This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Hey, where the hell are you
You don't call me back, John
Won't you come here and stay with me
Why don't you come here and stay with me
Hey, where the hell are you
You don't call me back, John
Won't you come here and stay with me
Why don't you come here and stay with me
Show up here loaded with bells on your toes
I don't care what you're into
I'll put velvet ropes around you, if that's what you need
Why did you listen to that man, that man's a balloon
Oh, you gotta get out and get back to me
John, you gotta get out and get back to me
Why did you listen to that man, that man's a balloon
Oh, you gotta get out and get back to me
Take his limousine, you gotta get back to me
I'm getting nervous
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na
No sign of a friend of mine
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na
Red hair and blue eyes
I'm getting nervous
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na
No sign of a friend of mine
I was in a train under a river when I remembered what
What I wanted to tell you, man
What I wanted to tell you, man
I got two sets of headphones, I miss you like hell
Won't you come here and stay with me
Why don't you come here and stay with me
I'm getting nervous
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na
No sign of a friend of mine
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na
Red hair and blue eyes
I'm getting nervous
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na
No sign of a friend of mine
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na
Why did you listen to that man, that man's a balloon
Oh, you gotta get out and get back to me
Why did you listen to that man, that man's a balloon
John, you gotta get out and get back to me
Why did you listen to that man, that man's a balloon
Fake a heart attack, you gotta get back to me
Why did you listen to that man, that man's a balloon
John, you gotta get out and get back to me
You don't call me back, John
Won't you come here and stay with me
Why don't you come here and stay with me
Hey, where the hell are you
You don't call me back, John
Won't you come here and stay with me
Why don't you come here and stay with me
Show up here loaded with bells on your toes
I don't care what you're into
I'll put velvet ropes around you, if that's what you need
Why did you listen to that man, that man's a balloon
Oh, you gotta get out and get back to me
John, you gotta get out and get back to me
Why did you listen to that man, that man's a balloon
Oh, you gotta get out and get back to me
Take his limousine, you gotta get back to me
I'm getting nervous
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na
No sign of a friend of mine
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na
Red hair and blue eyes
I'm getting nervous
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na
No sign of a friend of mine
I was in a train under a river when I remembered what
What I wanted to tell you, man
What I wanted to tell you, man
I got two sets of headphones, I miss you like hell
Won't you come here and stay with me
Why don't you come here and stay with me
I'm getting nervous
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na
No sign of a friend of mine
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na
Red hair and blue eyes
I'm getting nervous
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na
No sign of a friend of mine
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na
Why did you listen to that man, that man's a balloon
Oh, you gotta get out and get back to me
Why did you listen to that man, that man's a balloon
John, you gotta get out and get back to me
Why did you listen to that man, that man's a balloon
Fake a heart attack, you gotta get back to me
Why did you listen to that man, that man's a balloon
John, you gotta get out and get back to me
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Yo La Tengo
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
When We Were Young
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Punchline
Ed Sheeran
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Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
In an interview today, I got to ask Matt Berninger (Thanks Jen!) about this song. Basically what he said was it was based on an actual event in his life between him and a friend. The song is about a friend who was in a tough situation and Matt, trying to be a good friend, gave him advice. However, this advice only lead his friend off in the opposite direction and ultimately brought even worse results. He said he felt terrible afterwards and just had this sinking guilt that was hanging over his head.
I think it's a situation everyone can relate to. When you bring a friend in the wrong direction you have nervous panic weighing down on you. And if it's bad enough, it's all you can think about, wondering if there's anything you can do or say to make things better.
Matt never said exactly what the situation was or it's results, nor did he say whether him and his friend ended up alright.
As far as the "balloon man" goes. I asked him and he said that he was referring to himself when he said "that man's a balloon", meaning that he felt sort of "like an airhead" or foolish for giving him bad advice.
Anyways, I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Wow that is really cool thanks. God I love this website.
Can we read this interview somewhere?
"that man's a balloon" I've always taken this to mean that he's filled with hot air. He's fake and leading his friend the wrong way.
So someone's just explained what it means, after interviewing the singer who told him, yet you still think you know better? Interesting.
I love how someone will explain direct from the horse's mouth what something is meant to mean, and yet someone else will still give a different (and plainly wrong) explanation!
ehheehhe, you're right...
I love the "Fake a heart attack, you gotta get back to me" line. It's kind of grimly funny.
I thought people who like The National would be liberal types but I'll be the first to state the obvious...isn't it about a gay couple, one's been seduced by some rich balloon creep with a limo. The narrator just wants his boyfriend back no matter what kinky shit he's picked up on his travels.
I cannot agree with this more. Accuracy at its best.
"i have 2 sets of headphones i miss you like hell" love it!
Wanting to get a friend back safe and sound away from the seediness of balloon men and limousine usery.
methinks it's about heroin addiction
I can't believe more people haven't commented on this song. I think it's one of the best on Alligator.
Anyway, I think this song is about caring for someone deeply, seeing them in a situation that you know isn't good for them, and wanting desperately for them to get out of there for their own good. It's a very selfless song, and it's written out of honest care and in the best interest for another person.