My Obsession Now: Jim White, "Bluebird"

This dark masterpiece gets under my skin in the best way. The lyrics are suggestive but I'll be damned if I know of what.

The lonely hiss of passing cars
Feeds the ache of ancient scars,
Like ghosts beneath my bed rattling chains.

No good luck charm or remedy
Ever proved to soothe my sanity
Nor bad medicine served to ease my pain.

White's voice, so calm it's almost eerie, is the only possible guide to his weird and wonderful vision.

The payoff:

Last time home when I played this song,
You said, "Dad, it's sad, and way too long."

Well, yeah, maybe ... but that's its glory.