The Smell Of An Artist
Cats On Fire Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I see they got your picture in this time
You already cut it out and framed it
You say you like them when they're raging
You read the caption out aloud
"I just love the things that haven't been done before"

Emotions, estethics and animal rights
What are these to a man with your abilities
Your talent is close to boiling over
If we could understand
We wouldn't bother you with one or two missing cats

But you know it's a shameless piece of shit
Still you love yourself in many different ways tonight
Because you know they can't really get you
You and your art is sacred and they don't like you because you're new

Say would you explain this a second time
These dead birds on toothpicks tell me nothing
You complain about the lack of words
While I can hardly breathe
You say the smell is there to help me understand

And you know, it's a shameless piece of shit
Still you love yourself in many different ways tonight
Because you know they can't really get you
You and your art is sacred and they don't like you because you're new

And you know you're evil, but who's to tell?
Still you love yourself in many different ways tonight




Because you know they can't really get you
You and your art is sacred and they don't like you because you're new

Overall Meaning

The Smell Of An Artist by Cats On Fire is a song that tells the story of a narcissistic artist who is consumed by their own art. The lyrics suggest that this artist is so focused on pushing the boundaries of their craft to create something unique and original that they have lost touch with reality and are unable to connect with others on a human level.


The song opens with the observation that the artist's picture has been "cut out and framed" indicating that they have achieved some level of fame and recognition for their work. However, the lyrics suggest that this artist is only concerned with themselves and their own desires. They revel in the fact that their work hasn't been done before and seem to take pleasure in the idea that they are above the criticism of others.


As the song progresses, the artist is depicted as being so consumed by their own work that they are unable to communicate with anyone about anything else. They complain about the lack of words but are unable to see beyond their own art to connect with others. The use of dead birds on toothpicks is a metaphor for the artist's work - it may be visually striking, but it says nothing and does nothing to make a connection with others.


Overall, The Smell Of An Artist is a commentary on the idea that artistic exploration can come at a great cost. While pushing the boundaries of creativity can result in something new and valuable, it can also lead to a disconnect with reality and an inability to connect with others.


Line by Line Meaning

I see they got your picture in this time
Someone else has recognized and acknowledged your artistic talent


You already cut it out and framed it
You're proud and excited about the recognition and have already displayed it as a symbol of your success


You say you like them when they're raging
You appreciate and are drawn to art that is passionate and intense


You read the caption out aloud
You savor and celebrate the words that accompany the art


"I just love the things that haven't been done before"
You're committed to and passionate about exploring new territory and innovation in your artistic expression


Emotions, estethics and animal rights
These are topics and themes that are part of the larger cultural conversation but are not necessarily central to your personal artistic interests


What are these to a man with your abilities
These topics do not inspire or motivate you creatively in the same way as others might


Your talent is close to boiling over
You have a tremendous amount of creative energy and inspiration that is almost overwhelming


If we could understand
You recognize that your artistic vision may not be immediately accessible or comprehensible to others


We wouldn't bother you with one or two missing cats
If others understood the big picture of your artistic vision, they wouldn't get hung up on small details or flaws


But you know it's a shameless piece of shit
You recognize that not all of your artistic output is great or inspired


Still you love yourself in many different ways tonight
Despite recognizing areas for improvement, you maintain a deep and abiding self-respect and love for yourself as an artist


Because you know they can't really get you
You understand that not everyone will connect with your artistic vision and that's OK


You and your art is sacred and they don't like you because you're new
You feel that there is something fundamentally different and special about your art, but that some people (such as critics or established artists) may not appreciate it because it challenges the status quo


Say would you explain this a second time
You are willing to explain and share your artistic vision with others, even if it takes multiple attempts


These dead birds on toothpicks tell me nothing
You recognize that some aspects of your art may be difficult for others to understand or appreciate


You complain about the lack of words
You are frustrated that others may not have the language or vocabulary to fully discuss or understand your art


While I can hardly breathe
Your passion and intensity for your art can be overwhelming or intimidating to others


You say the smell is there to help me understand
You believe that there is an emotional or sensory quality to your art that can't be fully articulated with words - it must be experienced


And you know you're evil, but who's to tell?
You recognize that your art may challenge or provoke others, and are willing to embrace this even if others may view it as negative or controversial




Contributed by Madison D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions