| Sufjan Stevens – Casimir Pulaski Day Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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The "shirt tucked-in and shoes untied" phrase, repeated twice, is the one I kind of found most intriguing. Basically put, I think this is a gorgeous way of describing how these two people, in the face of one of life's most difficult situations, are attempting to put on a strong, smiling facade "tucked-in shirt," while actually, at their very core, being functionally "untied." A tucked-in shirt is what? Completely aesthetic. There is no physical benefit or reason to have a shirt tucked in or not, - it's simply something you do to appear a little more "put together" to those around you. An untied shoe, on the other hand, will probably be noticed after the shirt. This is something that's a little "below the radar." That being said, an untied shoe is more than simply an aesthetic problem, it's a functional one as well - you can very well fall down, and possibly hurt yourself from tripping on a shoelace. So to me, this phrase really, and I think purposefully, highlights the juxtaposition of appearances/reality, strength/weakness, maturity/age - all themes which kind of undercurrent through the song. Any thoughts? |
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| Sufjan Stevens – Casimir Pulaski Day Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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I don't know if it's been commented on yet, but I really like the recurring phrase "shirt tucked-in and shoes untied." Obviously there's no single interpretation, but to me this is just an amazing metaphor for someone putting on a strong face (appearing strong) while actually crumbling inside. Think about it, what do people usually tuck their shirts in for? To be a little more formal, or to look a little more "put together." That being said, a tucked-in shirt is simply an aesthetic choice - it's not going to help you or hinder you in any meaningful way outside of perceptions. Now think about an untied shoe coupled with that tucked-in shirt. Unlike the shirt, an untied-shoe will probably not be the first thing you notice about someone - it's a little hidden, below the eyes. Also, unlike the shirt, untied shoes are more than simply an aesthetic difference, they can literally cause someone to trip and fall down. So to me, it's a perfect way of showing how these two people, in the middle of an incredibly difficult time, are putting on a smiling, strong facade (tucked-in shirt), while being functionally, at their very roots, "untied." |
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