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.
Did the seesaw nights put their hands on you?
I can't really say, I can't really say
Are you swinging from the eaves in a tasteful noose?
I can't really say, I can't really say
You're following a flashlight down utility halls
And then you mumble to yourself that this has all been your fault
And oh you're not laughing, you're not laughing are you?
And now some local loser with a tape and badge
Wants you to answer from the list of pointless questions to ask
And no he's not sincere, you're not sincere are you?
Then the howls and moans pour from the black and it's a sea of blank faces straight to the back
Aggressively mediocre in every single way
Yet you're the only reason that they came
So if you had to keep singing then singing should be fine
And if it ain't what you had pictured
Yeah that sounds about right
Does it matter much to me to mean a thing to you?
I can't really say, I can't really say
They blather incessantly, every drossy last one
And then they clamor for attention vomiting opinions
But oh you weren't asking, you're not asking are you?
Ain't it hard when you discover that the only thing you've ever loved is passing your hat
And anything that's got a pulse is doing just the same
And you're the only reason that you came
So if you have to keep singing, then singing should be fine
And if it ain't what you had pictured then yeah that's about right
Said if you have to keep singing, then singing should be fine
And if it ain't what you had pictured then yeah that sounds about right.
I can't really say, I can't really say
Are you swinging from the eaves in a tasteful noose?
I can't really say, I can't really say
You're following a flashlight down utility halls
And then you mumble to yourself that this has all been your fault
And oh you're not laughing, you're not laughing are you?
And now some local loser with a tape and badge
Wants you to answer from the list of pointless questions to ask
And no he's not sincere, you're not sincere are you?
Then the howls and moans pour from the black and it's a sea of blank faces straight to the back
Aggressively mediocre in every single way
Yet you're the only reason that they came
So if you had to keep singing then singing should be fine
And if it ain't what you had pictured
Yeah that sounds about right
Does it matter much to me to mean a thing to you?
I can't really say, I can't really say
They blather incessantly, every drossy last one
And then they clamor for attention vomiting opinions
But oh you weren't asking, you're not asking are you?
Ain't it hard when you discover that the only thing you've ever loved is passing your hat
And anything that's got a pulse is doing just the same
And you're the only reason that you came
So if you have to keep singing, then singing should be fine
And if it ain't what you had pictured then yeah that's about right
Said if you have to keep singing, then singing should be fine
And if it ain't what you had pictured then yeah that sounds about right.
Lyrics submitted by leoisawsum552
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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,
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most ppl think this song is about performing, sea of blank faces straight to the back... and it doesnt sound like the show is going too well there are many clues anywhooo i happen to think that all the lines about the show are referring to thoughts running through his head about a girl, a relationship he know he screwed up and wants back.
"Ain't it hard when you discover that the only thing you've ever loved is passing your hat And anything that's got a pulse is doing just the same And you're the only reason that you came"
^ that line draws me to this theory, and it helps me relate/ respect more.
thats just my opinionn. great song [:
peaceee
like hes not performing well due to this predicament.<br /> and it bugs him, and he cant stop thinking about it.