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.
Here I stand, helpless and left for dead
Close your eyes, so many days go by
Easy to find what's wrong
Harder to find what's right
I believe in you, I can show you that
I can see right through all your empty lies
I won't stay long, in this world so wrong
Say goodbye, as we dance with the devil tonight
Don't you dare look at him in the eye
As we dance with the devil tonight
Trembling, crawling across my skin
Feeling your cold dead eyes
Stealing the life of mine
I believe in you, I can show you that
I can see right through all your empty lies
I won't last long, in this world so wrong
Say goodbye, as we dance with the devil tonight
Don't you dare look at him in the eye
As we dance with the devil tonight
Hold on, hold on
Say goodbye, as we dance with the devil tonight
Don't you dare look at him in the eye
As we dance with the devil tonight
Hold on, hold on
Goodbye
Close your eyes, so many days go by
Easy to find what's wrong
Harder to find what's right
I believe in you, I can show you that
I can see right through all your empty lies
I won't stay long, in this world so wrong
Say goodbye, as we dance with the devil tonight
Don't you dare look at him in the eye
As we dance with the devil tonight
Trembling, crawling across my skin
Feeling your cold dead eyes
Stealing the life of mine
I believe in you, I can show you that
I can see right through all your empty lies
I won't last long, in this world so wrong
Say goodbye, as we dance with the devil tonight
Don't you dare look at him in the eye
As we dance with the devil tonight
Hold on, hold on
Say goodbye, as we dance with the devil tonight
Don't you dare look at him in the eye
As we dance with the devil tonight
Hold on, hold on
Goodbye
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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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it almost sounds like a cheating couple, because ben can't stand the touch of the person, or their stare. "dance with the devil" could be taken as cheating with another, whether it just be dating or doing the dirty deed. either way, the song is amazing!