i was not involved at the northtown mall.
as a matter of fact i didnt even know that's where it happened.

i was france ave when they came out dancing.
i was lyndale south. i was kicking it with cousins.
we were talking about going clubbing.
instead we just started drinking.

i've been straight since the cinco de mayo.
before that i was blotto.
i was blacked out. i was cracked out.
i was caved in.
you should have seen all these portals
that i've powered up in.

we started recreational.
it ended kinda medical.
it came on hot and soft and then
it tightened up its tentacles.

i wasnt there
i was blind high. i was scared.
i was lake and columbus.
i was cutting off all my hair.
i was unfurling a flag of defiance
aimed at my guidance guy.

so this is it.
this is the end of the session.
i ain't gonna be taking any more questions.
i think my attorney's gonna second that notion.

it started recreational.
it ended kinda medical.
it came on hot and soft and then
it tightened up its tentacles.
the band played screaming for vengance
and we agreed. this world is mostly manacled.
it started ice cream social nice.
it ended up all white and ecumenical.

there are guys
with wild eyes when they ask to get you high.
there are girls
that will come to you with comfort in the night.
thats right.

we started recreational.
it ended up all medical.
it came on hot and soft and then
it tightened up its tentacles.
the band played sabbath bloody sabbath
you thought it was stoney and adorable.
it started in the vestibule.
it ended in the hospital.

there are guys
with the wild eyes when they ask to get you high.
there are girls
that will come to you with comfort in the night.
there are nights
where it all comes on a little bit too bright.
there's a cross
and in the center there is a hot soft light.



Lyrics submitted by artmaven

Track duration: 03:54


Hot Soft Light song meanings
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9 Comments

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  • +1
    My Interpretation:"I was cutting off all my hair." Craig Finn was involved in the Minneapolis hardcore scene in the late 80's/early 90's and a big part of that crew favored shaved heads. I'm not sure if he was involved in the antiracist skinhead scene at all at that time, but it was at it's height in the local hardcore scene at that time, so he clearly would have been aware of it.
    Flag vinyltravison January 29, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I love the opening lines. It seems he's being interrogated, and it sounds like it's not going so well for him. "I was not involved with what went on there...uhh, I mean, let alone I don't know what you're talking about..."
    Flag specialtytason August 23, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:the band played screaming for vengeance
    and we agreed. this world is mostly manacled.

    JUDAS PRIEST HELL YEAH
    Flag SuperRadBrianon August 21, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Northtown Mall, Lyndale Ave, Lake St... The second best thing about this song (besides the melodic aspects) is all of the Twin Cities references.
    Flag petey3ebon April 29, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:everyone of there lyrics are fuckin amazing and have so much meaning.
    i jus got back from seeing the hold steady in frisco
    FUCKING AMAZING
    Flag captainchronon November 11, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:i think this is one of, if not the best song on the album. it starts out as told by a guy being interrogated by the police for a robbery that he denies being involved in, but he plainly was (he knows where it took place then hurries to say "i didn't even know that's where it happened"). probably to get drug money. then he recounts how he started using drugs for fun but it became a necessity, like medicine. i loooooove the line "it started hot and soft and then it tightened up its tentacles." that's brilliant.
    Flag infinitepet85on July 11, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This song, as well as this entire album, is absolute proof that The Hold Steady is the best rock band in existence today.
    Flag desperoon June 01, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This is one of my favorite rock songs ever.
    Flag milesmoonon May 10, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I absolutely love this song. Currently my favorite track on the new album.
    "It started recreational......then it ended medical"---Brilliant!
    Flag notthelivingon February 10, 2007   Link

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