"Everglades" by Mason Jennings tells the story of two missing men who were found in shallow graves on Chatham Bend. The song describes how their remains were discovered with belongings such as belt buckles and rings, as well as worms and other things found in the graves. The killer responsible for their deaths is still watching from the reeds. The narrator of the song describes a search operation conducted by the police from a precinct boat. They use a narrow searchlight to look into the swampy depth of the Everglades while the narrator holds their breath. The atmosphere is depicted as eerie and dangerous, with mentions of crocodiles and a shotgun blast that goes unheard. The chorus of the song repeatedly emphasizes that the characters involved in this story, the missing men and potentially the narrator themselves, won't be able to escape alive. The use of the phrase "runner, runner" implies that they are trying to flee or escape their fate, but their chances are slim. Amidst the sun and shade, the killer continues to navigate his way through the dense and vibrant Everglades, searching for open water and a way out. The narrator acknowledges the elusiveness and relentless pursuit of the killer, creating a sense of unease and suspense. The perspective shifts for a moment as the narrator reflects on their own situation. They describe sinking in the water, losing their ability to think clearly, and longing to see their wife one last time before they meet their demise. They acknowledge that one day, their son will seek revenge for the harm done to innocent men on Chatham Bend. Overall, the song paints a grim and haunting picture of a murder mystery unfolding in the Everglades. The lyrics evoke a sense of tension, danger, and the harsh reality that some things cannot be escaped or resolved.
