Mice Eat Cheese
Modest Mouse Lyrics

In the lyrics of the Modest Mouse song "Mice Eat Cheese," Isaac Brock is exploring the theme of accountability - or rather, the lack thereof. The first two lines of the song, "Looks like accounting's not accountable / For anything or anyone at all," sets the tone for what's to come. Brock is questioning the ability of those in power (in this case, accountants) to be held accountable for their actions, suggesting that they are not responsible for anything or anyone at all. The next lines portray someone called Johnny taking the fall for something that may not have even been his fault, further highlighting the theme of blame and responsibility.

The next verse of the song moves onto the theme of success and how it can be elusive, even to those who are talented and hardworking. Brock sings about a horse who is running a "real big track" and winning races without a "heart attack." However, something goes wrong, and the "type line just went slack," indicating that the horse may have stumbled or fallen. This could be a metaphor for someone who has all the talent and potential in the world but still ends up falling short. The closing lines of the verse suggest that someone has achieved success despite the odds, as he has a "race car grin" and the "midas touch."

The final verse is a bit more obscure but seems to be addressing someone who is in a position of power despite not having many qualifications. Brock sings, "Hey now what's the scoop on what's his face / Got a backwater nothing but he runs the place from halls / Runs it from the halls." The identity of this person is unknown, but the implication is that they are running things (perhaps a company or organization) despite not having much in the way of experience or credentials.

Overall, "Mice Eat Cheese" seems to be a commentary on the state of society, particularly when it comes to issues of accountability and success. The song suggests that those in power may not be held accountable for their actions, while those who have the talent and potential to succeed may still fall short. There's also a sense of skepticism or cynicism toward those who achieve success without seemingly deserving it.