Men In Black
Frank Black Lyrics

You believe it (You'd better)
The singer has important information to share and the listener should take him seriously.

I got their number
The singer has identified the menacing organization referred to as the men in black.

Classic camcorder
The singer recorded evidence of their illegal activities.

I saw everything
The artist has firsthand knowledge of the men in black's actions and intentions.

Dinner plate specials
The artist is familiar with patterns and trends in restaurant menus, suggesting attention to detail and pattern recognition.

The shapes of cucumber
The singer notices minute details and is vigilant in his observations and investigations.

I'm going to the papers
The singer intends to make his findings public and expose the men in black's dangerous activities.

I am going to sing
The artist is determined to reveal the whole truth and uses creative expression - in this case, songwriting - to spread the message widely.

In the cool, cool night
The idea of danger or threat is present even in moments of relative calmness.

And in the middle of the day
The threat is ever-present, even during daylight hours.

I'm watching my back
The singer is aware of the danger he is in and taking precautions to protect himself.

I'm awaiting my visitation
The artist is certain that the men in black will come for him, and is preparing for that eventuality.

From the men in black
The singer is referring to an ominous and threatening organization that has taken an interest in his activities and is likely monitoring him.

Are they grey, or is it my own nation?
The singer is questioning whether the men in black are aliens (hints at the movie franchise of the same name) or human agents of his own government.

It's been a good year
The singer's situation has not always been so dire; he has had some positive experiences in the past year.

It's been a good summer
The artist's situation has been pleasant and enjoyable recently.

I wait for the door or that phone to ring
The artist is constantly on edge and anticipating contact from the men in black.

Our little race
The singer is referencing the struggle between himself and the men in black as a kind of competition or contest.

I don't want to fail
The singer sees the stakes as high, and the consequences of losing as dire.

So just in case
The artist is taking measures to protect himself in the event that he is not successful in defeating the men in black.

I made you a copy
The artist is sharing evidence with someone who can help him fight the men in black.

And I put it in the mail
The artist is sending evidence to someone who can help him fight the men in black, possibly a journalist or activist.