Southwestern Territory
The Mountain Goats Lyrics

Small screen, July evening view
The singer observes the world around them, possibly on a small TV screen, on a mild July evening.

Up and down Grand Avenue
The singer is moving along Grand Avenue, possibly in a car or on foot.

Where the legends get made
Grand Avenue is a place where people become famous or legendary.

Out with the boys' brigade
The artist is hanging out with a group of male friends.

Part of the motorcade
The artist is part of a group of vehicles traveling together, possibly for an event or celebration.

Flew home from Texas last night
The singer recently returned home from a trip to Texas.

Slept on the flight
The singer slept during the flight back from Texas.

Work like a dog all day
The artist works hard all day, possibly at a physically demanding job.

Born to chase cars away
The artist's job involves keeping animals or people away from cars.

Die on the road someday
The artist recognizes the danger of their work and knows that they could die while doing it.

I try to remember what life was like long ago
The singer is reminiscing about their past and trying to recall memories from earlier in their life.

But it's gone, you know
The artist realizes that their memories are faded and distant, and they will never be able to relive those moments exactly as they were.

Climb the turnbuckle high
The singer is referring to a wrestling move where a wrestler climbs up to the corner of the ring to perform a high-flying maneuver.

Take two falls out of three
The singer is describing the rules of a wrestling match where a wrestler must win two out of three rounds to win the match.

Blackout for local TV
The singer describes experiencing a blackout during a wrestling match, which is being broadcasted on local TV.

Stand in that cold empty hall
The artist is standing in a chilly and deserted venue, possibly a wrestling arena before a match begins, waiting for their turn.

Wait for your name to get called
The artist is waiting for their name to be announced, indicating that it is time for them to step into the wrestling ring.

Burn like hillsides on fire
The singer describes the intense energy and excitement of a wrestling match, as if the whole arena is ignited and ablaze.

In the squall of the ringside choir
The singer describes the sounds made by the crowd at a wrestling match, comparing it to a group of singing or chanting individuals standing next to the ring.

High as a wire
The artist is feeling heightened emotions and adrenaline during the wrestling match, to the point of feeling like they are walking on a tightrope.

Nearly drive Danny's nose back into his brain
The artist describes a wrestling move where they almost hit Danny and cause significant damage to his nose.

All the cheap seats go insane
The artist describes the reaction of the audience, which was likely full of people who paid less for their seats, who become frenzied and manic during the wrestling match.

Keep my eyes open and try to think straight
The singer is consciously attempting to stay alert and focused during the wrestling match, despite the intensity of the situation.

No one drives on the 60 this late
The artist is driving on a road, which is usually busy, but currently empty due to the late hour.

Feel like the last person alive
The singer is alone on the road and feels isolated.

Francisquito to Glenshaw Drive
The singer is driving along a stretch of road between two different locations, named Francisquito and Glenshaw Drive.

I try to remember to write in the diary
The singer is attempting to keep a record of their life by writing in a diary.

That my son gave me
The diary was a gift from the artist's child.

Climb the turnbuckle high
The artist is still referring to the wrestling move from earlier in the song.

Take two falls out of three
The singer is again describing the rules of a wrestling match.

Blackout for local TV
The singer again experiences a blackout during a wrestling match, which is being broadcasted on local TV.