Center of the Universe

Both Built to Spill and early Modest Mouse were the soundtrack to the beginning of my manhood. I don't mean that in a biological sense, but more of the development of my perception of the world and where my place lies. This album, and specifically this song are so unbiased and truthful, yet realistically positive. It's not pushing any type of agenda or brandishing "opinions", but rather seems as if it is holding a mirror to the face of humanity and the sum of our choices. I am so thankful for this band.

These are how I personally interpret these lyrics. Let me know if anyone feels the same way.

I heard what I said to you, And it was so out of sync With the way I wanted to Make myself out to seem.

A snapshot of a particular instance that encompasses a whole lot. I know that everyone knows this feeling. It's the feeling of meeting someone new, starting a new job, or maintaining small talk, anything. You would like to make yourself seem more like the mental image of what you should be: witty, serious, jovial, or what have you. However, it is sometimes hard to come across how you would like. I believe we all do this to some degree in all walks of life. It shows the uncertainty revealed by our perceived impression on other people It's comforting to me to sympathize with Doug.

I don't like this air, But that doesn't mean I'll stop breathing it, Who doesn't think they're at the center of the universe being it?

I am very fond of the first metaphor. It kind of piggybacks off of the first line and addresses the bigger picture. If one wishes to be successful, talk to that girl, nut up and say what's on your mind, or hell, even be a part of a humanity that they don't understand. You still need to continue and not quit; like breathing. Some of my friends have just quit. This line makes me think of them. The neutrality of "air" also brings to mind the blandness of it all. "eat your oatmeal" I like the message of not giving up as well. Also, who isn't selfish at their core? Everyone is just trying to get ahead eventually, and while relationships matter, everyone wants what they think is best for themselves. Charity and kindness to others seems like it only makes us feel good about ourselves (there's a bit of philosophical debate in that one). Also, making sacrifices for others sounds more like a compromise to me. There are very few in this world that truly put themselves second.

Don't look now, Just keep watching your TV, Hating what's to see, Waiting for someone to say something that's right!

Both Doug and Isaac Brock of MM have interesting ways of jumping around in their lyrics. It reminds me of a shift in conversation that still centers around the broad point. Anyways, these are the lines that I really appreciate in Doug's songwriting. It's almost a jab at the confirmation bias that is associated with politics, or anything else. It also highlights the bourgeois nature of the average American. In a lot of Doug's songs, he points out that there is much more going on that meets the eye in civilized society. Almost as if average Joe doesn't know what is behind the curtain, and he is not establishing what it is exactly. A lot of Doug's songwriting is very anti-establishment, but I think that it is in a good way. One thing that I've gotten out of Doug's songwriting, is that it's ok to live in a society that is controlled by a lot of negative factors, and that there is not a lot that you can do about it. Just focus on interpreting the world with an open lens, and to be true to yourself.

And yeah, every one of their songs can be interpreted to be about a girl, but I don't think that is the case. In fact, I don't believe any of their songs are about love between the opposite sex.