I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
I try to be a good man, Lord I know I should
I'd walk upright and sleep at night if only I could
If I only could
I work hard for that money, my debts should have been paid
If it weren't for that devil card I know I'd have it made
I know I'd have it made
Damn that old queen of spades (3x)
She done beat me again (4x)
My game is always on the run, a home I will not find
It don't matter where I run, she's always right behind
You're always right behind
I try to be a good man, Lord I know I should
I'd walk upright and sleep at night if I only could
If I only could
Damn that old queen of spades (3x)
She done beat me again (4x)
Damn that old queen of spades, she's got ice in her veins
She don't want your money, man, she'll take your soul in chains
She'll take your soul in chains
I tried to be a good man when I was a boy
That devil bitch done come along, and now I'm just her toy
Now I'm just her toy
Damn that old queen of spades (3x)
She done beat me again (4x)
I'd walk upright and sleep at night if only I could
If I only could
I work hard for that money, my debts should have been paid
If it weren't for that devil card I know I'd have it made
I know I'd have it made
Damn that old queen of spades (3x)
She done beat me again (4x)
My game is always on the run, a home I will not find
It don't matter where I run, she's always right behind
You're always right behind
I try to be a good man, Lord I know I should
I'd walk upright and sleep at night if I only could
If I only could
Damn that old queen of spades (3x)
She done beat me again (4x)
Damn that old queen of spades, she's got ice in her veins
She don't want your money, man, she'll take your soul in chains
She'll take your soul in chains
I tried to be a good man when I was a boy
That devil bitch done come along, and now I'm just her toy
Now I'm just her toy
Damn that old queen of spades (3x)
She done beat me again (4x)
Lyrics submitted by MyPrivilege
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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,
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