submissions
| The Decemberists – Down by the Water Lyrics
| 14 years ago
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This song seems to be about someone pressuring a woman sexually, possibly raping her. It is told from the perspective of the perpetrator, who feels guilty about the incident. This interpretation explains the tactile imagery ("the season rubs me wrong," and especially "feeling round with fingers to get in between.") "I would bear it all broken just to fill my cup," means he would commit such a disgusting act just to satisfy his physical desire. The correction I added, (which I found on elyrics.net) adds significantly to this interpretation. "Lash-flashing" is clearly description of an alluring woman, and "Leda" was "a queen of Sparta who was raped by Zeus who had taken the form of a swan; Helen of Troy was conceived in the rape of Leda." (wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn.) This is not the only Decemberists song that includes references to rape (See "Odalisque," "The Island.") |
submissions
| Tool – Rosetta Stoned Lyrics
| 18 years ago
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Yes, I think a heavy dose of humor, ridiculing every misinformed burned out druggie who thinks they know the answer to the worlds problems after they trip.
Also, more seriously, a look at the consequences of using psychedelics incorrectly, or with the wrong intentions. Maynard, of all people, knows how powerful these drugs can be, and has stated in interviews that ideally, after one receives a genuine "religious" or "spiritual" experience with a psychedelic, he should then work at achieving such a state without the use of drugs.
So overall, both a laugh at confused burnouts and a warning that, while psychedelics can provide intense, positive, life changing experiences, they can have severe consequences when abused. |
submissions
| Tool – Jambi Lyrics
| 18 years ago
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Based on what I've read & know of Tool, I am sure that "Jambi" is in reference to the genie on PeeWee's playhouse. My guess would be that the song is in fact about his relationship to his son, and not wanting his fame or reputation get in the way of being a father. I doubt that the seemingly biblical references in this song are meant to be taken literally. I know maynard is very interested in many new age, metaphysical, psychedelic kinds of things and I do not believe he has now renounced these beliefs and/or practices as being "the dark side" he fell in love with. This dark side is probably more along the lines of anything from hard drug abuse, pretentiousness, being cruel or unfair to those he cared about, or anything he felt was a negative consequence of his stardom. And whatever possitive effects have come of it (I know he recognizes there are some) he would give up in an instant if he thought it would somehow harm his son. |
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