| Rufus Wainwright – Martha Lyrics | 13 years ago |
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I think this song is an insight into the relationship between a gay man and a straight woman, here Wainwright and his sister. He recognises, painfully and a little jealously, that she is weaving herself into domestic life and won't have as much time for him. "I know how it goes, you gotta ring/Your little finger" - allusion to marriage here, I think. "Make the sun come out on Sunday afternoon" - the role of the wife in the family, keeping the whole thing together. Against the backdrop of their mother's illness, "things are harder for her now", both Wainwrights are forced to confront their own mortality: "neither of us is really that much older than each other anymore". But while his sister is able to take comfort in the family that she has made, Rufus has to accept the fact that he will never be able to play the conventional happy homemaker, who "heats the plates/And serves a little wine". As their family has crumbled and there is "nobody in the room anymore", he reminds her of their relationship, making a desperate cry out for his sister to "call him back", to give him a sign that they are still connected somehow. The hollow echo behind his voice signals however that he is indeed alone, and talking to thin air. |
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| Sufjan Stevens – Adlai Stevenson Lyrics | 14 years ago |
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"The heart was not your master" Stevenson died of a heart attack in 1965. In 1952, he was healthy, hence he wasn't controlled by his heart; Sufjan is foreshadowing his death. But that's only one facet of that lyric. I really like the idea someone threw out about his heart not being in it, I think it's perfectly valid. |
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| Rufus Wainwright – Danny Boy Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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This is a song about unrequited love. As other commenters have said, it concerns a crush that Rufus had on a boy named Danny in his youth. But I think anyone that has ever experienced unreciprocated feelings for someone else can relate to it. Your skin is cold, but the sun shines within your hold ---> In the fashion of classical sonnets on unrequited love, Rufus uses contrast and paradox to emphasise the intensity of his love. The cold skin symbolises the lack of affection on the part of "Danny" towards the persona. However, through the rose coloured glasses of love, the sun literally shines from the object of his desire. Your hair is gold, but you see through a goldfish bowl ---->The gold could symbolise something that is coveted and treasured, precious, as well as giving Danny saintly connotations (think halo). If he sees through a goldfish bowl, it could mean that he is quite ignorant of outside things (such as the persona's crush), but everyone else on the outside can see straight in to his emotions and thoughts. I feel old, sick and tired ---->Pretty self-explanatory for anyone who's ever experienced unrequited love! We walk the streets, gently staring, wondering what to do ------->This scenario comes across as very realistic and thus engaging, and you can see it actually happening between Rufus and Danny. It's all suggestive of aimlessness, not knowing where to take things, and afraid of moving forward by declaring your feelings. The sun in sheets, pouring down those streets to eyes green and blue ------>As someone commented, this is a really beautiful and poetic image. The blue and green eyes belong to the two men. The fact that he separates them is indicative of how apart they really are, as opposed to having a mutual attracting. Also, the colours may be symbolic - the green eyes of the persona suggest jealousy and desire, while the blue eyes of Danny connote innocence and purity- ignorance to the persona's feelings And a ship with eight sails could come 'round the bend Or a herd of bulls charging stop lights red I'd be blind (to both) -----> I put in brackets what I hear at the end of this line, though I know it's not in the lyrics from the cd booklet. Either way it doesn't really change the meaning too much. He uses the hyperbolic images of the herd of bulls and the ship to stress just how enraptured he is by Danny. When you're in the company of someone that you obsess over, they become the centre of your universe. On a deeper level, the sailing ship could symbolise missed opportunities, and the bulls charging red lights seems to suggest ignorance of warning signs, such as those that might tell you when someone isn't interested. But of course, fools in love only see what they want to, and are thus "blind". You broke my heart Danny Boy Not your fault Danny Boy ---->These lines are pretty important to the tone of the song, because it shows that he is not bitter towards Danny for not feeling the same way. In context, I believe the reason it didn't work out between Danny and Rufus was because Danny was, more or less, straight. So telling someone that it isn't their fault is more or less a recognition and acceptance that we can't choose our sexuality, or even who we like. It's a really mature or insightful line, and tinged with more than a hint of wistfullness. The fact that he calls him "Danny Boy" could have further significance, because of the famous folk song, but I don't really know the context or lyrics of that song so I can't really speculate. "Boy" comes across as condescending, but also reinforces the idea that Danny is a character who is innocent, blissfully ignorant. I was hanged at the doorstep, played like a two to a fourset Had like poor Job in the bible by God ---->This is the persona lamenting about being caught in love's cruel grasp. Hanged at the doorstep, hyperbolic way of saying he was hooked from the moment he embarked upon his attraction, and also doomed to failure. The story of Job in the bible from what I can remember was about a man whose love God tested by taking everything away from him, including his possessions his wife his children and his health. This and the idea of being "played" shows the persona's belief that he is being dragged about against his will by some higher power of fate - we as humans are all powerless in the face of love. Day comes I wake, I wake with a hard heartache --->haha, maybe a tongue in cheek reference to the more carnal aspects of a crush? Waking up with a hard...heartache =P All the talk about waking up with sinking feelings shows how the persona is always thinking/dreaming of Danny - even in his sleep he is not free. I go down to your place We sit and chat, chat about New York and trips to the bayou ---->Again, one of those scenarios that you can just see happening between Rufus and Danny. On a more analytical level, when combined with the following lines it illustrates the facade of the relationship between the two men, compared to the sexual and emotional undercurrents. They talk of trivial platonic things, when secretly the persona is longing to express his love. My smile a trick, tricking me and trying not to scare you -------->Again, the smile is a front for the true feelings of the protagonist. A smile is a symbol of happiness and contentment, but by referring to it as a "trick" Rufus shows that this is a false reality, one that the persona must dupe himself into believing in order to live with his unrequited feelings. The "trying not to scare you part" emphasises how much manipulation and forethought goes into all of the persona's actions. He doesn't want to ruin the contact that he has by revealing his confrontational feelings, hence the facade of the smile. It also further illustrates the naivety and fragility of Danny. He becomes less of a person and more of an object or ideal that must be protected from anything challenging or frightening entering his bubble of a world. Just on the music it's all relatively upbeat, major key stuff, complimenting the lyrics that describe the facade of the persona masking the deeper, unhappier feelings beneath, which come through in the minor sections. The 6/8 rhythmn is rollicky, ambling and meandering, highlighting the movement of the protagonist's thoughts as he contemplates and reflects upon his disastrous predicament. The notes in the melody are long, suggestive of wistfullness and lament. |
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| Rufus Wainwright – Release the Stars Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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I agree with Something Rugby, this was awesome live. I don't know if it's specifically about gay actors and actresses... it seems to be more like a metaphor. I just love the title of it anyway, Release the Stars. It's such a great thing to say to anyone you know, don't worry, you're amazing, so release the stars! The music ties in nice with the theme of the song as well, I think I read somewhere once that this song sounds like something Judy Garland would have sung at the end of her concerts, so that's what I always imagine when I hear it. It's just all about the old giving way to the new, and being happy and rejoicing in the new. The line "Remember that without them there would be no Paramount" is a reference to a line from Gloria Swanson's character in the movie Sunset Boulevard, about a washed up Hollywood actress "Without me there wouldn't BE a Paramount!" |
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| City and Colour – Save Your Scissors Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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Ok, the artist's intention behind the lyrics has been stated, and it's pretty clear to see, and a beautiful interpretation. But as someone quoted him as saying, he has given this song to us, so we are free to derive our own interpretations from it. For me, it's meant different things at different points in my life. Right now, I feel like it's about liking someone, who doesn't really reciprocate your feelings. You finally confront them, and get rejected. But you act cool about it, because you like them. Hence "So go on, and I will refrain". It's as if the one with the crush is saying 'no, you move on from me, I'll stop bugging you now.' But it's never that simple. The other person, and your friends try to comfort you, "maybe next time will be the right time, your time" Toujours positif! But of course in your heart you are exactly the opposite. I think the whole song has a huge undercurrent of irony to it that maybe goes unnoticed? Especially in the chorus, that whole bit about "Save your Scissors" and tough skin, it sounds like somebody trying to convince others, or the person they like, that they'll be alright, but they're only kidding themselves. And even though you're in agony inside, you still have that thought for the other person "there's no way that I want you to be left behind". The second verse could be from the perspective of the person who rejected someone who liked them. It's not always easy for them either. I don't think enough analysis has been done of the final two lines; they're a bit enigmatic. Personally I get a really strong sense of bitterness whenever I hear them. "I expected nothing less from you tonight". So after you confess, you try and kid yourself that you expected it all along, and never had any hope. It's easier than facing the loss of hope. The tone of this song is quite jaunty, with the upbeat tempo and the bright chords at odds with the complex message being conveyed. Just serves to further emphasise that true feelings lie underneath the pretense of stability, I guess. |
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| Martha Wainwright – G.P.T. Lyrics | 16 years ago |
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I believe it stands for "Greenpoint Tavern" which is a pub in Brooklyn, New York. I guess it would be the setting for all of the stuff going on in the lyrics. And yeah, I agree with azkm, the song is about libido, promiscuity, the carefree and decadent hedonistic party life. See: Great Gatsby. |
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| Feist – 1234 Lyrics | 16 years ago |
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Yeah this song was written by Sally Steltman(sp?) of New Buffalo...mostly. Apparently she wrote this song a few years back, after a friend had just gone through a divorce. That's where the song unravels from, although I think there are a lot of great interpretations here that really show the depth of the lyrics. But here's the funny part. When Sally wrote this she had been listening to a lot of Feist. After the song came out and she was touring with Feist one time, she decided that the song was too suited for Feist herself, and so showed it to the songstress. Then as Feist began playing it over the course of time the tempo became quicker, she changed some of the lyrics and added the catchy outro. So the song was really written by both ladies, and a fine job they did too, I must say. (Oh, and Sally is Australian which is even better!) |
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| Josh Pyke – Goldmines Lyrics | 17 years ago |
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Probably cause no one has anything worthwhile to say except no comments? why? Will come back and give it a whirl when I've got a bit more time (and not just procrastinating) |
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| Josh Pyke – Goldmines Lyrics | 17 years ago |
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Probably cause no one has anything worthwhile to say except no comments? why? Will come back and give it a whirl when I've got a bit more time (and not just procrastinating) |
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| Josh Pyke – Fill You In Lyrics | 17 years ago |
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I like your analysis. Really cool. I can offer a perspective on the grass. The grass can symbolise the neverending actions of the everyday life. He tries to hide away from the world after the traumatic experience, but reality intrudes, as the grass keeps growing and "cuts" him. Although, when I first saw it, to me I thought instantly of the proverb "the grass is always greener on the other side". Maybe this could refer to the "cut" he feels at seeing his old love "growing" and moving on with her life, while he thinks that his is ruined. The colour imagery associated with grass lends to this kind of jealousy. But I dunno, that one seems a bit more tenuous... |
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| Gavin DeGraw – Overrated Lyrics | 17 years ago |
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Um, guys, this song is about sex. Maybe also about the relationship between love and sex, and how the two compliment each other to create a much richer experiment, but sex nonetheless. The guy is trying to convey to her the desires he has to take their relationship to the next level. "what I'm anticipating, everything else will be overrated" And I won't even get into the innuendo-filled lyric of "open up, let me fill your cup.." Also, I love the tone of voice he takes in the line "you speak kind". So wry, you can literally hear the sarcasm dripping off it. Or maybe its smothered lust? Hehe. |
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| Amy Winehouse – Rehab Lyrics | 17 years ago |
| Well, apparently Hayles, she wrote this song as an angry "up yours" to her record label. Before she recorded this album, they suggested to a bewildered Winehouse that she spend ten weeks in rehab, as they thought she was an alcoholic. Which, as an occasional drinker, was news to her. | |
| Ray Charles – Georgia On My Mind Lyrics | 18 years ago |
| Yeah, he fucking owns this song, but he didn't write it guys. It was Hoagy Carmichael, who wrote lotsa old school jazz shit. Nonetheless, Ray makes it his own. | |
| Ben Folds – Sentimental Guy Lyrics | 19 years ago |
| This song is awesome. It was my favourite from Songs For Silverman (well, after I got over Landed :P) and the best fun is playing it on the piano. I agree with all comments here, because ben folds' music is about inspiring thought! Go Benny! | |
| Ben Folds – Still Fighting It Lyrics | 19 years ago |
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Ha...the first time I heard this it spoke to me...It sounded so much like the relationship between me and my crush. She is supposed to like me too, and I can tell she does, but we both kinda fight our feelings and just go on with day to day life. The first verse could be when the girl comes to visit the boy who's working at a fast food resturaunt, and he's really eager to help her out (it's ok, you don't have to pay). But yeah, it seems like they're "Still Fighting It", just like me and Sophie :( However later on I listened to it and I could hear the father/son thing...what a drag :( |
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| Elton John – I'm Still Standing Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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This is definetly Elton John's song. He released it after all the hurtful(and untrue) allegations were released by The Sun, and numerous American record companies were cold towards him because of his homosexuality. This was his retaliation towards them. Favourite line "And if you need to know while I'm still standing you just fade away" He's saying that all the petty people will be forgotten while he will be remembered forever and continue his career. |
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| No Doubt – It's My Life (Talk Talk cover) Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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I agree! I cracked up when I read suck my toe! By the way, I think it's Cold in the ground... just a suggestion. |
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| Elton John – I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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Sorry I meant Mary J. Blige... By the way if you type in "I guess that's why they call it the blues" you can actually comment on the lyrics they sang that night at the madison square garden! |
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| Mary J. Blige – I Guess That's Why They Call it The Blues (with Elton John) Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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Wow a duet she did is actually in here. Well I can't believe no one's commented this song is definetely worthy! Elton's own version is brilliant enough but this version is just as good. Mary sings divinely and perfectly with Elton. I only wish I could have seen them in concert. |
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| Elton John – I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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It certainly sounds as if it's been written to the wife of someone on the road: "And while I'm away, dust out the demons inside." I totally agree with you GnRgurly926, and thus agree with moonangel. This is my favourite Elton song, and the live version with Anastacia is brilliant! I just wish I had the DVD... |
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| Eric Clapton – Layla Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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I thought Eric Clapton stole Mick Jagger's girlfriend? Nonetheless a great song, but I've only got the unplugged version. I don't think it has the piano exit... |
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| Michael Jackson – Scream Lyrics | 20 years ago |
| I'm pretty sure this is about the tabloids hounding Michael. Not that he doesn't deserve it sometimes... | |
| Norah Jones – Sunrise Lyrics | 20 years ago |
| This is my favourite Norah Jones song, it's so catchy. Yes the video is kinda wierd, but it kinda reflects the meaning of the song. It's about two lovers in a world of their own, and the sunrise is the real world, calling them back. Or I could be just reading too far into it... | |
| Elton John – Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters Lyrics | 20 years ago |
| This song is very nice, but I think Elton and Bernie went over the lyrics together, like in a lot of songs. | |
| Elton John – Rocket Man Lyrics | 20 years ago |
| A woman sung Rocket man? Shouldn't it be rocket woman? | |
| Elton John – Bennie And The Jets Lyrics | 20 years ago |
| Hey everyone well I heard about the football reference but I always thought it was about prostitutes :p You know, he says Benny she's really keen? And electric boots and a mohair suit sound like crazy stuff to wear, just like the prossys on the corner! btw I totally appreciate Bernie Taupin as his lyricist | |
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