| Tokyo Police Club – Bambi Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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Instead of it being about a mother per se, could it be about growing up? Or the dissatisfaction/confusion about realizing that he's a grown up now and he's in no way prepared? "barely awake but I still got my stripes" He didn't have to do anything, or earn it in any way. "a tiny kingdom at the bottom of the trees where I was always a winner and I was barely alone" I think of this as his childhood playtime, his own private kingdom where he was loved and surrounded by the comfortable. Also, parents always think their kinds are great, so he was usually praised and told he was right. "oh, you can watch it when you get a bit older but for now in the bad bits, I should cover your eyes" I think that section is about childhood and the things his mother did to shield him from the world. But I wonder if she always covered his eyes from the 'bad bits' and put off those realities until he was'older', what happens when suddenly he is 'older'? How could he learn to deal with the 'bad bits' himself? "tangled up, tongue tied tell me what to do" He sounds confused and lost, not sure how to navigate this new role, the 'stripes' he didn't really earn. Also, I think the themes of 'stripes', 'colour' and 'black and white' throughout the song relate to the differences in the way children and adults are expected to act and see the world. I can also see that bit being about a kite fight. The kites get tangled and he doesn't know what to do. In the end the coloured kite wins. I'm not sure what that theme means as it relates to the idea of growing up etc, but then again, he doesn't seem like he's quite sure what's going on either. He always wants to tell us that "there's a really good reason" for the things he's doing, but he never actually does. Any thoughts? |
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| The Weakerthans – Exiles Among You Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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Bluexmaslights has a good point about the title. I would take it a step further though. The "you" I think the narrator is referring to is all of us. This is a vividly sad portrait of one of the many "exiles" that in one way or another, we as a society have let down. They're mostly invisible to us, just clinging to the fringes of acceptable. This song brings them front and centre. It ensures we can't possibly ignore the beautifully bleak reality of this girl. And it refuses to let us let ourselves off the hook for our part in the scene. The narrator sees this girl, empathizes with her and then claims to "wish on everything" and "pray that she remains proud and strange and so hopelessly hopeful". He acknowedges that she is "strange" and "hopeless" and though he doesn't want her to lose hope, he sympathizes from a safe distance. The narrator (and all of us) participate in her exile by passively accepting the situation. He doesn't actually DO anything. We like to think of ourselves as charitable and kind but not at the expense of our own comfort. "(Wishes and prayers are the way that we leave the lonely alone and push the wounded away)." In the end, we are aware of her fragile existence, yet she still "spends the afternoon willing traffic-lights to change". Just as alone as ever. |
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| Brandon Flowers – Crossfire Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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Could the song be about Flowers' struggle to reconcile his personal life, or hopes and dreams (including being a rockstar) with his faith? I see the song as being about rebelling from rules that society has in place that are unnecessary or would prevent you from gaining something greater. In the first few verses I imagine a boy sneaking into a girl's window in the dead of night for comfort. He knows it's against the rules and that their families and church community wouldn't approve or understand (they're the storm outside) but just being with the girl makes him forget all of that. It doesn't even need to be sexual. He promises he "won't do you no harm" and mentions that she's "keeping secrets on your pillow". I imagine the two characters curled up together asleep being the "shelter" that they're each seeking. She is his safe place, where he can be himself without fear of judgement or being considered bad or evil. I think the third verse is about them overcoming the beliefs of their detractors. They're no longer "caught up in the crossfire of heaven and hell." They've done things their own way but they're not afraid of being wrong. The devil's aim didn't hit the mark, they are not tarnished by doing ot wanting different things. "And when the hardest part is over we'll be here. And our dreams will break the boundaries of our fear" I interpret that as: when they're older and they've dealt with the disapproval they've faced, they'll still be there, still together. And what they'll achieve, (the realization of their dreams) will make it worth all of the fear they felt at pushing those boundaries that could have so easily held them back. Basically, I feel that the song is an acknowledgement of the material and spiritual struggle involved in breaking out of the role society gave him. And it's a plea for for someone to join him in that struggle and eventual triumph. |
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| Noah and the Whale – Second Lover Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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Yeah. Definitely an internet love affair. Specifically with someone he's met in Second Life. Hence the title "Second Lover" as opposed to just Lover #2. He's both. He's the 'other man' that she's clearly having an emotional affair with but also, he's her romantic partner in Second Life. Sad. |
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| Cake – Daria Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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I think that the lines "When you tried to kiss me, I only bit your tongue" and "When you tried to feed me, I only shut my mouth" are connected and may be references to the phrase "bite the hand that feeds you". I agree with luckycharms. Daria is clearly trying to fix him and he's adamant that she will not fix him. Maybe he doesn't believe he can ever be fixed (get better or be loved or whatever), or maybe he just wants to fix himself. But the one thing he's clear about is the fact that he doesn't want her to fix him. He wants to be her lover not her project. And she just can't get that. So after much frustration and miscommunication, she gave up. |
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| Cake – Open Book Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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After reading CakeFTW's comments and looking back at the lyrics I can see that there might be something to it. The entire song is quite ambiguous about it but consider that she's "conceiving a plot, it quickens, it thickens, you can't put it down now. It takes you, it shakes you." Those terms are all related to pregnancy. Conception is the begining of pregnancy, 'quickening' is when the mom can feel the baby's first movements and obviously a woman gets bigger. Not to mention that at some point, you "can't put it down now". 'Put it down' is could refer to literally putting down a book, or metaphorically moving on from something but it's also a common euphemism for euthanasia. "Caught in your own glory" could refer to the guy being trapped by the consequences of sex, and/or that the guy is still stuck in that moment and in denial about those consequences. The bit about missing deadlines could be her missed period. Also, I could see the repeated phrase "open your window" being about sex as Oswen said, but also a reference to the phrase 'when a door closes, a window opens'. I could see the singer saying, "yeah, the plan has changed. Now figure out a new one!" I could be reading way too much into it, but it is an interesting idea. |
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| Morrissey – I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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In "Romeo and Juliet", Juliet was supposed to marry a man named Paris. She chose to kill herself rather than marry anyone other than the one she truly loved. "Paris" is often used as a reference to second place. I think Morrissey is using "Paris" here that way as well. He can't have what he really wants and he's come to accept that to some degree. After a lifetime of fighting with himself trying to figure out what he wanted and being terribly conflicted about how to get it (or if he even could get it), he's made a decision- he's embracing Plan B. Of course, talking about "stone and steel" works for both the unemotional second choice as well as seamlessly ties into Paris the city. And Morrissey, being a musician, travels to cities all over the world to perform. So... maybe that IS his Plan B, the love and affection he gets from the world for his music, as opposed to a personal love that he has repeatedly failed to find or keep. |
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| The Smiths – I Won't Share You Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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Everyone seems to be saying that I Won't Share You is about him not sharing a person (or a relationship) with something/someone. Nightandday's interpretation is similar to mine. I think of it the other way around. He won't share "the drive and the dreams inside" with someone. Morrissey was always ridiculously vague about his love life and sexuality. Think of the lines, "I want the freedom and I want the guile". What guile can he have in his relationship with Marr? And why would you want freedom and guile in a relationship where you're jealous and possessive of the other person? It doesn't make sense. But Morrissey did have freedom and guile, with his image of ambiguous (a)sexuality. It made him stand out. I see this song as Morrissey refusing to be open about a relationship he's in. He explains his reasoning in a note, she reads it and basically says, "Are you serious? Really?! This is ridiculous!" He's deceitful, lying to his fans, the press etc, and keeping his relationship hidden to achieve his dreams and ambitions. I think I Keep Mine Hidden is about the same situation. |
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| Eve 6 – Promise Lyrics | 18 years ago |
| It's about being human. People really can't promise not to fuck with someone's mind. We all do it. Not necessarily out of bad intentions either. We're all passive aggressive, say things we don't mean, lash out. And we all lie. But he'll tell the truth if absolutely has to. Dating is usually this parade of falseness for a while until you let the other see the real you. He's not doing that. He is "planning big" but he's not going to force it. I like the line "Maladjusted, just untrusted, rusted sometimes brilliant busted thoughts". He's deeply flawed and he knows it. He "spit(s) and stutter(s)" he's not perfect and won't pretend. | |
| James Blunt – 1973 Lyrics | 18 years ago |
| I'd agree with that. But I also think that there are some people that for whatever reason, you leave parts of yourself with. Sounds like that was the most alive he'd ever felt. Definitely catchy. | |
| Bright Eyes – Easy/Lucky/Free Lyrics | 18 years ago |
| Does anyone else think "Don't you weep" could be a question? Like don't weep for them, but converesely, how can you not weep for them? Cause sometimes crying is easy and lucky and free. And I might just be strange, but I find this to be a very uplifting song. Sometimes weeping is cathardic. It's a release, as much as I would assume death could be. Release. And that's what I see this song is about. Freedom. | |
| The Killers – Andy, You're a Star Lyrics | 19 years ago |
| I have to say I sincerely doubt it's from a girl's perspective. Nevermind the fact that none of the Killer's other songs are. It just doesn't SOUND like a girl. Plus then wouldn't it be aNOTHER girl that he was caught with? I don't know or care anything about the writer's sexuality. I jus think the NARRATOR is gay, or experimenting, or has a "man crush" as someone put it. Nice, by the way. It makes the most sense. It would explain the "hey shut up"s as teasing, the "verdict" in the staffroom as teachers speculating, the "promise me she's not your world" because the narrator is or wants to be, and "in nobody's eyes but mine" because he's the only one who truly knows and accepts Andy. "You think you're alone with the pain that you drain from love" can be interpreted in a lot of ways, but consider how alone WOULD you be as a star athelete attracted to men? Professionals have a difficult enough time being accepted let alone a high schooler. Consider it with an open mind about the NARRATOR, not the singer, or the band or whatever. Just the words and feelings behind it. Again, I don't give a flying %$@# about the singers sexuality, just the meaning of the song. | |
| The Killers – When You Were Young Lyrics | 19 years ago |
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Why does she need to be saved? Why does she need Jesus? (As a metaphor, a saviour and is not meant as a statement on religion in anyway). If you look the only time the word “we” is used is in reference to “burning down the highway skyline” and such, which doesn’t seem like particularly saintly behaviour. And the narrator is ENCOURAGING her to drink the “devil’s water”!! She doesn’t have to, but it’s ok if she does. I see the parts from the climbing of the mountain to said skyline burning as the build up and climax. She relaxes, opens herself up, there is some fight or breakdown or enlightenment or something massive. Makes progress. But she thinks of that place, her childhood… And then… nope. She gets scared, needs the security blanket, the comfort, the reassurance. If it was what she’d always wanted how could she give up on it? She goes back to him. The first stanza is repeated. Her being inwardly miserable in an acceptable way. A man who can “save” her from whatever haunts her. Her promised pretend perfection. My favourite line in the whole thing is this “She plays forgiveness- watch it now here he comes”. It’s almost a personification of forgiveness. He IS forgiveness. And the use of the word “plays” indicates perhaps she’s trying to achieve or earn it. And this gentleman gives it to her. Another long and involved post. Any ideas? Comments? |
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| The Kinks – Come Dancing Lyrics | 19 years ago |
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You always look back. No matter how awful the rollerdisco seemed at the time, it'll be hilarious in twenty years. The past doesn't have to be all roses, but it was different, often more naive. At least parts of it for most of us. Personally, I think it's the same brain malfunction that decides at 50 that high school was the best time of your life, and prompts women to have more than one child. |
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| The Kinks – Days Lyrics | 19 years ago |
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There are so many forms of love. I don't see this as a romantic song at all really. It's a goodbye and moving on song to me. Probably a best friend. You know those highschool or univeristy days where you just all goof off and do the stupidest, most fun things ever? I always thought whoever it was died because of the lines "I wish today could be tomorrow, the night is dark, it just brings sorrow anyway." But then any ending is sad. Any ideas about what he means when he says "you took my life"? |
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| The Kinks – Muswell Hillbilly Lyrics | 19 years ago |
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East Ender being moved to North London. Though how/why "they"'d move him and who "they" are I can only guess. Maybe society? Perhaps a statement on acceptability? Obviously conformity. Why the American references?? Anybody? I can't believe the lack of comments for the kinks. It makes me sad. And a little angry. |
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| The Kinks – Sunny Afternoon Lyrics | 19 years ago |
| I think there is definitely satire here sure, but looking at some of their other songs, I wouldn't say it's particularly negative. Look at "Victoria" for instance, obvious class references but with more nostalgia and acceptance for the way it was that actual negativity. I get the impression that they wouldn't change anything, just poke fun a little. | |
| James Blunt – Wisemen Lyrics | 19 years ago |
| I think it's about modern society (I know that's been said before). These three "wisemen" are supposed to show us the way right? Biblically? And they way I see it, in this song they are taking a material, rich bastard, devil-may-care path "You persnickety little bastards in your fancy dress, who just judge each other and try to impress". And they achieve success. Come on, a semi by the sea? That's a nice little property isn't it? But they're alone. So I'd say it's a little morality tale about the modern rat race. Part of your soul gets lost along the way. But that's just me. | |
| The Killers – When You Were Young Lyrics | 19 years ago |
| Maybe it's class, or poverty. Ashamed of the "place where you used to live" and he is a "gentleman". Sorry, but this song's bugging me to figure it out | |
| The Killers – When You Were Young Lyrics | 19 years ago |
| PS, sorry for the long post, and has anyone considered it might not be a romantic relationship?? Maybe?? Then the people who believe "you" is a guy don't have to be yelled at by the "he's not gay" crusade. | |
| The Killers – When You Were Young Lyrics | 19 years ago |
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Why does everyone assume when she was "young" was a happy innocent time? It seems to me she's ashamed of herself and that time is what keeps her down. She, perhaps subconciously, feels she needs someone to save her or correct her "old ways". I think she spent her entire childhood trying to be "right" to make up for something, dreaming of the perfect man who she could be perfect with. Then she meets a guy who is outwardly nice and kind, but instead of telling her she's great, he changes her, tells her she needs to be perfect, "normal". That's just what she"imagined she [she was] young". She doesn't conciously understand this, but is tied to him. Then in the middle of the song the writer stops using "you" and "he" and starts using "we". I think the speaker is another guy, who does love/accept her for who she truly is. She doesn't need to be perfect. Maybe he's a bit of a free spirit or a bad boy, with a fast car "burning down the highway skyline". He tells her that being "bad" sometimes is okay, "you can dip you feet everyonce in a while". But in the end, she choses the safe option. She is guilty and needs forgiveness for her percieved flaws. She doesn't see him as her saviour hence "he doesn't look a thing like Jesus" but he tries to save her just the same "more than you'll ever know". But that's just my opinion, radically different from anything I've read here. The other ideas just don't mesh with all the lyrics, in my brain at least. Feel free to disagree. I do! lol. |
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| Counting Crows – Rain King Lyrics | 19 years ago |
| the band might write about mythology if the book they were writing about was about African culture and finding spiritual solace in it. I don't know much about african mythology, but myths of birds (such as ravens etc) delivering the souls of the dead are widespread. Henderson is a miserable isolated man who finds inner peace and spirituality with a tribe in Africa, who believe he is "the rain king". | |
| Our Lady Peace – Is Anybody Home? Lyrics | 19 years ago |
| I agree that this song is about society's materialism and being unsatisfied and not knowing what to do about it. I like the line "white teeth, a ticket to meet god, be all that you envy". we do all these stupid things to find happiness, like plastic surgery, we strive for the white picket fence, and still end up with "the shot gun under your bed' that's come alive. In other words the dirty secrets an imperfections under the surface. Did that make any sense? It did in my own mind I assure you. | |
| Counting Crows – Anna Begins Lyrics | 19 years ago |
| I always thought it was about an "indefineable" relationship. One of those friends with benefits things that gets out of hand and real love enters into the picture. They're young and stupid. I get the image that he's emotionally cut off "I am not worried about the status of my emotions" And she gets scared off at the idea that it could be real, could be serious. She runs away. And as much as he wasn't ready for deep love, he was just as unready for heartbreak. | |
| The Kinks – Waterloo Sunset Lyrics | 19 years ago |
| I'm also biased because oddly enough I used to meet my boyfriend there every friday night. ah young love | |
| The Kinks – Waterloo Sunset Lyrics | 19 years ago |
| i don't know, but I think the sun setting over the Thames, with the city in the background is one of the most beautiful sights in the world. I'm not english but I did fall in love with London. And I agree that that area is a bit grotty from the ground, muggers and all that, but from a window it's bliss | |
| The Kinks – Sunny Afternoon Lyrics | 19 years ago |
| plus, odds are he's got no training to support himself any other way, i.e. getting a job. lol. poor helpless aristocrat | |
| The Kinks – Sunny Afternoon Lyrics | 19 years ago |
| The fact that he uses the term "stately home" puts the speaker in a certain class. I think that this song is about the institution of death duties and the decline in the upper classes. The speaker has been taxed to the point where he can't even sustain hmself without selling off his assets. He wants to leave the country as all the wealth his family has accumulated over time has been sucked away with taxes. There are actually some good movies about this from the time period. | |
| The Kinks – Lola Lyrics | 19 years ago |
| The Kinks lost out popularity in the US because they weren't allowed in the country. I read somewhere that a band member had an assault charge from a barfight and US customs wouldn't allow them in the country. Thus the Beatles making it and not the Kinks. And why did someone say New York?? Doesn't it seem more likely that they were speakng of Soho n London??? Especially because Soho is where all the sex shops and weird clubs and brothels are located. Hub of the 'sexual deviants' in London. (and I don't mean sexual deviants in a bad way. Soho is fun)!!! | |
| The Killers – Andy, You're a Star Lyrics | 19 years ago |
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I've always thought it was a teenaged boy who had a relationship with the star football player. I've interpreted "On the match with the boys, you think you're alone with the pain that you drain from love" to mean that he's channeling his frustrations with his sexual confusion into his sport. And that the girl in the car was an attempt to cover up his feelings from the world. I also thought the lyrics were "in the 'staff room' the verdict is in" like the teachers had wondered about the kid, but then he was caught with the girl. Plus, for the majority of the song Andy was just a star, it's only near that end that it's qualified by "in nobody's eyes but mine" as if he's saying that he IS a star but no one knows the real Andy, or appreciates him truly but the speaker. And I also think that just because the writer isn't gay doesn't mean that's not what the song is about. Does everyone assume that if an author writes about alien abduction they claim personal experiences? No. At some point the experience of the creator and the creation are different. But that just my... well rather more like ten cents and then some. |
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