Clay Pigeons

Michael Cera's rendition of 'Clay Pigeons' is a poignant exploration of a man's quest for solace and self-discovery. The song begins with the protagonist deciding to leave his current life behind, symbolized by his journey to the railway station. The imagery of finding a 'big, fat lady with two or three kids' to sit beside suggests a desire for the comfort of anonymity and the simple, unpretentious company of everyday people. The act of riding the train until the sun rises and sets multiple times underscores a sense of aimlessness and the passage of time as he smokes cigarettes and tries to conceal his sorrow from those around him.

The chorus reveals the protagonist's yearning to reconnect with life and find a sense of purpose. He seeks to 'get along with it all,' to immerse himself in the culture and camaraderie of the places he visits, and to 'change the shape that I'm in.' This line suggests a desire for personal transformation and healing. The idea of 'starting over again' is a recurring theme, indicating a need to escape his past and find a fresh start, whether in Texas or an entirely new place.

As the song progresses, the protagonist reflects on his weariness from searching for answers to questions he already knows. This introspection leads to the realization that he can create a 'castle of memories' to find solace. The metaphor of 'feeding the pigeons some clay' and 'turning the night into day' symbolizes the act of finding hope and light in dark times. Ultimately, the song is about the journey of self-discovery, the struggle to overcome sorrow, and the quest to find one's voice and purpose again.