Death In Barstow
The Residents Lyrics

The lyrics in The Residents' song Death in Barstow evoke feelings of confusion, loss, and betrayal. The repetition of the first two lines of the verse creates an almost dreamlike atmosphere, reminding us that the events are disorienting and hard to process. The image of the burnt clothes and red thighs hint at a fire, leading us to believe that the singer and their friend may have been involved in some sort of accident or attack.

The use of the pronoun "we" implies that the singer and their friend have a history that is not fully explained, but it also suggests that they were together during the event that caused their friend's death. The line "after all we've been through, what more can be said?" reflects the singer’s disillusionment and hopelessness, conveying that whatever they have gone through in the past has ultimately led to this tragic end.

In terms of interpretation, the song can be considered a commentary on the futility of human relationships and the inevitability of death. The singer's disconnection and numbness in the face of their friend's loss emphasizes the often painful and confusing nature of grief. Overall, Death in Barstow is a haunting and thought-provoking piece that encourages listeners to contemplate the fragility of life.