Themes of the song include race, imprisonment, and death. It contains a harpsichord and 12-string guitar, and has an ominous feel. "Sometimes my life is so eerie," Lee sings, but then inverts the dark mood with "and if you think I'm happy / Paint me white."
The song explores themes of race, imprisonment, and death. It incorporates a harpsichord and 12-string guitar, creating an ominous atmosphere. The singer expresses feelings of unease ("Sometimes my life is so eerie"), but then challenges that sentiment with a defiant statement ("and if you think I'm happy / Paint me white").