submissions

Lucius – Turn It Around Lyrics

12 years ago

The video for this song is thought provoking. Does the meaning of the video correspond exactly to the song? I don't know. But it shows an attractive brunette idolizing a famous blonde whose persona is manufactured behind the scenes. The brunette's attempt to emulate backfires because her friends know she isn't being genuine. Meanwhile, the famous blonde's effort to appeal to fame similarly backfires, and in the end they have the same fate. So, is the TV in the video a metaphor for the telescope that needs turning around? Is it saying that believing what you see of stars on TV can distort one's perception of reality like a telescope can if you look through the wrong end, because in either case, you aren't seeing the whole picture? I am not sure if this is what the song is trying to say to, but in either case, I think its an excellent commentary on self-image.

submissions

Bright Eyes – Coyote Song Lyrics

12 years ago

As a Mormon, I was interested in the lyric about Joseph Smith. I did missionary work in Guatemala and met many people there who had spouses working across the U.S. border, whom they had not seen in many years. Now I live in Arizona, where I see the other side of that difficult situation, and my heart goes out to those people struggling to make their ends meet. The Joseph Smith reference seems a bit random, and I am not sure what is intended by it, but I'll give it a shot. I think it's a contrast of cultures via religious imagery. Catholic beliefs and practices are strong south of the border, going back many generations. This is represented by the plaster Guadalupe reference. The LDS Christian (Mormon) belief that Joseph Smith saw Jesus in America in 1820 New York presents a religious idea that is perhaps foreign, new, big, and inherently very 'American' in an independent sense. Therefore, one coming from south of the border might see it as something they do not relate to, and have no particular concern for. Maybe, who knows? In any case, from what I have heard of Bright Eyes and Monsters of Folk, Conor appears to have a respectable grasp of theology.

submissions

Grizzly Bear – Half Gate Lyrics

13 years ago

The common thread of the 10 songs on this album seems to be the self-inflicted barriers that exist between two people; fears, anxieties, defense-mechanisms, 'it's not you it's me', etc. Hence the title 'Shields'. As usual, the lyrics are not obvious, and just out of reach of direct interpretation. The title 'Half-gate' implies letting someone in to you, but only half-way. You appear open on the outside, but on the inside something holds you back. Maybe. One thing I'm sure about is that the line 'Honestly its fine' has never sounded so beautiful, yet unconvincing!

submissions

Lower Dens – Brains Lyrics

13 years ago

This song is genius; I love the buildup. I've been trying to figure out the lyrics since I first heard it. Are these lyrics from the liner notes, i.e. 'official'? Because the part in the middle seems impossible to discern entirely. Also, I hear 'While you're dreaming' rather than 'breathing' in the first/last verse...I think that fits into the context of the other lyrics better. I have wondered if this song is about what goes on in your brain while you are sleeping/dreaming, and maybe the middle part is a description of a particular dream. But all just guesses. Again, possibly the best song of 2012 so far.

submissions

Grant Lee Buffalo – Demon Called Deception Lyrics

13 years ago

Excellent song, with a lot of truth to it. Deception is truly a demon, it can tear you apart if you are ignorant of it. I've never seen it worse than with a family member's struggle with drug addiction. No grip on reality whatsoever. I didn't know about the Johnny Cash inspiration, but it makes a lot of sense. As a side note, Wormwood is the devil apprentice in 'The Screwtape Letters' by CS Lewis, a book with a similar satirical tone.

submissions

Yo La Tengo – Damage Lyrics

15 years ago

This song is done so well, I think anyone can relate to it even if they have never experienced it. It paints a very vivid image for so few words. And it captures that empty feeling of not having much to do on the weekend after a breakup, and the awkwardness of running into someone you once dated in another social situation. As someone else commented, it does this with the music as well as the lyrics.

submissions

Eef Barzelay – The Girls Don't Care Lyrics

16 years ago

I think this song is genius! It seems to me to be some compilation of advice for writing music, things that listeners want to hear. But that's not really what the song is about...it's all a metaphor for pursuing a relationship, and how that process is similar to the process of writing a song. I suppose a songwriter can fall into the trap of trying to draw too much from their influences and over-complicate an otherwise simple song with a good melody. The basic message in the chorus is 'Don't over-do it' in your efforts to pursue the girl, and don't try to be someone else - because they just want a sweet melody.

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