submissions

Okkervil River – A Girl In Port Lyrics

14 years ago

I don't think the point is sex, though it's there. The song is about empathy (as opposed to sex for the sport) and the speaker's relationships with three women. The speaker's been "at sea" for so long that he fills the void in his own life with the lives of others, whom he would help if he could but who may be beyond his help (Marie doesn't know who she wants to be; Cindy may be a junkie, with veins worn thin from repeated use, though of course the sleeve may also be a record sleeve). He's a good listener and is easily moved by what he hears. Being at sea/on tour probably keeps him from getting anything more than these little glimpses into people.

submissions

Okkervil River – Red Lyrics

14 years ago

the speaker in the song knows both the mother and the daughter (who may be the dancer, though that would involve switching from "you" to "she"). I don't see why "not yet" would be depressing--it implies that there's still hope for the relationship even though the daughter was taken away by family services and even though both appear to be struggling with addictions. The daughter still remembers the mother's touch, thus it isn't too late.

submissions

Modest Mouse – Exit Does Not Exist Lyrics	14 years ago
I always heard it as him looking at a photograph of himself and a loved one who died (= does not exist). take an exit is him trying to will his brain away from it even though he's shaking.

submissions

Townes Van Zandt – Kathleen Lyrics

14 years ago

well townes had a heroin habit at times, especially in certain Texan cities. I think Kathleen either dealt or had enough to share. he's not in the mood for sunshine, feels like he could die, he has to stop the pain. crystals (powder) across the sand, waves (of relief from the drug) are coming when he sees his sweet Kathleen. that's how I impose sense on this one, not that all of his songs make that kind of sense.

submissions

Bonnie 'Prince' Billy – The Seedling Lyrics	14 years ago
well I think the seedling is his inner child. look at the language he uses--the child is starting to dominate. the "red fur", I think, is his public hair. the speaker is in a sexual relationship. the third verse is harder to penetrate. maybe it speaks to the seedling's fears?

submissions

Iron & Wine – Cinder and Smoke Lyrics

16 years ago

The mother is drunk & her clothes are being dragged through the mud. The father clings to an unexplained photograph. The speaker loves the subject, promises to give as much as he gets. I think the song is about leaving the family and the damage it has done to you behind--the loyal part of her wants the rain to cool the flames and restore order, but the other part of her wants it razed to the ground. The oddest line is the juniper bending "as if you were listening" (which subverts the expected "the juniper bends as if it were listening"). Maybe the girl is the juniper, where the snake/father hid?? It could be about incest. Or not.

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