The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Hold on tight she wears the seek
It's got more stars than the sky
It's still forbidden to excuse
That little look in your eye
I was busted in my gut that time
That time I said "I know it's true"
Why didn't I ask? why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask? why didn't I?
I can't believe she's married to roe
I would have turned down the light
But she always mocked my fear
Doesn't make it alright
I wanted to stay there
But you know I needed more than that
Why didn't I ask? why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask? why didn't I?
Why didn't I ask? why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask? why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask? why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask? why didn't I ask?
It's got more stars than the sky
It's still forbidden to excuse
That little look in your eye
I was busted in my gut that time
That time I said "I know it's true"
Why didn't I ask? why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask? why didn't I?
I can't believe she's married to roe
I would have turned down the light
But she always mocked my fear
Doesn't make it alright
I wanted to stay there
But you know I needed more than that
Why didn't I ask? why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask? why didn't I?
Why didn't I ask? why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask? why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask? why didn't I ask?
Why didn't I ask? why didn't I ask?
Lyrics submitted by weezerific:cutlery
Kennel District Lyrics as written by Stephen Malkmus Scott Kannberg
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Hipgnosis Songs Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Light Up The Sky
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In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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This is an uncharacteristically beautiful song. It's not written by Malkmus like most of Pavement's songs, but rather by Spiral Stairs. These lyrics make a lot more sense than the "she wears the seek" I've been puzzling over for days; I like the "It's got more stars than the sky" version of the lyrics better, though.
Anyway, this song is about lost love; the singer keeps getting put off by the one he wants until it's too late. Perhaps he realizes afterwards that he'd been looking at the situation the wrong way; if he had, instead of maybe just been obsessed with loving her, tried to get to know her or paid attention (asked), they could've turned out all right.
Although after looking at the "rope" line, it seems as if she's hung herself, the impetus of this song appears to be that after she's gotten herself into a completely different, irretrievable situation, they meet up again and he realizes what happened and regrets it.
The lyrics I hear are a little different than what's listed but i always interpreted the song on him missing out on a real love of his because he didn't press her enough and that she basically stayed wherever they were from and he moved on because he didn't make his move but also because he couldn't live a simpler life but he "needed more than that." It's a similar song to twin falls idaho by built to spill conceptually.
Went back to look at the older version of "Kennel District" found on "Crooked Rain x2: LA's Desert Origins". A lot less sophisticcated lyrics, and all over the place when it comes to tune. I transcribed it just to have:
Doesn't look like she wears the suit She's got no scars in her eyes When she talks to you it looks like She's got something to hide Did she bust you in the gut that time That time I said 'I know it's true'? Why didn't I ask? why didn't I ask? Why didn't I ask? why didn't I ask?
I can't believe she's married to roe I would have turned down the light And she really likes you a lot this time I guess that makes it all right. I wanted to stay there But you know I needed more than that Why didn't I ask? why didn't I ask? Why didn't I ask? why didn't I?
[awoo] Why didn't I ask? why didn't I ask? etc.
The title refers to how their ex drummer sold dog kennels outside his place at one stage. I'm going to assume that's what it is.
So much meaning for the little amount of words it has. Crimson and Cloveresque. quixy: I'm not sure how you got that; i'm going by your word.
I saw Scott play this with his band in Calgary this year in a small bar as part of the 'Sled Island' festival. Needless to say, all of the 50 people (mostly male, mostly drunk) in the crowd were arm in arm jumping over each other yelling the words... ahh so much fun.
Spiral says that this song was written about Steve Earle.
"so how weird is this? watching Earle and what's in the bottom corner? [Pavement tour poster] if only he knew Kennel D was about him?"
twitter.com/spiralmusic/status/581324996238127105