| Death Cab for Cutie – Transatlanticism Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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when i first heard this song, the subject matter was ironic to me; i was in the process of getting too close to a friend about to move to london for six months. we both knew we would have to strike the advance, lest we get more attached to one another. in a way, i felt that the opening line described it all -- i felt that before she moved there, i never gave thought to the ocean being such a vast expanse between myself and another part of the world. i took for granted the fact that there was more. if was truely as if the ocean had suddenly sprung out of nowhere. it was very upsetting because she was like a muse to me, inspirational; and i did need her closer. but stepping outside of that scenario, and attempting a more objective approach to the song, i felt that it was something completely different. i believe the ocean he speaks of is metaphorical, and the chronology of the song expands a much greater frame than the instant that it would seem. the first hint being the mention of the perforated sphere - the earth. perforated because there are so many gaps and holes between people living in different parts of the world. they are all isolated from one another, as if living on islands that shouldn't exist. at first people would be happy to live in their own lands, with their own cultures. they would feel free to live their lives the way that they choose: simple or fast-paced, isolated or closely-knit. but as a moat, the separation is keeping the rest of the world out, as a defense. he believes that attempts to extend friendship, or cross flooded lands, are becoming too difficult; that he as a solitary person, rowing his boat, cannot span that chasm. a part of me still believes that there is something more personal to the song, from the obvious "i need you so much closer..." but it is potentially a call to 'you' as in general. thoughts? |
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| Death Cab for Cutie – A Lack of Color Lyrics | 20 years ago |
| Yes, Alsatian, excellent deconstruction. | |
| The Postal Service – Nothing Better Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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i can't believe no one metioned the fact that this song is not autobiographical. it's based on the song "don't you want me" by the human league. so says the postal service website. you know it's great that everyone can relate to the lyrics of certain songs, adding their emo-trauma to the plot -- this is why people have favorite bands. but most of you are missing the point here. i think the title of the website is "songmeanings," not "songreviews," or "songsthatmakememoreindiethanyou," or even "songswhosepopularitywequestion." i think people come to this site looking for deconstruction of lyrics, in an attempt to further understand songs that they already like. it would be difficult to find music on here that you want to listen to based on lyrics alone. for a good example of what you are supposed to be doing here, see my statements made about "here i dreamt i was an architect," by the decemberists. THEN listen to the song. |
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| The Decemberists – Here I Dreamt I Was an Architect Lyrics | 20 years ago |
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[the deconstruction... the subject seems to be describing relationships in three separate instances. the third appears to be the subject's final, though it would seem the other two did not last. birkenau, a satellite concentration camp of auschwitz, was certainly not a place of indolence. this would make the subject a soldier of the german army during wwii, the heer. the polish town of brzezinka was annexed for the purpose of building the camp (birkenau = german pronunciation of brzezinka), though the town was once one of festivals, joyful living, and I'm sure -- indolence. perhaps the barkers are the remaining celebrators, after the moon has gone down, likely to be boisterous. here the subject feels obligated to serve in the war, that he would do anything to be with his love interest except put aside his duties as a soldier. i presume the subject was indeed dreaming, and perhaps questioning his actions in reflection of why his relationship failed. here he was ever-so-close, with just the chasm of duty keeping him from happiness. the subject was selfish in this instance. then again, what love isn't selfish? a balustrade is more commonly referred to as the structure composed of handrails and pickets, which accompany stairs for stability (called banisters, usually). in a more general sense, a balustrade is any structure made from vertical supports or pillars, across the tops of which is a conjoining rail. the balustrade being referred to here is as a balcony with a parapet. much like one might picture on a sizeable mansion, attached to a bedroom antechamber. the subject here, too, is dreaming, but in a different sense. the dreaming here is that of overconfidence, where he believes he is something greater than he truly is. his believes his skills as a lover are unparalleled, though try as he may to build a relationship (an open one, at that), it eventually collapsed -- nothing meshed properly. the subject believed he was creating a construct to keep them together, but in its collapse they realize that they are able to rejoice in their freedom from one another. in this instance, the subject was overprotective. the subject dreams of his future: himself in spain, presumably ready to die, recounting his many encounters with women throughout his years. by his marionettes, i assume he is referring to the women he remembers as puppets, manipulated by his tender hand, whose memories will be buried along with him. returning to reality, it seems that he is explaining his dreams to the girlfriend. i believe that he and his girlfriend are running away as vagabonds because they have been scorned by elders. she may be with child, in which case, he is referring to her sarcastically as being soiled. or they are running as criminals, where she is soiled for becoming involved. her hands are dirty. despite her young age, her experience may have put her in a condition of elevated responsibility, having to grow older sooner than necessary. this may be where her furrows come from, an allusion to the wrinkles of old age. perhaps she is wise. regardless, their situation is not so severe; they are living as close to death as driving without seatbelts. or it this a touch of irony? |
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