I always loved the imagery of the baboons and sows etc. groping at the gate of the looming lake, but I'd never understood what it really meant or considered that they could be describing types of people - now it all makes sense, with the "talk in town becoming downright sickening"! Thanks for that interpretation.
Since I think she said the song was some sort of letter to her sister, it makes me wonder to what extent her family and close friends have a better understanding of her lyrics. I'm sure they have much more insight than the average listener, but there still must be plenty of passages that only Joanna really knows the true meaning of... I wonder if she ever explains her lyrics to those close to her.