Does she know, does she know that I am not just searching for some first-time high?
I know it's all about perceptions, and I accept you as my very first move

Oh, oh yeah
Oh yeah

I remember riding bikes on Coaster Island
Planning midnight raids on the Swedish plum trees
That summer, it was too cold to swim, so
We climbed upon the rocky shore and freaked out
On the mountain goats, but they were not impressed,
Or scared of us

Do you remember, our last summer as independents? [Repeat: x4]
Do you remember, do you remember

I was a foreigner when you appeared
From the shadows at the motor club
I was a hater in the depths of an emotional hibernation
You sat me down, we had some drinks
And you told me your kinds of insanity
I asked your friend if you were available
She answered, 'no but yes oh well oh well yes and no

Now, I'm viewing my memory reel in reverse
Scrolling back to, come to feel your whether-than
Now, I'm noting the limits of our parabola
To predict, the points of thou-shalt-not-return

This inbreeding of ideals is intolerable
I wish David was here
Take your persecution complex and
I'm not gonna absorb your stress output any more
Oh don't you pimp out my heart
Don't you pimp out my heart


Lyrics submitted by Warren Judkins, edited by emmmmmily

An Eluardian Instance Lyrics as written by Kevin Barnes

Lyrics © BUG MUSIC OBO APOLLINAIRE RAVE

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An Eluardian Instance song meanings
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33 Comments

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  • +3
    General Comment

    The title references Paul Èluard, a French surrealist from the 20th century. He worked often in Surrealist poetry/literature, but also dabbled with artists like Man Ray.

    The "chorus" lines about independence reference Eluard's standing resistance to the French conflicts surrounding WWII. Eluard served as a part of the French resistance force, writing politically charged poetry.

    This isn't Kevin Barnes's only allusion to French literature; "The Past is a Grotesque Animal" also referenced famous 20th century French philosophical writer Georges Bataille. Though Bataille and Èluard sought different circles of friends, it extends Barnes's fascination with avant-garde French history.

    chris623on October 06, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    Help with these lyrics would be appreciated. I think this might be the best song of the album, which is fabulous.

    Warren Judkinson August 25, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    deeznuts - yeah i dont really think it's moon club either. i had a question mark next to it but it got taken away.

    mabonuob - i like the patchwork. of course i know what you are saying. let's say there are 60 different parts on all of these songs combined, and maybe 40-45 of them are good. that means 2/3 of the album good but that would also mean that only about 2/3 of each song on average is good. but it grew on me and now i enjoy it all.

    Warren Judkinson August 31, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    i think it's fabulous too.. and i don't think it should be cut off at 3:53... that's what makes it an unpredictable song which is was too common.. this is why of montreal (kevin barnes) is genius.

    tweegazeron September 10, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    I second "inverse of our parabola".

    "She answered, 'No, but yes, oh well, oh well, yes and no'" Love that line! :)

    boohskeyon November 03, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    Would this song be about when he met his wife? Did he not meet her in Oslo? As aasmund said mono club is in Oslo. Would the last summer as independents be the last summer they were single before they were married? Off of Icons abstract thee, the firsts song du og meg he says "They were married in the summer"

    melvunon January 24, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Right, it's Koster Island with a K. (near Stromstad in Sweden)

    IndieKid1977on August 25, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    i don't think it's moon club. as for what it is.. i have no idea.

    deeznutson August 31, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Hi. I think it is the MONO club, a nice club in Oslo ( cafemono.no/ )

    aasmundon September 07, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    the himlers of our parabola?

    karmaseleneon September 21, 2008   Link

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