Plateau

The song 'Plateau' by Meat Puppets delves into the human quest for meaning and the often elusive nature of fulfillment. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a plateau, a metaphor for a goal or a state of being that many strive to reach. The opening lines, 'Many a hand has scaled the grand old face of the plateau,' suggest that this pursuit is a common human experience, shared by both strangers and familiar faces. The mention of 'holy ghosts and talk show hosts' planted in the sand adds a layer of irony, juxtaposing the sacred with the mundane, and perhaps critiquing the superficial aspects of modern culture.

The chorus, 'there's nothing on the top but a bucket and a mop and an illustrated book about birds,' underscores the anticlimactic nature of reaching one's goals. The plateau, once attained, offers simple, almost trivial rewards. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the emptiness that often accompanies the achievement of material or superficial goals. The line 'who needs action when you got words' further emphasizes the power of introspection and contemplation over physical accomplishments.

As the song progresses, it shifts focus to the aftermath of reaching the plateau. 'When you're finished with the mop then you can stop and look at what you've done,' suggests a moment of reflection and self-assessment. The clean plateau symbolizes a clear mind or a sense of accomplishment, but the fun in the work hints at the importance of the journey over the destination. The final verse, 'well the many hands began to scan around for the next plateau,' highlights the perpetual nature of human ambition. Whether it's Greenland, Mexico, or nowhere, the search for meaning continues, driven by guesses and personal interpretations.