Mark McGee also has another project called Father You See Queen.
Villain
To Kill a Petty Bourgeoisie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
dirty deeds and novelty
nine to nine, an endless row
in a dream half awake
a sullied state when dinner's served
fierce talks of past deceit
piece by piece, our veins are cut
wise lies in traveled eyes
what have they seen
commit a crime of this last look
these designs were never mine
piece by piece, our veins are cut
wise lies in traveled eyes
what have they seen
our fondest songs have paled away
wise lies in traveled eyes
"Villain" by To Kill a Petty Bourgeoisie appears to be a series of disconnected phrases that are hard to make sense of initially. However, closer examination of the lyrics unveils the intricate and complex narrative the song is trying to convey.
Judging from the first line, "catch the train to Liverpool," it suggests the act of fleeing from reality and ordinary life to a place that is unknown and exciting. This interpretation is strengthened as the song progresses into phrases like "dirty deeds and novelty" and "wise lies in traveled eyes."
The song seems to be a commentary on the decay of society, with lines like, "a sullied state when dinner's served," suggesting that even the basic institutional structures are faulting. The phrase "fierce talks of past deceit" further solidifies this interpretation as it implies that people are always talking about the wrongdoings of the past instead of focusing on the future.
The phrase "our fondest songs have paled away" is the climax of the song, suggesting that all the dreams we once had have faded away. What was once meaningful may not seem so anymore, and the wise lies in traveled eyes may be a metaphor suggesting that the truth is hard to come by when we're continually on the move.
Line by Line Meaning
catch the train to Liverpool
Embark on a journey that may lead to the unknown or possibly to an escape from reality.
dirty deeds and novelty
Engage in actions that are possibly scandalous or illicit, seeking new experiences that are thrilling or unconventional.
nine to nine, an endless row
Endure a monotonous grind of work, feeling trapped in a cycle of repetition with no end in sight.
in a dream half awake
Exist in a state of confusion, unsure of what is real and what isn't.
a sullied state when dinner's served
Experience a sense of guilt or shame when receiving nourishment or sustenance.
fierce talks of past deceit
Have intense conversations about dishonesty that has occurred in the past, possibly leading to resentment or anger.
piece by piece, our veins are cut
Slowly lose one's vitality or spirit, as if being drained of life bit by bit.
wise lies in traveled eyes
See through the facade of those who have been on a journey or have experienced life, recognizing that their insight may not be as wise or truthful as it seems.
what have they seen
Question the validity of the experiences or knowledge of those who claim to have seen or done certain things.
commit a crime of this last look
Consider it a transgression to gaze or watch for the final time, as if it is something forbidden or taboo.
these designs were never mine
Realize that the plans or intentions that were thought to be in one's control or influence were actually out of their reach, possibly leading to frustration or defeat.
our fondest songs have paled away
Reflect on the waning or fading of the most cherished memories or experiences that were once vivid and strong.
wise lies in traveled eyes
Reiterate that the insight or knowledge that is gained from experience or travel may not always be truthful or accurate, possibly implying a sense of disillusionment.
Contributed by John F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.