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The Pressman Lyrics
By the light of the lamp I sit to type
my notes on tab at my side.
I don't see the sun much these days,
a fluorescent tan covers my hide.
How much impact shall I have this time?
My goal today is to reach the deadline.
I write between the lines. I deal with
fantasy.
I report the facts. Give them to me,
please.
Ham and egg salad on white bread...
keeps me company on nights like this.
A pack of mentholated cigarettes....
keeps my air nice and thick.
When I write, words flow like coins from a
candy box.
Get out of my way. I've got something to
say!
The pulse is beating louder now.
The cramps in my hands grow more intense
with each tik, tik, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap
on the keys.
My social life is at an end so it seems to
be.
Why don't I trample on your lawn today?
I'll take skies of blue, turn over old skies of
grey.
I write between the lines. I deal with
fantasy.
I am the pressman. Acknowledge me!
Mother always told me never stray too far
from home.
The little lady said,
"Boy, you'll never have to be alone,
because..."
You build with fountain pen.
You create the memory stain
You are the pressman.
Stand up straight, boy.
my notes on tab at my side.
I don't see the sun much these days,
a fluorescent tan covers my hide.
How much impact shall I have this time?
My goal today is to reach the deadline.
I write between the lines. I deal with
fantasy.
I report the facts. Give them to me,
please.
Ham and egg salad on white bread...
keeps me company on nights like this.
A pack of mentholated cigarettes....
keeps my air nice and thick.
When I write, words flow like coins from a
candy box.
Get out of my way. I've got something to
say!
The pulse is beating louder now.
The cramps in my hands grow more intense
with each tik, tik, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap
on the keys.
My social life is at an end so it seems to
be.
Why don't I trample on your lawn today?
I'll take skies of blue, turn over old skies of
grey.
I write between the lines. I deal with
fantasy.
I am the pressman. Acknowledge me!
Mother always told me never stray too far
from home.
The little lady said,
"Boy, you'll never have to be alone,
because..."
You build with fountain pen.
You create the memory stain
You are the pressman.
Stand up straight, boy.
Add your song meanings, interpretations, facts, memories & more to the community.
It’s crazy that he wrote this back in 89 when it’s so incredibly similar to the ways of press 30 years later in 2019. “Writing between the lines” & “deal with fantasy” should not be something the press does. It’s facts. Plain and simple like Walter Cronkite delivered but because this particular character is so lonely and envious of others he is transforming facts to skies of gray, imploring through his hypocritical low rent words to be the hero and victor. Such a great song and very much ahead of its time
I Fucking love these lyrics.
Its like the Pressman is begrudged and society rejects him, but he sees it as natural and purposeful, so its hardly personal.
He will gladly embrace if it means he can continue to refine his craft until it is streamlined, and he eventually gets so strong that he is able to write and rewrite reality, like he is creating the Universe.
I love these lyrics. One of my favorite songs ever.
[Edit: Had to finish my thought]
Is this song about the pressmen and their "opinions"? Maybe even about their attitudes... It must be, it is quite obvious...
Like many, many Primus songs, this one tells a story. This is a "pressman", or reporter who is going nowhere-- he has implanted himself into whatever story he's writing and becomes isolated. In the song it's basically the pressman's heart pouring out to meet expectations. The version of this on SUCK ON THIS is way more kickass than the PORK SODA version.
Basically they have put work before their friends, stays inside all the time "My social life is at an end" i think his mother is encouraging him to do this? the last verse
I think there's a kinda workman like song on each album, about toiling away at something usually for worst, with a plodding bass riff. Maybe just the 1st 3 studio albums like the fisherman chronicles - Groundhog's day and Those Damned Blue Collar Tweekers
I guess it's also about total devotion to a job that detracts from every other aspect of their life, stopping the person/pressman from really enjoying it.
I absolutely agree. Now that he has discovered what it takes to be an artist, he has to give up all the social paradising he ever could of had in his early life and more even now with a family. Possibly even warning some soon to be artists that is what happens when you are an artist. He's definitive of his accomplishments that he even states why dont I just trample of your lawn today. I'll take skies of blue, turn over old skies of grey has a sheer terror probably means you could see his wacked attitude because...
I absolutely agree. Now that he has discovered what it takes to be an artist, he has to give up all the social paradising he ever could of had in his early life and more even now with a family. Possibly even warning some soon to be artists that is what happens when you are an artist. He's definitive of his accomplishments that he even states why dont I just trample of your lawn today. I'll take skies of blue, turn over old skies of grey has a sheer terror probably means you could see his wacked attitude because of fun doings he could do and you would even see it in the sky. Les is truly an artist. One of many, though he has a rather unique voice that is shy like almost nasaly with squickly vocals. The combination of the different collective styles of influenced musicians to jazzy fun of Stanley Clarke and Pink Floyd influenced songs on their album Anti-Pop really makes Primus suck (Joke! Joke!) They are a few hard earned and by the way randmon like general Pop that makes Les Claypools side projects hardly random anymore. The bassy bass lines which has a corky feel of Primus and Claypool himself, I cannot fathom how the phrase Primus sucks could even begin. (Drugs perphaps?) This band is one of so many of Sir Les projects. I hope he begins a good adventure around with fans!
Its about how the Press says whatever they want you to hear, and they expect you to listen, " I am the Pressman, Acknowledge me"
and they amnipulate the facts to get your attention.. It happens everywhere.
and they amnipulate the facts to get your attention.. It happens everywhere.