My first impression
Was that of a cunning star
I really loved you
No matter where you are

And all went through me
Truly truly, yes I will
I'm happy that I met you

I take a picture
Hold it up, to see the mark
Authentic authors, oh
Leave on works of art

It's not there
It's a fake, it's a fake
It's a fake, of that there's no mistake
It's a fake, it's a fake
And you
Are made
Up

I saw your video
Of you with Kurt Cobain
You're isolated, oh
Eyes I couldn't recognise

It's not there
It's a fake, it's a fake
It's a fake, of that there's no mistake
It's a fake, it's a fake
And you, so special

You with the sun in your eyes
You were the spectre
You were the tears and the joy

There are highs
There are highs
There are highs, there are lows
Love undergoes

How does it feel, holding you?
How does it feel, holding you?
How does it feel, holding you?
(Because it's over)
How does it feel, holding you?
(Because it's over)

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How to Recognise a Work of Art song meanings

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My Interpretation
I transcribed these lyrics just so I could write out my interpretation.

This song is interesting in that Meilyr himself in interviews says that the inspiration came from watching art appraisers competing with each other to determine that a certain artwork was a fake, yet the title isn't how to spot a fake, but how to recognise a work of art. I think that may be significant.

The first verse is about how his first impression was that of the subject of the song being a "cunning star," a glamorous person skilled at manipulation.

He really loved them, no matter which way that went.

All of the person's schtick, whatever it may have been, went through him, but he's still happy that they met.

He perhaps has doubts about the person's sincerity or his remaining feelings, so he decides to subject the relationship to closer scrutiny. He looks for the usual signs that the person was sincere in their feelings toward him and doesn't find them.

However, the picture itself could be considered a "work of art" that is missing the sign of authenticity. He may be saying that his impression is what lacks authenticity.

Upon failing to see the sign(s) of authenticity he repeatedly exclaims with glee "it's a fake!" As if it is a comfort to him to learn that the other person was insincere. His feelings can now be less complicated, he can despise her or him.

As further proof of inauthenticity, he offers a video of the person supposedly with Kurt Cobain, who may have died before Meilyr was even born. Timeline problems aside, the person looks unnatural, isolated, not the person he recognises. When hanging with the celebrity their eyes look completely different.

Then he repeats his gloating about having uncovered the "fake," but unexpectedly slips into a sweet reverie about how really, they were special, the tears and the joy, with them he felt the true highs and lows that are a part of romantic relationships, and, tellingly, repeats the word "highs."

He ends the song asking himself "how does it feel holding you?" His memory of how it feels to hold them is fading. The backing chorus reminds him "because it's over."

Was the relationship a work of art (for someone half as smart, per Elliott Smith)? Or a fake?

I transcribed these lyrics just so I could write out my interpretation. This song is interesting in that Meilyr himself in interviews says that the inspiration came from watching art appraisers competing with each other to determine that a certain artwork was a fake, yet the title isn't how to spot a fake, but how to recognise a work of art. I think that may be significant. The first verse is about how his first impression was that of the subject of the song being a "cunning star," a glamorous person skilled at manipulation. He really loved them, no matter which way that went. All of the person's schtick, whatever it may have been, went through him, but he's still happy that they met. He perhaps has doubts about the person's sincerity or his remaining feelings, so he decides to subject the relationship to closer scrutiny. He looks for the usual signs that the person was sincere in their feelings toward him and doesn't find them. However, the picture itself could be considered a "work of art" that is missing the sign of authenticity. He may be saying that his impression is what lacks authenticity. Upon failing to see the sign(s) of authenticity he repeatedly exclaims with glee "it's a fake!" As if it is a comfort to him to learn that the other person was insincere. His feelings can now be less complicated, he can despise her or him. As further proof of inauthenticity, he offers a video of the person supposedly with Kurt Cobain, who may have died before Meilyr was even born. Timeline problems aside, the person looks unnatural, isolated, not the person he recognises. When hanging with the celebrity their eyes look completely different. Then he repeats his gloating about having uncovered the "fake," but unexpectedly slips into a sweet reverie about how really, they were special, the tears and the joy, with them he felt the true highs and lows that are a part of romantic relationships, and, tellingly, repeats the word "highs." He ends the song asking himself "how does it feel holding you?" His memory of how it feels to hold them is fading. The backing chorus reminds him "because it's over." Was the relationship a work of art (for someone half as smart, per Elliott Smith)? Or a fake?

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Euthymiaon March 13, 2018 Link
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