Shark Smile

Big Thief's 'Shark Smile' is a hauntingly beautiful song that captures the essence of a fleeting, intense romance set against the backdrop of a road trip. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of two lovers, Evelyn and the narrator, who are caught up in the thrill and danger of their journey. The 'shark smile' in the yellow van symbolizes a predatory allure, a dangerous yet irresistible charm that draws the narrator in. This metaphor sets the tone for the entire song, hinting at the perilous nature of their love.

The song's narrative unfolds with the couple speeding down the highway, their emotions as wild and untamed as the road they travel. The repeated lines 'Baby, take me' and 'Baby, take me too' emphasize their mutual desire to escape and experience life to its fullest, even if it means risking everything. The imagery of '90 miles down the road of a dead end dream' and 'the money pile on the dashboard fluttering' suggests a sense of recklessness and abandon, as if they are living on borrowed time and borrowed money.

The climax of the song is both literal and metaphorical, as Evelyn's kiss becomes 'oxygen' for the narrator, a life-giving force that ultimately leads to their downfall. The tragic ending, with Evelyn burning over the double line and the narrator reaching for the guardrail, underscores the inevitable crash that comes with living too fast and loving too hard. 'Shark Smile' is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the fine line between exhilaration and destruction, capturing the raw, unfiltered emotions of a love that burns bright but ends in tragedy.