| Modest Mouse – The Whale Song Lyrics | 16 years ago |
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My impression is that "Whale Song" is about the sense of responsibility individuals often feel for the state of all humanity. Given the fact that this album was produced during this economic downturn really puts meaning to words like "I guess/know I'm just a scout I should have found a way out so everyone can find a way out" And especially coming from an individual like Brock who's a minor celebrity and thus an influential person, it would seem he is expressing some feeling of burden given his now noteworthy status (even though he didn't necessarily intend to become so influential). However, the context of this song can be taken further than just the modern state of the world; it could very well be taken more metaphorically like in the case of the character Ishmael from Moby Dick-- one individual searching for truths about self and reality in a Godless world who ultimately finds peace and beauty in the surprises. Furthermore, the title "Whale Song", like the vast majority of Modest Mouse songs, probably hints at the concepts expressed through the lyrics. With lines like "Instead of seeing a neighbor out God, I wish I would've found a way out It's the last time We were happy Ever happy" it is clear that there is a sense of regret. However, Brock is not just precise with his lyrics but also with how he presents them both in tone and enunciation in conjunction with the music. In "Whale Song", while the lyrics express sorrow and regret, the sound of the vocals and instrumentals are more upbeat, almost epic. Therefore, the message seems to be: this is reality, there is no escape, but existence is what one makes of it. |
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| Tom Petty – Free Fallin' Lyrics | 18 years ago |
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This songs seems to have different levels. On a surface level (the first non-chorus stanza), it's about a man parting with someone he cares about-- probably a lover. However, the second, third, and fourth non-chorus stanzas seem to hint at another level. The exact meaning is, like that of any subjective work, up for interpretation within the surface boundaries. In my opinion, this "other level" is about the sacrifices people must often make which end up greatly damaging those around them, especially those who are important to them. She's a good girl, loves her mama Loves Jesus and America, too She's a good girl, crazy 'bout Elvis Loves horses and her boyfriend, too In this case, the song seems to about a small town girl that narrator (Tom Petty, perhaps indirectly) cares for. It's a long day livin' in Reseda There's a freeway runnin' through the yard And I'm a bad boy, 'cause I don't even miss her I'm a bad boy for breakin' her heart He realizes the great life he could have with her; however, he also realizes that his own dreams and potentials would be unfinished. Thus, he is forced to part with her-- he chooses himself over her, and though he does not regret his decision because he realizes he made the right choice, his tone suggests that he feels guilty that she had to suffer for it. All the vampires walkin' through the valley Move west down Ventura Blvd. And all the bad boys are standing in the shadows And the good girls are home with broken hearts He makes it clear that his goal was not to break her heart because he didn't care about her, as is many people do to one another. I wanna glide down over Mulholland I wanna write her name in the sky I wanna free fall out into nothin' Gonna leave this world for awhile In his concluding stanza, he basically states that he's going to make up for everything that hurt her once he does fulfill his own dreams, so though he puts himself first, she still means a great deal to him. In this context, the chorus: "Free Fallin'" acts as the tie together for the entire song (as a chorus should) and seems to imply doing what is natural to a person's character rather than what will appease others, even if it means harming others-- even others that are very important to that person. |
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