Exploring the Hidden Meanings in “Dead Skunk” by Loudon Wainwright III
If you grew up in the ’70s, chances are you’ve heard the catchy tune of “Dead Skunk” by Loudon Wainwright III. On the surface, the song seems like a lighthearted and humorous tribute to an unfortunate animal. But upon closer examination, we can unravel the true meaning behind the lyrics.
Table of Contents
Verse 1: Setting the Scene
The song starts with Wainwright singing about driving down the road and encountering a dead skunk on the highway. He describes the unpleasant smell and the urge to leave the scene as quickly as possible.
At first glance, this verse seems straightforward and serves as an introduction to the story. However, it’s important to note that Wainwright is not only talking about a skunk but using it as a metaphor for something else entirely.
The Skunk as a Metaphor
Wainwright has stated in interviews that the skunk represents Nixon’s Administration and the conservative movement of the ’70s. This was a time of political and social turmoil, with protests and clashes between young liberals and traditional conservatives.
The skunk is a perfect symbol for the Nixon Administration, as it was viewed by many as foul-smelling and damaging to the environment. Its policies and actions left a lasting impact on the country, even after Nixon’s resignation.
Chorus: “Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road”
The chorus of the song is memorable and catchy, with Wainwright belting out the title phrase, “dead skunk in the middle of the road.” But this repetition isn’t just for the sake of a catchy tune – it serves a purpose.
The line is a metaphor for the country’s political divide at the time. The “dead skunk” represents the Nixon Administration’s policies and actions, which were blocking progress and driving a wedge between the political left and right.
Verse 2: “Stinking to High Heaven”
The second verse of the song is where Wainwright’s political commentary really shines through. He describes the skunk’s smell as “stinking to high heaven” and references the “buzzards in the sky.”
These buzzards are a metaphor for the media and politicians who circled around the Nixon Administration, waiting for it to fall. They capitalized on the Administration’s mistakes and brought its actions to light, leading to Nixon’s eventual resignation.
Bridge: “You Got Your Dead Cat and You Got Your Dead Dog”
The bridge of the song features some curious lines about a dead cat and a dead dog. Some listeners may be confused by these seemingly random lines, but they tie back to the song’s central metaphor.
Wainwright uses the dead cat and dog as symbols for the other political issues of the time. He’s saying that while the Nixon Administration was the “dead skunk in the middle of the road,” there were other issues that were hampering progress and causing division in the country.
Final Chorus: “Take a Whiff on Me”
The final chorus of the song is a call to action. Wainwright sings, “take a whiff on me,” inviting listeners to pay attention to the current political climate and take action to change it. He’s saying that we can’t ignore the “dead skunk in the middle of the road” – we need to address it and work to improve the situation.
The Legacy of “Dead Skunk”
Despite being written over 40 years ago, “Dead Skunk” remains a relevant and thought-provoking song. Its use of metaphor and clever wordplay make it a standout in Wainwright’s discography and a staple of ’70s music.
But more than that, “Dead Skunk” is a reminder that music can be a powerful tool for social commentary and political change. Wainwright used his platform to call attention to the divisive issues of the time, and his song remains a testament to the importance of speaking up.
Conclusion: A Song with Deeper Meaning
“Dead Skunk” may be a fun and catchy tune, but it’s also a song with hidden depths. By using a skunk as a metaphor for political and social issues, Wainwright created a thought-provoking commentary on the state of the country in the ’70s.
Whether you’re a fan of the song or hearing it for the first time, it’s worth taking a closer look at its lyrics and unraveling the meaning behind the music. Who knows- you may discover a new appreciation for this classic ’70s tune.
