In an interview about this album, Sufjan talks about how he felt connected to his mother after she died by replicating her self-destructive behavior:

In lieu of her death, I felt a desire to be with her, so… Read More [Verse 1]

The only thing that keeps me from driving this car

Half-light, jack knife into the canyon at night

Signs and wonders: Perseus aligned with the skull

Slain Medusa, Pegasus alight from us all

[Chorus 1]

Do I care if I survive this? Bury the dead where they’re found

In a veil of great surprises, I wonder did you love me at all?

[Verse 2]

The only thing that keeps me from cutting my arm

Cross hatch, warm bath, Holiday Inn after dark

Signs and wonders: water stain riding the wall

Daniel’s message; blood of the moon on us all

[Chorus 2]

Do I care if I despise this? Nothing else matters, I know

In a veil of great disguises; how do I live with your ghost?

[Bridge]

Should I tear my eyes out now?

Everything I see returns to you, somehow

Should I tear my heart out now?

Everything I feel returns to you, somehow

I want to save you from your sorrow

[Verse 3]

The only reason why I continue at all

Faith in reason, I wasted my life playing dumb

Signs and wonders: sea lion caves in the dark

Blind faith, God’s grace, nothing else left to impart

[Chorus 3]

Do I care if I survive this? Bury the dead where they’re found

In a veil of great surprises; hold to my head till I drown

Should I tear my eyes out now, before I see too much?

Should I tear my arms out now? I wanna feel your touch

[Outro]

Should I tear my eyes out now?

Everything I see returns to you, somehow

Should I tear my heart out now?

Everything I feel returns to you, somehow