| Death Cab for Cutie – Cath... Lyrics | 15 years ago |
|
KisstheRain1980, I love it! I like your suggestion that this song is about a relationship that failed, one that collapsed years ago. I didn't have that vibe when I first got this album, but I think it fits well. Also, your suggestion that she is a 'dead' living person, one who has lost any private perspective- is a great one. This was my favorite song on the new album initially. But I was convinced that 'Cath' was a depressed person. Someone who had given up on romantic endeavors some time ago. I pictured her 'flashbulbs bursting' next to someone she'd known for a long time. Someone who kind of came out of the woodwork and made it his endeavor to marry Cath. A well intentioned man. I think of him as a bit of a second-stringer if you will? Haha. I like the swaying chaos in the music during the first verse. I think it gives feeling to Cath kind of being at mercy of her new marriage, this guy.. she's clearly emotionally removed. And I think its the last line that gives me that feeling... 'and if their hearts were dying hat fast, they would have done the same as you... i would have done the same as you' Draws in to question the storyteller's relationship to Cath, or just his perspective. Thanks for your insight! |
|
| Thrice – Burn the Fleet Lyrics | 15 years ago |
|
I believe this song draws reference from Greek mythology. Specifically, I believe it draws on the Greek battle for Troy as told in Homer's 'The Iliad'. I took a class called 'Classics in Western Literature' about a year ago. In reading the Iliad, I recall that the Greeks arrived by boat on the shores (near Troy) with a fleet of some 50 boats. These boats carried the great warriors and leaders of Greece. Some of whom were prior suitors to Helen, the wife of Menelaus (a greek). Helen was 'abducted' by Paris, a trojan. For anyone familiar with greek mythology or culture, themes of hubris, honor, family, hospitality, etc.. Character of a person was everything. Wars could be fought over honor, and for 'celebrities' of their era such as the beautiful and 'honorable' Helen, they were. Hence, the battle of Troy. Anyhow, at one point the Trojans begin an offensive that takes them from the walls of Troy all the way to the shores where the Greeks hold their furthest camp, at their fleet. The Trojans are having a surge of victory, and it is suggested that they might 'burn the greek fleet' so that they will fight and die rather than return home to their home. The Iliad draws on favoring and folly between the Gods as well as mortals. Things turn around for the Greeks and ultimately they are not defeated at the shores. Here's where things get foggy for me. I don't recall if in fact a greek too makes allusion to 'burning the fleet' in order to make an honorable and ultimate stand agains the Trojans who have Helen, or if this was only suggested by a Trojan. My gut feeling is that either Agamemnon, Odysseus, Menelaus, or some other prominent Greek suggests a final stand like this, where the Greeks would forgo any fall-back and unite to defeat the Trojans for the honor of Helen and greek tradition, etc... I've done the 'Iliad' a great injustice here! Understand that it is so much more than I've probably made it sound... My point is that withing the story of the battle of Troy (forget the movie Troy, please) I remember similar sentiment to lyrics in this song. 'heroes or ghosts but we won't be turned around' -a classic summary of Greek honor in war 'a new flag will fly if we fail' -upon defeat, the greek homeland would undoubtedly fall to the Trojans... because the prominent figures and warriors would be gone, dead in battle overseas. -and I think the last thing to note would be the rather 'epic' sound to the song. Try and tell me it doesn't sound like the score to a classic Greek epic? Whatevs. |
|
| Tegan and Sara – Back in Your Head Lyrics | 15 years ago |
|
I'm such a dripping sap tonight. But I have to comment on this song. I love it. Tegan and Sara are something I've had only a little exposure to, but this song is right up my alley right now! Kind of a reminder of where I was at a couple months ago. In the waning moments of a pretty intense relationship- I think we both just kind of felt like we were at a loss... Its funny how we could still be such close friends yet, but so estranged from each other at the same time. 'Remember when I was sweet and unexplainable?' Oh, if that doesn't say it all. Nobody can keep up the new and exciting feel of those first dates, etc. We made it go pretty far, though. In my case, those feelings gave way to better understanding of each other, and both our insecurities. Oh the trials of being human, haha. |
|
| Radiohead – Videotape Lyrics | 15 years ago |
|
I wholeheartedly agree with Drewb18c1 in his saying that 'Thom has put his heart and soul into this song.' This really impresses me as message that is particularly close to Thom's heart. I was so pleased to find that it was in fact 'mephistopheles' that I was hearing in these lyrics. Thom's character shows through his singing so well. For me, using mythology invokes mystery and uncertainty surrounding death. I am a young twenty-something with misgivings surrounding my pentecostal upbringing. Nevertheless, I've always retained a sense of 'spirituality' that I can't help but accept. I'm not sure how much this song has to do with Thom and a videotape 'goodbye' or 'i love you'. I interpret it as a manifestation of Thom's sincere feelings for someone through song- probably his most articulate medium. Maybe this is Thom's exploration of human spirituality.. a voicing of sincere conviction and connection with someone. Its inspiring. |
|
| Death Cab for Cutie – The Ice Is Getting Thinner Lyrics | 15 years ago |
|
Agh, what a beautiful song. This one is a heart breaker. I think its got something for anyone who still dwells one of their more recent failed relationships. One of the things I love most about these lyrics is that unspoken understanding they embody between two people. I'm sure this song in effect, wrote itself. Ben draws in a passage of time that you can feel in his lyrics. It gives this simple song so much depth. And I think the dependent nature of ice on the seasons really gives a person (or in effect, the couple) the feeling of being at mercy of the inevitable. Its funny how well it works. That ice that could support the burden of a relationship.. Its as tangible in the song as the 'love' between two people that you may have once felt leave your own failed relationship. A very cool similarity. Both are dependent upon the changing seasons or sways of temperament that meddle with the thing we experience as love. This song is special to me- I've certainly got healing to do of my own.(blatantly obvious?) But I believe this song is more than a sad retrospection. It signifies a coming to terms with life and love. Something we all get along to doing as we go on. These lyrics kind of capture the beauty of the ebb and flow of emotion and attachment. Big thanks to Death Cab for this one. I look forward to seeing another amazing show at First Avenue in Minneapolis! |
|
* This information can be up to 15 minutes delayed.