| Liz Phair – Table for One Lyrics | 12 years ago |
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People - get out of the line of thinking that assumes everything an artist writes is autobiographical. The speaker of this song is clearly not Phair herself. For evidence, see the line, I want to live that life When I could say people had faith in me I still see that guy in my memory Clearly, the lyrics are self-referntial. The speaker is a character Phair has created. And I think it's purposefully non-specific. But that doesn't make it *about* her. |
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| Imogen Heap – Half Life Lyrics | 12 years ago |
| What strikes me most about this song is the juxtaposition between the rather sweet and somber melody with the enraged sounding lyrics of this song. I think the speaker is much more bitter than the song lets on - which in some ways reflects the tension the person feels when they know they're not someone else's priority but still feels attracted to them. | |
| The Decemberists – Dear Avery Lyrics | 12 years ago |
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I started listening to this song intently after one of my students died. There's a sense of desperation from the point of view of someone left behind - whether it's directed toward someone who has died, someone who is gone far away, or just someone who is otherwise out of reach from the person who feels responsible for their well being. It's paternalistic, but not only so. It's also platonic and unromantic - that made it very comforting for me when I was grieving. |
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| Alanis Morissette – Havoc Lyrics | 12 years ago |
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The melody of this song reminds me so much of Alanis' song "Not All Me" off her album _So-Called Chaos_. Maybe it would make an interesting mashup? Anyway, the lyrics posted above are SO WRONG! Here are the correct lyrics: Just when I thought I had handles on this I could soften my guard behind false confidence Just when I found humble pie insipid exempt from this blind side and firmly in its grip 'Cause I'm seduced by reaction and under the influence I'm slipping again I'm up to old tricks, off my wagon I have no defense I wreaking havoc Wreaking havoc and consequence I get reduced by my own wilfullness as I reach for my usual god replacements 'Cause I am rich with sanction, and lax in my steps I'm slipping again I'm up to old tricks, off my wagon I have no defense I wreaking havoc Wreaking havoc and consequence If forgiveness is understanding then I offer mea culpa for the millionth time From this toppling house of cards of mine I am beaten by me impulsiveness This uncanny foreshadowing of regret 'Cause I'm repulsed by restriction, at least that's my excuse I'm slipping again I'm up to old tricks, off my wagon I have no defense I wreaking havoc Wreaking havoc and consequence I'm slipping again I'm up to old tricks, off my wagon I have no defense I wreaking havoc Wreaking havoc and consequence |
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| Rachael Yamagata – Elephants Lyrics | 13 years ago |
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"If the elephants have past lives but are destined to always remember" - I think she's being more literal here - the "past lives" of elephants, I think, refers to the frequency with which elephants appear in eastern religious iconography - specifically Hinduism. Hinduism connotes reincarnation, hence the elephants' past lives. "are destined to always remember" refers to the high functioning cognitive activity commonly attributed to elephants - particularly, elephants are incredibly intelligent animals that maintain high functioning long-term memory. So, the combination of the past lives and remembering those past lives - and all that our "past lives" entails (mistakes, regrets, wrongdoings, sins, etc.) - is a maddening combination. So it really is no wonder why the elephants scream - our own remembrances of relationships past and our own guilt or regrets is an equally maddening mixture of memories. I also love the line, "If you have to take sides with the animals, won't you do it with one who is kind." To me, she's referring back to the dual motives of the tiger - to both protect themselves AND to perpetrate, to prey on others. They operate to care only for their own and pursue others weaker than themselves - a very unkind animal indeed. |
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