Neutral Milk Hotel

This short track, which the end of “Two-Headed Boy” blends into, has the sound of a sinister military march. It may be intended as a transition into the part of the album that deals with subject matter relating to World War II and Anne Frank. The title may imply the foolishness of militarism. The style of the song is also reminiscent of the jazz-laden funeral processions of Jeff Mangum’s hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. The Fool is the 0th card in the Major Arcana of the Tarot, which has several subtle references throughout the album (especially on “The King of Carrot Flowers, Pt. One”). “The Fool” also appeared in a short film of the same name, supposedly produced by Elephant 6 associates. Scott Spillane is credited in the final credits of the film. The film appeared at the end of the Elephant 6 documentary.