Lyrically, Zaba is characterized by its abstract, often surreal storytelling. Dave Bayley's lyrics are poetic and open to interpretation, adding to the album's mystique. In "Black Mambo," he sings of a "psycho killer" and "tropical island," conjuring images of a sun-drenched paradise tainted by darkness. Similarly, "Gooey" features a haunting refrain of "go away, stay far away," which can be interpreted as a metaphor for the fragility of human connection.