Man Of Straw

Sad Lovers And Giants' song 'Man Of Straw' delves into the fragile and superficial existence of a person who lacks depth and substance. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who is metaphorically made of straw, easily swayed and lacking a solid foundation. The opening lines, 'Like confession whispered slowly / Hate's a word that's spoken softly,' suggest a person who is insincere and whose emotions are muted and insubstantial. This man is depicted as someone who is detached from reality, living in a 'cut out lifestyle' and unable to form genuine connections with others.

The chorus, 'Oh man of straw,' serves as a poignant reminder of his fragility. The imagery of a 'pretty scrapbook' filled with horror indicates that he is surrounded by chaos and violence, yet remains unaffected and unchanged. This detachment is further emphasized by the line, 'A massacre won't change his outlook,' highlighting his inability to process or respond to the world around him in a meaningful way. The man of straw is also described as being 'sheltered' and 'trusting no one,' indicating a deep sense of isolation and mistrust.

The song also touches on themes of hopelessness and despair. The line, 'Hope wrung dry with values static,' suggests that the man of straw has lost all hope and is stuck in a state of inertia. His plea, 'save me from these fanatics,' indicates a desire to escape from the chaos and find some semblance of peace. However, his lack of substance and depth makes this impossible. The repeated imagery of him standing 'lonely' and 'in disarray with collar undone' reinforces his vulnerability and the futility of his existence. Ultimately, 'Man Of Straw' is a haunting portrayal of a person who is unable to cope with the complexities of life and is left adrift in a world that he cannot understand or navigate.