Casual Conversations

Song MeaningI love this song. Once again from Supertramp we have desperate lyrics shrouded in a positive-sounding tune. So beautiful, so relaxing, but saddening too. The essence of Breakfast in America.

I heard that this is Rick Davies singing about Hodgson, and the growing space between them in a band relationship sense, but also musically. The situation of Supertramp was not good in terms of Rick and Roger's friendship. This verse sums it up completely:

'There's no communication left between us
But is it me or you who's to blame
There's nothing I can do, yes you're fading out of view
Don't know if I feel joy or pain'

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General CommentA song about a falling relationship, one that could be related to a situation in this very band. Whether it's love or friendship, this song clearly explains that a lack of contact between the parties is most likely going to end up in the two splitting.

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My InterpretationDeep down in the mix of "So long, Frank Lloyd Wright", Paul Simon buried a message to Art Garfunkel: "So long already, Artie!" (you can hear it at 2:56 in the song).

It was a troubling message, since the duo went through rough times that would end up in their splitting. According to Paul, Art did not demonstrate the same commitment to working together as he did. According to Art, Paul dominated their partnership by his songwriting and studio perfectionism, leaving Art barely room to develop his own artistry. The end of their partnership was unavoidable (as that of John and the other Paul had been).

Supertramp's "Casual conversations" is an even less thinly veiled complaint about the troubles of a songwriting, or better lp-writing, partnership. There is not even a clue that the song is about something else, about a love affair for instance. Every line in the song can be understood to be about Rick and Roger. Or, to be more precise: about Rick's attitude to Roger's arrogant attitude toward Rick. Or, to be even more precise: about Rick's sad attitude toward Roger's arrogant attitude and lack of friendship.

For a long time, I thought the song was about the ending of a love affair between Rick and one of his girlfriends. In spite of the sad content, I thought it was a very good song, and have loved it for this reason.

I think I know better now, and that it would demonstrate a total lack of understanding about what was going on in the band during the recording of 'Breakfast in America' to deny that the song is about Rick and Roger. It makes me appreciate the song even more, and saddens me at the same time.

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