Song meaning of The Good Gardener (Oh How He Fell) by Augie March

The lyrics of "The Good Gardener (Oh How He Fell)" by Augie March tell the story of a once good gardener who has fallen from grace. The gardener, who was once happy and content in a good garden, has transformed into a pale and doubtful figure. The song explores themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the consequences of our actions.

The lyrics suggest that the gardener has undergone a transformation, moving from a state of innocence to one of sin and exile. The mention of the cross-eyed maids and doubts crossing his shadow represents the internal struggle and moral conflict the gardener faces. The line "I pollinate the coral and reek of the deep" suggests that the gardener has been drawn to darker, more dangerous places, fueling both his growth and corruption.

The lyrics also touch upon societal observations, describing scenes of everyday life and the decay that can be found within. The references to car waxers, dog walkers, and couples on the sunset strip convey a sense of disillusionment and the inevitability of mortality. The mention of the Indian plague coming on a wind ship highlights the destructive forces that can arise unexpectedly.

Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of exploration, both internally and externally. The gardener grapples with self-awareness and the consequences of his actions while observing the world around him. The reference to the significance of form suggests that beauty and structure matter, and the mention of growth and nurturing implies that taking care of something or someone can lead to personal growth and enlightenment.

In the end, the lyrics reveal a longing for connection and a recognition of the stark beauty and terrifying power of nature. The repetition of the line "The sea is stark and lovely, and it scares me to the point of rapture" speaks to the dichotomy of fear and awe that the gardener experiences. The conclusion implies that the gardener's fall from grace has made it difficult for him to face the world and those he once cared for, leaving him in a state of introspection and longing for what was lost.