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.
Desire turns on
Too late to turn around
This graph we plot
Each point higher
The diagram of what we've got
The hysteresis curve we plot
The healthy future, perfect past
We're catching up, we're gaining fast
Legend or war wound
He's bought drinks, it slows him down
Red lines, sharp nails
There's no pain but cleartrails
Gather wood, prepare for burning
Leaving fast but soon returning
Bored as Christ with endless crosses
Close the vote and count the losses
This is the face that we show the world
This is the face that we show the world
This is the face that we show the world
This is the face that we show the world
This is the face that we show the world
This is the face that we show the world
Hawser, tendons
Hot skin, the bones bend
Ready all over
Here comes the moment
Fighting debts and obligations
Hands on deck, all crew to stations
Paradigm and observations
History is in the making
This is the face that we show the world
This is the face that we show the world
This is the face that we show the world
This is the face that we show the world
This is the face that we show the world
This is the face that we show the world
Looking up and running round
We're twitching at the slightest sound
Things that spent some time within
Are crawling now upon the skin
The light will in, the truth will out
This is no time for fear and doubt
A healthy future, perfect past
We're catching up, we're gaining fast
Too late to turn around
This graph we plot
Each point higher
The diagram of what we've got
The hysteresis curve we plot
The healthy future, perfect past
We're catching up, we're gaining fast
Legend or war wound
He's bought drinks, it slows him down
Red lines, sharp nails
There's no pain but cleartrails
Gather wood, prepare for burning
Leaving fast but soon returning
Bored as Christ with endless crosses
Close the vote and count the losses
This is the face that we show the world
This is the face that we show the world
This is the face that we show the world
This is the face that we show the world
This is the face that we show the world
This is the face that we show the world
Hawser, tendons
Hot skin, the bones bend
Ready all over
Here comes the moment
Fighting debts and obligations
Hands on deck, all crew to stations
Paradigm and observations
History is in the making
This is the face that we show the world
This is the face that we show the world
This is the face that we show the world
This is the face that we show the world
This is the face that we show the world
This is the face that we show the world
Looking up and running round
We're twitching at the slightest sound
Things that spent some time within
Are crawling now upon the skin
The light will in, the truth will out
This is no time for fear and doubt
A healthy future, perfect past
We're catching up, we're gaining fast
Lyrics submitted by Major Valor
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Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
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Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
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,
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
"This is the face that we show the world This is the face that we show the world This is the face that we show the world This is the face that we show the world This is the face that we show the world This is the face that we show the world"
Fucking great song - my favourite from Shriekback's catalogue.