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Elliott Smith – Suicide Machine Lyrics 17 years ago
I agree totally with your assessment. Well said. And this is an amazing song.

I never knew of Elliott until after his death. For me, it's almost as if he is still living. I miss him.

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Elliott Smith – Happiness/The Gondola Man Lyrics 17 years ago
I think many of these explanations are pretty simplistic. I mean it makes sense of course to associate this with suicide in some way, but I think Elliott's music and words were multi-layered.

You can't gloss over the potential meaning of this...

he made his life a lie
so he might never have to know anyone
made his life the lie you know
i told him he shouldn't upset her
and that he'd only be making it worse
involving somebody else

To me, that is so classic of someone with problems, emotional or otherwise. Making your life a lie... acting like nothing is wrong... so you never have to let anyone in... not telling your girl or a loved one cos you think it would create a problem bringing someone else into your mess or your pain...

while her memory worked in reverse
to keep her safe from herself
and oh my, nothing else could've been done
she made her life a lie
so she might never have to know anyone

And then that person who is worried about you... her memory works in reverse, she remembers how things were or how you were... and attempts to go on like nothing is wrong, ignoring things and she becomes just like you in many ways...

All they both want is to be happy... what is that? and whatever it is, is it even possible to do it without transcending your demons?

*Sorry to post twice, but i messed up on page one, did not mean to 'reply' to the poster there.

submissions
Elliott Smith – Happiness/The Gondola Man Lyrics 17 years ago
I think many of these explanations are pretty simplistic. I mean it makes sense of course to associate this with suicide in some way, but I think Elliott's music and words were multi-layered.

You can't gloss over the potential meaning of this...

he made his life a lie
so he might never have to know anyone
made his life the lie you know
i told him he shouldn't upset her
and that he'd only be making it worse
involving somebody else

To me, that is so classic of someone with problems, emotional or otherwise. Making your life a lie... acting like nothing is wrong... so you never have to let anyone in... not telling your girl or a loved one cos you think it would create a problem bringing someone else into your mess or your pain...

while her memory worked in reverse
to keep her safe from herself
and oh my, nothing else could've been done
she made her life a lie
so she might never have to know anyone

And then that person who is worried about you... her memory works in reverse, she remembers how things were or how you were... and attempts to go on like nothing is wrong, ignoring things and she becomes just like you in many ways...

All they both want is to be happy... what is that? and whatever it is, is it even possible to do it without transcending your demons?



submissions
Elliott Smith – A Distorted Reality Is Now a Necessity to Be Free Lyrics 17 years ago
Elliott always looked out for and cared deeply about those who were being wronged in any sense. I think, in part, this song lashes out at those who take advantage of others.

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