Forty-Eight Twenty-Three Twenty-Second Street
The Fiery Furnaces Lyrics

Now, as for my aunt, who told on me
Referring to an aunt who reported or revealed some information about the singer, likely related to the shady activity described in the song.

She was always wearing her turbans
The aunt mentioned earlier was known for frequently wearing turbans, which may be a cultural or personal choice.

Sailing back to Greece on the Normandy
The aunt is described as travelling on a ship called the Normandy, likely en route to Greece.

Having dinner at the captain's table
The aunt seems to have a certain level of privilege or status, as she is depicted dining with the captain of the Normandy.

Sitting on the deck with five men surrounding her
The aunt is also surrounded by several men while sitting on the deck of the ship, perhaps implying some sort of flirtation or intrigue.

With uncle Sam in the back row
An interesting contrast is made here, with the patriotic figure of Uncle Sam positioned in the background while the aunt commands attention and interest.

Back at home, riding up the Taygetus
The scene now shifts to the singer's home, where the aunt is depicted riding up a mountain on a donkey named David in the Taygetus range in Greece.

On a donkey named David, with her soft leather boots dangling off to the side
Further detail is added about the aunt's mode of travel, and her clothing/vibe is described as prideful.

Profitis Elias, so high you can see us
The name of a high location in Greece is mentioned, suggesting a notable view and possibly highlighting the aunt's travels and explorations.

forty eight, twenty three, twenty second street standing there
This is likely a reference to a particular location or address, the significance of which is unclear.

With cashmere overcoats, and those turbans with their Arabian silver, and ostrich and papagou feather hats
The aunt and company are described as wearing expensive, ornate clothing that evokes a distinct mix of cultures and styles.

And not far down from our koumbaros Betinis
The song mentions a character named Betinis who is close to the artist and the group being described.

We've got a secret between us Betinis
This line implies that there is some illicit or confidential activity taking place which is only shared between the singer and Betinis.

In the back of the Hawthorne smoke shop
A specific place is named - a smoke shop in Hawthorne - which may be significant to the story.

Haberdashery was the least of it
The shop is referred to as a haberdashery, but this seems to be downplaying its true nature and purpose.

The fedoras got glued together
A strange detail is mentioned about fedoras being glued together, the relevance of which is unclear.

But in that back basement, a lot of things got sewn up
It seems that the Hawthorne smoke shop served as a location for some sort of illicit activity, and much took place under the surface.

A full compliment of grinchy Italians, counting up on their stubby fingers
This line feels somewhat tongue-in-cheek, either making fun of or calling attention to the Italian stereotype of being shrewd money-counters.

And smoking, I'm told, the least sophisticated cigars
The Italians in question are also described as smoking cigars, but not necessarily high-quality ones.

The local lottery and so forth, like anybody was going to get a night out of that nut
This line suggests that whatever gambling or lottery activity was happening at the smoke shop, it was unlikely to yield much reward for those involved.

Though what a lucky loser is our five thousand dollars, a day friend and koumbaros Betinis
Despite the modest gambling situation, five thousand dollars a day is named as a sum being associated with Betinis, highlighting his wealth or involvement in lucrative activities.

Not that nobody knows, like nobody knows
This line is somewhat cryptic, but could reflect the idea that despite the group's attempts at secrecy, perhaps the nature of their activities is known to others.

About the white doves that flew out the cake at the brother's wedding
Another anecdote is shared, this time about doves being released at a family member's wedding ceremony.

In your hat factory, Betinis
Once again, Betinis is named as the owner or overseer of a location - this time a hat factory.

They count up all the buffalo, nickels and silver certificates
Some sort of financial counting is taking place, involving buffalo nickels and silver certificates.

Wrung from Lake Superior spirits, and prize fight foolery, and sluts
The source of the funds being counted here is not entirely clear, but it seems to involve various unsavory or taboo activities.

Speaking easy in the closets on 12th street
A reference is made to a particular location where people may be hiding and talking quietly, such as in a speakeasy during the Prohibition era.

And in exchange you put in your pants five thousand dollars
This line suggests that a large sum of cash is being given to someone in exchange for something, and the cash is being hidden in their pants.

A day to stick under your bed for starters, but later in the laundry
This line hints at the idea that the artist is involved in some sort of illegal activity, such as hiding money under their bed or laundering it through the laundry.

So you can feel free to chase your wife around the table when you feel she looked at the apricot and boysenberry boy twice
This line is quite abstract, but could suggest that the wealth obtained through illicit means is providing the singer with some sort of power and freedom in their personal relationships and pursuits.

Five thousand dollars dollars a day
This line reiterates the large sum of money being referenced throughout the song.