This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
they never tell you truth is subjective
they only tell you not to lie
they never tell you there's strength in vulnerability
they only tell you not to cry
but I've been living underground
sleeping on the way
and finding something else to say
is like walking on the freeway
they never tell you you don't need to be ashamed
they only tell you to deny
so is it true that only good girls go to heaven?
they only sell you what you buy
and I've been living underground
sleeping on the way
and finding something else to say
is like walking on the freeway
I've been living underground
trying not to burn
and finding something else to learn
at hollywood and western
they only tell you not to lie
they never tell you there's strength in vulnerability
they only tell you not to cry
but I've been living underground
sleeping on the way
and finding something else to say
is like walking on the freeway
they never tell you you don't need to be ashamed
they only tell you to deny
so is it true that only good girls go to heaven?
they only sell you what you buy
and I've been living underground
sleeping on the way
and finding something else to say
is like walking on the freeway
I've been living underground
trying not to burn
and finding something else to learn
at hollywood and western
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I never thought of it that way...but I can see it. What it seems to be about to me though, is someone trying to stay strong and carry on through life's hardships. They seem to be doing it, and aren't losing hope yet, but deep down (underground) is all the turmoil...guilt about feeling weak when on the outside they have to show strength...sleeping on the way...on auto pilot on the outside, not being able to show how they feel, knowing that no one is really interested in seeing your true emotions. Walking on the freeway...I'm not sure...but I've done it a couple of times and it's lonely...even though all these cars are streaming past you...
I love it on scrubs S05E21 - My Fallen Idol
The first line - truth is subjective but they tell you don't lie. I think he's talking about truth as in meaning (basically what the song is about searching for meaning in life). Lying implies another interpretation of truth as in making something up as opposed to saying what actually happened.
The line afraid is supposed to be ashamed. I think he's talking about girl's tendency to paint themselves as not sluts because of societal expectations.
Finding something to say he's searching for meaning but he's not finding it just walking on freeway (metaphor).
Great acoustic guitar solo love it when they play the melody. I guess I'm old.
Underground is implying societal expectations perhaps. Or counterculture psycadelic drugs, dropping acid and thinking you are meditating and on to something.
Trying not to burn the word is slang for smoking marijuana. I interpret it as meaning crash like crash and burn.
Gary lives in California and the ending makes me think the lyrics are personal for him.
Changed the lyrics :)
Beautiful song. I don't think it was intended, but I think many of the lines can be applied to a person struggling with their sexuality.
I gave you -1 because I thought you were saying it was intended. I'll read before doing that again my bad.