@cptnjess, I totally agree with you, but the references make it seem like the song is written about an animal that has lost its child -- perhaps a monkey. "I could just grab you by the nape of your neck", and "you and your long arms listing lazily" are distinctly non-humanoid descriptions. In any case, such an incredibly beautiful song!
I think this song might be about a dog, for a couple reasons. First, Colin Meloy only has one child, a son who's only 4 years old, so writing a song about a teenage son seems out of place for him. Also, a dog on the cusp of its teens is getting up there in years, and "headstrong" and "listing lazily" (listing in the sense of wavering or leaning) are indicative of someone or something old. Also, puppies are often held by the scruffs of their necks, but you couldn't do that to an old dog. Based on this, I...
I think this song might be about a dog, for a couple reasons. First, Colin Meloy only has one child, a son who's only 4 years old, so writing a song about a teenage son seems out of place for him. Also, a dog on the cusp of its teens is getting up there in years, and "headstrong" and "listing lazily" (listing in the sense of wavering or leaning) are indicative of someone or something old. Also, puppies are often held by the scruffs of their necks, but you couldn't do that to an old dog. Based on this, I think Avery could be a dog who is either lost, very sick, or has died.
As a side note, Colin does make reference to his son by name in the song "Rise to Me", also very beautiful.
right, but the "nape of your neck" is sort of metaphorical I think. Like 'would I could grab you' sort of indicates that the parent wishes he could pick up his son by the nape of his neck, but he can't
right, but the "nape of your neck" is sort of metaphorical I think. Like 'would I could grab you' sort of indicates that the parent wishes he could pick up his son by the nape of his neck, but he can't
I agree with the first post, it's about his son.the arms "listing lazily" reflect a carefree child. . . And, he's anything but carefree now.. In fact, many examples illuminate that Avery's struggling with addiction: ...'there are times when life will rattle your bones'. ...'shake at the flame- the flame YOU made,'
Also, the nape of your neck -expressing a parent in controll- when he said ...'when you were young, and needing saving,' it worked. He wants to 'save' him - but he no longer is able- yet, the love and desire to save...
I agree with the first post, it's about his son.the arms "listing lazily" reflect a carefree child. . . And, he's anything but carefree now.. In fact, many examples illuminate that Avery's struggling with addiction: ...'there are times when life will rattle your bones'. ...'shake at the flame- the flame YOU made,'
Also, the nape of your neck -expressing a parent in controll- when he said ...'when you were young, and needing saving,' it worked. He wants to 'save' him - but he no longer is able- yet, the love and desire to save him is as strong as ever. What a tearjerker, BEAUTIFUL song!
@cptnjess, I totally agree with you, but the references make it seem like the song is written about an animal that has lost its child -- perhaps a monkey. "I could just grab you by the nape of your neck", and "you and your long arms listing lazily" are distinctly non-humanoid descriptions. In any case, such an incredibly beautiful song!
I think this song might be about a dog, for a couple reasons. First, Colin Meloy only has one child, a son who's only 4 years old, so writing a song about a teenage son seems out of place for him. Also, a dog on the cusp of its teens is getting up there in years, and "headstrong" and "listing lazily" (listing in the sense of wavering or leaning) are indicative of someone or something old. Also, puppies are often held by the scruffs of their necks, but you couldn't do that to an old dog. Based on this, I...
I think this song might be about a dog, for a couple reasons. First, Colin Meloy only has one child, a son who's only 4 years old, so writing a song about a teenage son seems out of place for him. Also, a dog on the cusp of its teens is getting up there in years, and "headstrong" and "listing lazily" (listing in the sense of wavering or leaning) are indicative of someone or something old. Also, puppies are often held by the scruffs of their necks, but you couldn't do that to an old dog. Based on this, I think Avery could be a dog who is either lost, very sick, or has died. As a side note, Colin does make reference to his son by name in the song "Rise to Me", also very beautiful.
right, but the "nape of your neck" is sort of metaphorical I think. Like 'would I could grab you' sort of indicates that the parent wishes he could pick up his son by the nape of his neck, but he can't
right, but the "nape of your neck" is sort of metaphorical I think. Like 'would I could grab you' sort of indicates that the parent wishes he could pick up his son by the nape of his neck, but he can't
I agree with the first post, it's about his son.the arms "listing lazily" reflect a carefree child. . . And, he's anything but carefree now.. In fact, many examples illuminate that Avery's struggling with addiction: ...'there are times when life will rattle your bones'. ...'shake at the flame- the flame YOU made,' Also, the nape of your neck -expressing a parent in controll- when he said ...'when you were young, and needing saving,' it worked. He wants to 'save' him - but he no longer is able- yet, the love and desire to save...
I agree with the first post, it's about his son.the arms "listing lazily" reflect a carefree child. . . And, he's anything but carefree now.. In fact, many examples illuminate that Avery's struggling with addiction: ...'there are times when life will rattle your bones'. ...'shake at the flame- the flame YOU made,' Also, the nape of your neck -expressing a parent in controll- when he said ...'when you were young, and needing saving,' it worked. He wants to 'save' him - but he no longer is able- yet, the love and desire to save him is as strong as ever. What a tearjerker, BEAUTIFUL song!