The final single off the apocalyptic Wasteland, Baby, Hozier described "Dinner & Diatribes" as being about "the crushing tedium of social obligations" and "that feeling of relief when leaving any tedious social engagement," and that energy is clearly on display in the song. The narrator wants nothing to do with the club they are at with their partner and craves a chance to get away and indulge in much more intimate and decadent choices.