthful and telling lies, and that people often disguise their true intentions behind sly tactics. The song portrays the protagonist's realization that others are plotting and scheming behind the scenes, hiding their true motives and only revealing fragments of their intentions. The lyrics emphasize that these manipulators may initially appear slow, but their true nature will eventually be exposed. The repetition of the line "They'll keep on whispering their mantras" implies that these deceitful individuals persistently continue their manipulative ways. However, the chorus, which states "We'll keep on whispering our mantras," suggests that the protagonist, along with like-minded individuals, will also continue to stand up against such deception. Overall, "Slow Moves" tells the story of a person who is mindful of the hidden agendas and deceptive tactics employed by others. Despite the slow revelation of these schemes, the protagonist and others are determined to maintain their integrity and reveal the truth.