Teeth Like God's Shoeshine
Modest Mouse Lyrics

From the top of the ocean, yeah
From the highest point of the ocean, this can be seen as a metaphor for reaching the pinnacle of one's life or accomplishments.

From the bottom of the sky, goddamn
From the lowest point of the sky, it may feel like one is insignificant, unimportant, or on the verge of falling down.

Well I get claustrophobic / I can you know that I can
Feeling trapped, boxed in, or suffocated in a situation, place or mentality can be overwhelming and frustrating, and sometimes it is hard to change or escape it.

And he said / I am not allowed much danger / Keep in line you're an old friend stranger / You'll burn me in effigy and I'll burn you in effigy
The authority warns the artist about not taking risks, following the rules to avoid negative consequences, and how they will hold each other accountable for their actions.

A rattle snake up in Buffalo Montana / He bit the leg of the old sheriff / Ha that boy fell down on his harelip -ow! Ow!
An anecdote of a wild and dangerous animal attacking the local law enforcement, with a humorous twist to it as the sheriff is injured.

Well I I, might be wrong / But you you tag along / And we we all been wronged / And I get dizzier by the mile / Said hell the money's spent / Went to the county line and paid the rent said 'uh-oh' / I said 'uh-oh'
The singer recognizes their behaviour might be questionable, and acknowledges that others are complicit in it, having also been hurt or victimized. They express confusion, disillusionment, and desperation over their financial situation, perhaps being evicted from their home.

Oh if you could compact your conscience / Oh and you might / Oh if you could bottle and sell it you might have done / Oh and you might / Oh if you could compact your conscience / And sell it save it for another time / You know you might have to use it
The singer contemplates the idea of being able to suppress or ignore their moral compass when it is convenient, and how they could commodify it to benefit themselves. They admit that it might come in handy to have that ability, however unethical it may be.

And the televisions gone / Go to the grocery store, buy some new friends / And find out the beginning, the end, and the best of it / Well, do you need a lot of what you've got to survive?
The artist comments on how society relies on technology and consumerism to cope with loneliness and boredom, and how people often waste their time and money on superficial things instead of seeking new experiences or deeper meaning in their lives.

Here's the man with teeth like God's shoeshine / He sparkles shimmers shines / Let's all have another Orange Julius / Thick syrup standing in lines / The malls are the soon to be ghost towns / Well so long, farewell, goodbye
The artist satirizes the idolization of successful people who dazzle and charm the public with their appearance, attitude or wealth, and how frivolous and temporary trends eventually fade away, leaving behind empty spaces.

Take 'em all for the long ride / And you'll go around town No one wants to be uptight anymore / You can be ashamed Or be so proud of what you've done / But not no one, not now, not ever or anyone
The artist encourages the audience to let go of their anxiety and self-consciousness, and to own their achievements and mistakes, without seeking validation or approval from others. They assert how personal growth and self-awareness are essential, but ultimately only you can define your own worth.

And the telephone goes off / Pick the receiver up, try to meet ends / And find out the beginning, the end and the best of it / Oh my, God damn!
The singer shows how easily one can get distracted or interrupted by everyday responsibilities and obligations, and how hard it is to find clarity and closure about anything. They express frustration, even anger, at the situation.