evolution
Cat Power Lyrics

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Better call the ships, they been caught sailing
Better call the captain, he's been caught stealing
Better call the porter man, he's been caught leaving
Better call all the guys on the deck; they've been caught with no feeling
Better call the fisherman, cause they're coming on land
Better call the head nurse, wrap us up, to throw us in the dark
Better call with some resistance, better way to feel no shame
Better call with some persistence, that way you feel nothing at all

Better call on evolution, better way to make a revolution

Better make your mind up quick
Better make your mind up quick

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Cat Power's "Evolution" seem to be referencing a state of chaos and confusion. There are multiple people and things that have been "caught" doing something wrong and need to be called out. The singer suggests calling on various figures, such as the ship captain, porter man, and fisherman, but emphasizes that none of them seem to have any feeling or sense of responsibility. The only solution offered is to "call on evolution" and make a revolution.

The mention of evolution and revolution seems to imply a desire for change and progress. The current state of things is clearly unsatisfactory and unsustainable, so something needs to shift. However, the lyrics don't offer a clear plan or direction for what this revolution would look like. The repeated phrase "better make your mind up quick" suggests that there is urgency to the situation and decisions must be made soon, but again, what those decisions are is left unclear.

Overall, the lyrics to "Evolution" paint a picture of a world gone awry and in need of drastic change. The solution offered is vague and somewhat ominous, but seems to suggest that simply continuing on the current path is not an option.

Line by Line Meaning

Better call the ships, they been caught sailing
The singer is acknowledging the fact that things are changing and moving forward.

Better call the captain, he's been caught stealing
The person in charge has made mistakes and has been caught.

Better call the porter man, he's been caught leaving
Someone who was supposed to help has abandoned their responsibilities.

Better call all the guys on the deck; they've been caught with no feeling
The people involved are emotionally detached and not reacting to what is going on.

Better call the fisherman, cause they're coming on land
Something that was previously thought impossible is now happening.

Better call the head nurse, wrap us up, to throw us in the dark
The situation is getting worse and something needs to be done about it.

Better call with some resistance, better way to feel no shame
It's better to push back against something rather than succumb to it and feel embarrassed.

Better call with some persistence, that way you feel nothing at all
If you're persistent in ignoring something, eventually you will become numb to it.

Better call on evolution, better way to make a revolution
The best way to make progress and create change is to embrace evolution.

Better make your mind up quick
Time is of the essence and a decision needs to be made quickly.

Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: CHAN MARSHALL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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