I love this song, the lyrics, the horn section, the upbeat ska feel of some of "Little Plastic Castle". I think regard has it right. The song's focus on setting shows that the time and place is as important as what's going on in the bar. It perfectly captures the feeling of being drunk in a dingy student bar, with a partner who is a philosophical drunk (the interlude about the "world of possibilities") or just plain boring (cobwebs from your elbows to the table).
I think Ani has written in the past about the theme of hating boredom and depression (which summarizes her fellow bar fly in this song). In "Pick yer nose" she says something to the effect of "Depressed is boring."
I think "Not a pretty girl" she talks about how she relates to people -- other leftists?-- who wouldn't be caught dead working for the man (not unlike the philosopher in the song) but at the same time she is a patriot and a worker first and foremost. In both that song and Deep Dish she distances herself from the disillusioned left. Something to think about.
I love this song, the lyrics, the horn section, the upbeat ska feel of some of "Little Plastic Castle". I think regard has it right. The song's focus on setting shows that the time and place is as important as what's going on in the bar. It perfectly captures the feeling of being drunk in a dingy student bar, with a partner who is a philosophical drunk (the interlude about the "world of possibilities") or just plain boring (cobwebs from your elbows to the table).
I think Ani has written in the past about the theme of hating boredom and depression (which summarizes her fellow bar fly in this song). In "Pick yer nose" she says something to the effect of "Depressed is boring."
I think "Not a pretty girl" she talks about how she relates to people -- other leftists?-- who wouldn't be caught dead working for the man (not unlike the philosopher in the song) but at the same time she is a patriot and a worker first and foremost. In both that song and Deep Dish she distances herself from the disillusioned left. Something to think about.