The fourth song released ahead of Pure Comedy, “Ballad of a Dying Man” tells the story of a man who foolishly views his own social commentary as important to society at large. His death leaves him unable to continue his critique of the world he leaves behind, and he mourns the universe’s loss of his brilliant mind.

The stripped-down production of the song is mainly lead by acoustic guitar and piano, but the background singers at the end inject a slight gospel influence.