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.
At school he liked to bend the rules, while teachers looked away
Smoke behind the bike sheds, rebellion was child's play
Subversive pics and messages scratched on the toilet door
Little did the staff room know with him they were at war
He was an anarchist - loved to live that way
A quiet anarchist - he was into anarchy
But in a quiet way - he'd rock the boat gently
And be an anarchist - and that's the way he'll stay
A quiet anarchist - bap bap badada daa
A quiet anarchist - bap bap badada daa
Now you won't see him on the streets facing down the riot shields
No black flag or Molotovs but that don't mean he yields
Yes he'll always find a way to cheat authority
Not a life of dull subservient compliant mediocrity
He was an anarchist - loved to live that way
A quiet anarchist - he was into anarchy
But in a quiet way - he'd rock the boat gently
And be an anarchist - and that's the way he'll stay
A quiet anarchist - bap bap badada daa
A quiet anarchist - bap bap badada daa
A quiet anarchist - bap bap badada daa
A quiet anarchist - bap bap badada daa
bap bap badada daa
bap bap badada daa
Keep off the grass Don't lick your knife
Don't run with scissors, it could end your life
Take your elbows off the table Speak when you're spoken to
Do as I say, not as I do
There'll be tears before bedtime I'm gonna count to three
Don't you that tone with me
I can wait all day I don't mind
Don't do that or you'll go blind
Too many rules The state's decree
Find a way to fight back and you'll be free
Don't toe the line Reject newspeak
Don't sell out. You could be unique
And be an quiet anarchist - love to live that way
A quiet anarchist - be into anarchy
But in a quiet way - rock the boat gently
And be an anarchist - and that's the way you'll stay
A quiet anarchist - bap bap badada daa
A quiet anarchist - bap bap badada daa
A quiet anarchist - bap bap badada daa
A quiet anarchist - bap bap badada daa
bap bap badada daa
bap bap badada daa
Lyrics submitted by LoneTroop
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Yo La Tengo
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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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"'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/
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