This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Late afternoon, another day is nearly done. A darker gray is breaking through a lighter one. A thousand sharpened elbows in the underground. That hollow hurried sound of feet on polished floor, and in the Dollar Store the clerk is closing up, and counting Loonies, trying not to say, "I hate Winnipeg." The driver checks the mirror, seven minutes late. The crowded riders' restlessness enunciates that the Guess Who suck, the Jets were lousy anyway. The same route every day. And in the turning lane, someone's stalled again. He's talking to himself, and hears the price of gas repeat his phrase: "I hate Winnipeg." And up above us all, leaning into sky, our Golden Business Boy will watch the North End die, and sing "I love this town," then let his arcing wrecking ball proclaim, "I hate Winnipeg."
Lyrics submitted by lakeoffire23, edited by zebras, Unright
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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
Im in love with a boy who is close friends with these guys and I found out exactly what the song is about, not that its hard to figure out. Basically on the subject of this song they have this to say "it's about every town"
Every town is someones Winnipeg.
@criminaleyes Hello, I am a high school student and I am doing a project on this song. Could you please tell me more about the deeper meaning of this song and how the writer thinks of it? Thank you, this would be truly helpful.
Oddly enough, this song makes me want to move to Winnepeg. I enjoy that melancholy love-hate feeling; it's one that can only be temporarily cured by falling asleep next to the fireplace. It's inspiring to me.
The line "1000 sharpened elbows in the underground" is a reference to the underground mall in Winnipeg called Winnipeg Square, but nicknamed "the underground". This mall is directly underneath Winnipeg's downtown and major office buildings. The vast majority of people who go to the underground are uptight business people (hence 1000 sharpened elbows).
Obviously this song is about Winnipeg and the people in it, but I also think it's about being in a place, like mental state, and not being able to leave. You hate being there, and it's always the same things over and over while you're there, but you're stuck.
Completely agree. At face value the song is demonstrating his frustration and dislike for the city of Winnipeg. However, on a deeper level, I would agree with you that his opinion of Winnipeg acts as a metaphor for a 'mental rut' so to speak. A state of mind where the emotions you're feeling leave you feeling stuck, depressed and frustrated
I think that this song hits living in Winnipeg right on the head. Most Winnipeggers have a love/hate feeling about their city. So much to rundown about it but people stay and if they move away, they move back. Fave line is, 'darker gray is breaking through a lighter one'
I'm not sure if this is specifically even about Winnipeg; Winnipeg is just a sort of microcosm of any city in the world (or maybe just Canada). We all have a sort of love-hate relationships with our hometown, and this song kind of plays off on that idea.
It is an absolutely beautiful song, though.
This song needs to be in a film. It's perfect for the screen.
I live in Winnipeg and can definately relate....
Yes! Winnipeg! Definitely a love/hate relaionship with the city. Most people I know do. Winnipeg is boring, most of the time. And cold. And just...Winnipeg.
hehe i live in winnipeg and that song is so true. some days it's just so awesome living here but other days it feels so repetitive and blargh. and for those of you who don't know -- north end is the rougher part of winnipeg, and the golden boy is this golden (duh..) statue on the legislature roof.. so you kinda get the contrast.
however i think my love-hate relationship with winnipeg right now is more on the "love" side.. so many good bands are coming to play here lately.. motley crue, metallica, aerosmith, rod stewart, cher and village people (ok.. not so good), and green day + my chemical romance!!