he came knocking down the street lights
tearing up the new grass on the lawn
he was frightening off the livestock
I could feel him coming down
I let the Citranella dissolve in my hand
I began to feel real bad
when the ghost of your father comes to town
what the hell else can you do
I flung open all the windows
put the water on for tea
and let him pass right through

he took to knocking over furniture
getting into the reception on the wireless
he tore up all the dry goods in the pantry
he was strong and he was tireless
when the priest came to call, I sent him on his way
I got a tremor in my hands and my feet are made of clay
when the ghost of your father starts pushing you around
how are you gonna make him stop
I took down all the crosses, I let him set up shop



Lyrics submitted by shewouldnt


Cao Dai Blowout song meanings
Add your thoughts

3 Comments

sort form View by:
  • 0
    General Comment:I forgot to mention, "feet of clay" is a phrase that refers to the Book of Daniel. Since I'm too lazy to write about it, have a link: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…
    Flag Cithaeronon September 03, 2012   Link
  • +1
    My Interpretation:Maybe it's obvious, but this song is also metaphorical; it talks about how the memory of the narrator's father haunts him and daunts him, but he's trying to face it on his own. I wonder whether it's about John Darnielle's own father or not.

    Also, Cao Dai is a syncrenistic religion (link: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/… ), but I have no idea how it relates to the song.
    Flag Cithaeronon September 03, 2012   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:Damn. Ouch. It seems like he's let that ghost just "pass right through," that's so tragic that his father's ghost has managed to set up shop in this poor kid's house, still tears up his life, and he still won't do anything about it, not an exorcism, not a locked door or crucifix.

    But I guess he knows better than anyone that those things won't make him stop. The only way for the ghost to leave you alone is to let him know he doesn't frighten you anymore. Brilliant.
    Flag ABookOnAShelfon December 11, 2008   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

Back to top
explain