Tarkio – Save Yourself

General CommentAs i was sitting in the car today it dawned on me the meaning of this song. Save yourself is written retrospectively.It is written about an individual who leaves (Montana I believe, in this case)his/her home due to bitter feelings. But upon the passing of a family member (father), has inherited both the emotional and fiscal burdens of the given individual, i.e. inheriting a cattle farm up in the hi- line of Montana. The Hi-line is a string of small towns and open spaces off of highway 2 right next to the Canadian boarder. Being forced back into small town farming culture, and with the questioning of his/her friends this individual is hoping for something more than small town life yet is stuck with the emotional burden of upholding his or her honor to his culture and heritage fighting the urge to urbanize. The words "save yourself" are repeated to better illustrate the hardships of small town life. the boredom that consumes this individual as he/she is being held hostage. The life line being civilization that is lacking all around.

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  @altcountryperspective
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  I agree with all of this, and would like to add that the Hi-Line also has a large, impoverished Native American population due to nearby Reservations, miserable weather, and the nation's deadliest Superfund site (Libby asbestos). It's an incredibly depressing place to try to eke out a living. Tarkio has captured the feeling of the place very well.

  Flag sharkycharmingon April 16, 2014  

General CommentI always listen to this song when I feel obligated to do something I really don't want to do. Especially since I am avoidant in general, and i really identify with the "Jerry Lewis Telethon" verse especially.

Great song.

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  @thisparapet

General CommentGorgeous and bitter...the feeling of being wasted, beyond repair. Colin's voice is numbingly beautiful. I'm in love.

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  @ABookOnAShelf

My InterpretationThe way Colin pauses on "Save your" I always view that as he is saying "Savior self". While the real lyrics are more imperative, the singer is almost pleading with himself to be saved. The latter seems that he is resigned to his fate, he knows it's within him to escape and he will always long for another life. The fact that the only real reason he is stuck in this town working off debt owed is his sense of duty to his father.

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  @Lachlan87