Modest Mouse has always had a connection with Portland in their lyrical writing. This song in particular truly shows the love that the band has for the town as it follows one of the main talking points of Portland–metropolitan coyotes.
There have been many sightings (and there still are) of coyotes in the metropolitan area of Portland. Most notably is the citing of a coyote riding the light rail, which Sleater Kinney refers to in their song “Light Rail Coyote”.
As “Coyotes” is the second song to be released off their upcoming album, I’m happy to say that Modest Mouse is still remaining true to their roots–and not just those musically related.
-C