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Rusty the Skatemaker Lyrics
She was born in an oil-drum South side of Chicago
When East St. Louis was not far away.
She'd lace knives to her boots and go down to the riverbed
Skate around and around till the night became day.
The cannery fellows would follow her everywhere
From the grocery store to the B.Q.E.
With their hearts all aglow from her icy back-at-you stare.
When her teeth became tight when her eyes couldn't see.
And she told herself that this was enough.
For a girl who was born in an oil-drum
She had her skates didn't need lots of stuff.
She didn't need it but she still wanted some.
She had one thing that she liked and she kept around
She would take it with her to the riverbed.
As she skated around she always thought of a pretty sound
That she heard as a girl in her mother's bed.
The sound of some breathing another breath in and out
When some lungs expand and contract like they do.
And she looked at herself in the ice of the riverbed and
She saw a girl one which she could see through.
When East St. Louis was not far away.
She'd lace knives to her boots and go down to the riverbed
Skate around and around till the night became day.
From the grocery store to the B.Q.E.
With their hearts all aglow from her icy back-at-you stare.
When her teeth became tight when her eyes couldn't see.
For a girl who was born in an oil-drum
She had her skates didn't need lots of stuff.
She didn't need it but she still wanted some.
She would take it with her to the riverbed.
As she skated around she always thought of a pretty sound
That she heard as a girl in her mother's bed.
The sound of some breathing another breath in and out
When some lungs expand and contract like they do.
And she looked at herself in the ice of the riverbed and
She saw a girl one which she could see through.
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It reminds me of growing up poor, not having much, if anything at all. So, you make due with what you do have, creating new objects out of old stuff. All the while trying your hardest to be content with your situation...but deep down your heart is yearning for something more
If what I've heard is true, then Melora was up for adoption as a child, and I think this song has to do with remembering where you come from. Being "born in a oil-drum" would leave one sticky and filthy, much like growing up with an unloving or unavailable parent. My thoughts are she is remembering her childhood, and not having much at all, but trying to remember it wasn't all bad... it was all enough for a girl who was born in an oil-drum... a sticky situation.
And the "song" her mother sang was merely breathing... more examples of taking pleasure in the small things that exist no matter how sad it is. It is, afterall, what you were given; no more, no less.
And the "song" her mother sang was merely breathing... more examples of taking pleasure in the small things that exist no matter how sad it is. It is, afterall, what you were given; no more, no less.
this has to be my favourite song by Rasputina, it has such amazing lyrics, and a beautiful melody.
I think it's about a girl finding herself..And coping with life.
That might be the basics, but what ideas do you think sparked this song? How does the imagery make you feel?
That might be the basics, but what ideas do you think sparked this song? How does the imagery make you feel?
As a poem, it is one of my favorites. I didn't get the same feeling listening to it as a song, however. But that's just me. I can't quite seem to understand the meaning of the song, though. -
I tend to agree with ithinkyourcrazy. Superb storytelling is definitely one of Melora's many talents, and this song exemplifies that.
in the brand new key,,,
skate was mentioned too......anything that would tell somethings about the one who composed the songs
in the brand new key,,,
skate was mentioned too......anything that would tell somethings about the one who composed the songs
I really love this song. Just wanted to respond to silverbaal's comment -- I think she's ice skating. She makes her own skates: "She'd lace knives to her boots and go down to the riverbed" Also, to bear_hug20: Brand New Key is a cover.
"The cannery fellows would follow her everywhere [...] with their hearts all aglow from her icy back-at-you stare when her teeth became tight when her eyes couldn't see."
re: silverbaal's comments, I think this sounds more like the guys are harassing or just mocking her... the point being (I venture) that she just has to suck it up and carry on.