| Phoenix – Alphabetical Lyrics | 13 years ago |
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I have to agree that it seems like something important has been lost in translation, but actually I quite like that, and I often find myself wondering what on earth it's all about. The only vaguely coherent theory I have is that it's some kind of matrix-style science fiction story, where the narrator has been cast out as a renegade: his file has been deleted. However he expects to be recruited to a band of rebels? Maybe ... or maybe not. Then again, maybe it's not supposed to be a story at all, but perhaps an expression of the more typical emotions of rejection, alienation, confusion, and embattled hope. The 'alphabetical' concept could perhaps be expressing the arbitrariness of life: success or failure in work and in love does not always seem deserved, but you have to keep hoping the next opportunity comes around soon. |
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| Prefab Sprout – Blueberry Pies Lyrics | 17 years ago |
| BTW, "blueberry pies" is cockney rhyming slang for "lies" ... may not be obvious if you're not British. | |
| Prefab Sprout – Dublin Lyrics | 17 years ago |
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Wow ... I think this is pretty much my favourite lyric ever. There's so much going on here; but no heavy-handed metaphorts, or laboured points. The imagery is incredibly original, yet also effective. So, what do I think it's about? Well, though Prefab Sprout are from Newcastle, it seems reasonable to presume that a guy called Paddy McAloon is of Irish descent. So fundamentally I believe this song is either a kind homesickness-by-proxy ... some thoughts on his spiritual home, even if its not his birthplace. Alternatively it might just be inspired by a visit. "We draw a line, the ink is fear" is about people setting limits for themselves. This might refer to the North / South problem in Ireland, but more likely it's about a boy and a girl; maybe they've split up once, and no are afraid to reach out to each other. "Does it take you back". My guess is this is a reference to memories of Dublin, and how things that seemed simple at the time now seem so complex. Of course, the Einstein comment is extremely clever: though Einstein himself found the idea abhorent, it was shown that his own theories implied the "uncertainty principle" which states that, at a quantum level at least, the world is non-deterministic. (The famous quote is "God does not play dice" ... but it turns out he does). One can only speculate on whether the uncertainty principle has an effect on human emotion and character. A "Coleen", is an Irish girl. "Where DNA or God begins" ... again, a reference to deterministic science vs. fate. Also nature vs. nurture: the song implies that the Irish character is fatalistic, troubled, and (emotionally) violent, and that this is reinforced by stories from Irish mothers. Regret, longing, philosophical musings, and fatalism. Love it. |
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| Coldplay – A Rush of Blood to the Head Lyrics | 17 years ago |
| I agree with playboi, that this song may be about suffering under harmful institutions - that's what it means to me, anyway. I went to a boarding school from age 12 to 17, and (at the time) often dreamt of buying it and burning it down. Chris Martin went to Sherborne School ... google it and have a look at the place! ... and it's easy to imagine why a sensitive soul might want to burn it down (in a rush of blood to the head :-) | |
| Steely Dan – The Boston Rag Lyrics | 18 years ago |
| "Rag" is slang for a newspaper. I read the details once, but don't remember them all ... essentially "Lonnie" is a reference to a real person who was editor or owner etc. of this publication, before getting booted out. None too happy with the situation, Lonnie goes on a bit of a bender. | |
| Steely Dan – Bodhisattva Lyrics | 18 years ago |
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This song, like 'Aja' is a parody of the West's (and I suspect Californian's in specific) over-simplified fascination with Eastern philosophy. All this poor sucker knows is that his so-called Bodhisattva (who is more likely some self-apointed charlatan) has told him to sell his house, and join the frickin' hare krishnas! ... the fool. It's a joke. |
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| Steely Dan – Aja Lyrics | 18 years ago |
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"Aja" is an intentional misspelling of "Asia". This song, I believe, is a parody of the trend at the time (and to an extent still now) of interest in Eastern philosophy. "Angular banjoes" is a borderline-offensive reference to Chinese pentatonic musical styles ... the sort of comment an ignorant person would make (hence being parodied here). Similarly "People don't stare, they just don't care ... They think I'm OK, or so they say" is a reference to the popular belief the Eastern philosophy is especially tolerant. Which explains its popularity among shallow, self-indulgent Americans! Steely Dan always thought they were cleverer and better than everyone else, and they were mostly right. Great music though. |
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