| The New Pornographers – Adventures in Solitude Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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I agree, depression and psychic damage is a major theme throughout NP's lyrics. My sense here is this relates to post traumatic stress disorder, perhaps literally an old soldier's (old scarred face) struggle with PTSD. "The best of the vanished marvels have gathered inside your door" - literally, a marvel comics reference used to develop the character; childhood identification with superheros that lead to ideation of a soldier's adventure in real life combat and the consequence of "neverending" wounds. The gathering of vanished marvel comic books reflecting the wounded warrior's ("balancing on one wounded wing") seclusion and regression to the safety of childhood innocence before the memories. "More than begin But less than forget But spirits born From the not happened yet Gathering there To pay off a debt brought back from the wars" Can't re-enter the world, can't overcome the memories, "Spirits born (delusions) from the not happened yet", delusions "gathering" like the marvel comics, "to pay off a debt" of survivor's guilt, and inability to reconcile civil life with the actions committed in the hell of war. Going from the adventures of war to the adventures in solitude. "We thought we lost you We thought we lost you We thought we lost you Welcome back" The narrator gives solace knowing he wants to run from one more panic attack, perhaps horrific memories that bring periods of catatonia or major depression and seclusion. The narrator knows he needs to fight the withdrawal, to "breathe through, come back, come too" |
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| The New Pornographers – Chump Change Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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I love The New Pornographers, and agree it's a desert, a ruins, the music business is dead, but all the whining, while I sympathize, get's a bit old. I think Chump Change reflects some angst between band mates. "There's a plague on, there's a rat-tailed ensemble burying all of our hits in the sand. The saints in the desert use their heads." So, they're Saint John wandering the desert that's the music business - don't wig out. Carl whines a lot, obviously Dan does too, and with a lesbian rage, and yes it's unfair. But guys, we're all getting fucked with the exception of the bankers riding the gravy train at Goldman or JPMorgan; although perhaps that wasn't quite clear when Electric Version was produced. |
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| The New Pornographers – Valkyrie in the Roller Disco Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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This song is an anti-suicide anthem. The band is supporting the song's association with thenewgay.net as an anthem against gay suicide. Perhaps it was written with that intention; it could have been equally written as an appeal to a friend or a bullied kid contemplating suicide. Valentine was a name given to 1st century Christian martyrs. The later meaning associated with Saint Valentine's Day is adjoined presenting a picture of dying for love or heartbreak. The narration is a pleading to Valentine live and live fully ("Come on, be the One" - be who you're meant to be) as well as a reprimand to the Valkyrie not to return to Valhalla with Valentine's soul, as the Valkyrie determines who is to die on the battlefield. Valentine is depicted as someone with self doubt who doesn't see him/herself as the goldmine they are. The lyrics "Do your worst, worst, worst; And what's worst, worst, worst; There's no words, words, words" rings of outrage at the bully or societal rejection or perhaps Valentine's inner demon. The roller disco is a symbol of the freeing of one's spirit, of not giving in to the darkness. Beautiful song |
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