One Armed Scissor

At The Drive-In's 'One Armed Scissor' is a frenetic and cryptic song that captures the essence of chaos and disconnection. The lyrics are filled with vivid and often disturbing imagery, such as 'slithered entrails' and 'mummified circuitry,' which evoke a sense of decay and malfunction. The repeated phrase 'cut away' suggests a desire to sever ties or escape from a dire situation, while the 'one armed scissor' serves as a metaphor for a broken or incomplete means of communication. This imagery paints a picture of a world in disarray, where the characters are struggling to maintain a connection or send a message amidst the chaos.

The song's references to space and technology, such as 'oxygen tanks,' 'Sputnik sickles,' and 'self-destruct sequence,' further emphasize the theme of isolation and disconnection. These elements suggest a futuristic or dystopian setting where the characters are trapped in a malfunctioning system. The line 'this station is non-operational' reinforces the idea that the environment is failing, and the characters are left to navigate the ruins. The mention of 'unknown origins' and 'solar eclipsed' adds a layer of mystery and uncertainty, highlighting the characters' fear and confusion in this unstable world.

The emotional core of the song is revealed in the lines 'I write to remember / 'Cause I'm a million miles away.' This suggests a longing for connection and a need to hold onto memories in the face of overwhelming isolation. The act of writing becomes a way to preserve one's identity and sanity amidst the chaos. The repeated plea to 'send transmission from the one armed scissor' underscores the desperation to communicate and be heard, even when the means of doing so are flawed or incomplete. Overall, 'One Armed Scissor' is a powerful exploration of disconnection, isolation, and the human need for communication in a chaotic world.