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,
The chair's been kicked, a rope tied to the rafters, blue-faced and broken-necked I die. Relieving my vision from the sick fucking stare of that hated sun burning the sky. Slumped like a headless scarecrow, cold and limp against the wall. Blood paints a pattern of Rorschach design, thawing the winter that burdens this heart.
Shit-stained and shameful, an exit in disgrace. Not a splash but just a ripple left, I end this life in vain.
[Solo]
In the dead of the darkness I breach the still lake, toward the reflection of the moon. The night-colored liquids arresting my lungs, finally at peace in this watery tomb.
Destroy this fragile body to be gorged upon by worms. Not a splash but just a ripple is left in the wake of my merciless scorn.
Beyond those cursed stars above lies the answer that I seek. On the backs of bullets rides my name, longing to kiss my cheek. Resentfully decline, retire this hated life. Without guilt I break these veins, carved with salvation's knife.
[Solo]
Turn not away, avert not your face, this is how it was meant to be. In silence found hanging there 'bove a pool of waste, the beauteous workings of mortality. No one can truly touch another parallel never to cross. Pointless, fumbling, sad mistake only capable of pain.
Beyond those cursed stars above lies the answer that I seek. On the backs of bullets rides my name, longing to kiss my cheek. Resentfully decline, retire this hated life. Without guilt I break these veins, carved with salvation's knife
Shit-stained and shameful, an exit in disgrace. Not a splash but just a ripple left, I end this life in vain.
[Solo]
In the dead of the darkness I breach the still lake, toward the reflection of the moon. The night-colored liquids arresting my lungs, finally at peace in this watery tomb.
Destroy this fragile body to be gorged upon by worms. Not a splash but just a ripple is left in the wake of my merciless scorn.
Beyond those cursed stars above lies the answer that I seek. On the backs of bullets rides my name, longing to kiss my cheek. Resentfully decline, retire this hated life. Without guilt I break these veins, carved with salvation's knife.
[Solo]
Turn not away, avert not your face, this is how it was meant to be. In silence found hanging there 'bove a pool of waste, the beauteous workings of mortality. No one can truly touch another parallel never to cross. Pointless, fumbling, sad mistake only capable of pain.
Beyond those cursed stars above lies the answer that I seek. On the backs of bullets rides my name, longing to kiss my cheek. Resentfully decline, retire this hated life. Without guilt I break these veins, carved with salvation's knife
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The lyrics talk about dying in various ways, hanging (as the above user mentioned), drowning, slicing veins. I'm not sure what the song is trying to say though. My best guess is that a person wants to die so he/she can know what is after this life, hence "Beyond those cursed stars above lies the answer that I seek."