This is a hauntingly beautiful song about introspection, specifically about looking back at a relationship that started bad and ended so poorly, that the narrator wants to go back to the very beginning and tell himself to not even travel down that road. I believe that the relationship started poorly because of the lines:
"Take me back to the night we met:When the night was full of terrors: And your eyes were filled with tears: When you had not touched me yet"
So, the first night was not a great start, but the narrator pursued the relationship and eventually both overcame the rough start to fall in love with each other:
"I had all and then most of you"
Like many relationships that turn sour, it was not a quick decline, but a gradual one where the narrator and their partner fall out of love and gradually grow apart
"Some and now none of you"
Losing someone who was once everything in your world, who you could confide in, tell your secrets to, share all the most intimate parts of your life, to being strangers with that person is probably one of the most painful experiences a person can go through. So Painful, the narrator wants to go back in time and tell himself to not even pursue the relationship.
This was the perfect song for "13 Reasons Why"
Dead in the water
It's not a paid vacation
The sons and daughters
Of city officials attend demonstrations
It's hardly a sink or swim
When all is well if the ticket sells
Out with a whimper
It's not a blaze of glory
You look down from your temple
As people endeavor to make it a story
And chisel a marble word
But all is lost if it's never heard
But I've got someone to make reports
That tell me how my money's spent
To book my stays and draw my blinds
So I can't tell what's really there
And all I need's a great big congratulations
I'll keep your dreams
You pay attention for me
As strange as it seems
I'd rather dissolve than have you ignore me
The ground may be moving fast
But I tied my boots to a broken mast
The difference is clear
You throw it in your cauldron
Rust and veneer
Dusk and dawn, Steinways and Baldwins
You start with a simple stock
Of all the waste, and salt to taste
But damn my luck, and damn these friends
That keep on combing back their smiles
I save my grace with half-assed guilt
And lay down the quilt upon the lawn
Spread my arms and soak up congratulations
It's not a paid vacation
The sons and daughters
Of city officials attend demonstrations
It's hardly a sink or swim
When all is well if the ticket sells
Out with a whimper
It's not a blaze of glory
You look down from your temple
As people endeavor to make it a story
And chisel a marble word
But all is lost if it's never heard
But I've got someone to make reports
That tell me how my money's spent
To book my stays and draw my blinds
So I can't tell what's really there
And all I need's a great big congratulations
I'll keep your dreams
You pay attention for me
As strange as it seems
I'd rather dissolve than have you ignore me
The ground may be moving fast
But I tied my boots to a broken mast
The difference is clear
You throw it in your cauldron
Rust and veneer
Dusk and dawn, Steinways and Baldwins
You start with a simple stock
Of all the waste, and salt to taste
But damn my luck, and damn these friends
That keep on combing back their smiles
I save my grace with half-assed guilt
And lay down the quilt upon the lawn
Spread my arms and soak up congratulations
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This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Just A Little Lovin'
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I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
First of all, I have to say, Congratulations is an incredible album. I am really impressed with what they did.
Does anyone else get a sense that these guys are seriously trying to distance themselves from the people who only liked the "hits" on the first record? Obviously this album is significantly less mainstream-friendly, and they are refusing to put out any singles. Plus I see this song as them feeling almost guilty at all the praise they are getting.
This is how I see it. They have said before their plan has always been to infiltrate popular culture, then freak everyone out. But they have also said that on Oracular Spectacular, most of the songs were masked with irony, and that that album is not truly "them." So they infiltrated, but now they see that they are only known for the facade of irony they put up on OS. So they decide that now they are reasonably popular, its time to show the world who they really are, and they know that "popular" culture may not completely embrace their new persona. So they are purposefully distancing themselves from what they used to be. It's a theory, its probably wrong.
Anyway, specifically about this song; to me, its about how the fame and adulation they have gained is not only strange to them, but it's not for the reasons they want. They are skeptical to accept this fame, because it has come because of the aforementioned ironic facade. Also, they are making fun of the petty problems that come with fame. "Its hardly a sink or swim when all is well if the ticket sells."
I totally agree with you that they are trying to get away from the main stream. I bet they hate when people who like lady gaga say they also like mgmt. i know i hate it.
well they said they were laughing when they wrote all their big hits (electric feel, time to pretend, kids). so i think they made this album to represent the "real" MGMT which came through on the second part of the album.
Spot on sir spot on. I almost hope this album isn't as popular as oracular because it'll weed out mgmts true fans from the poseurs that really just find kids and time to pretend catchy. I'm not saying they aren't good songs but they don't represent the real mgmt like this whole new album does
Who cares if they are popular or not though? I really like their music. Shouldn't that be all that matters to me? If you are listening to music to flaunt you're tastes to those who are less involved in the whole music scene, are you really any better than the "poseurs?" No, you're not. You're worse. Sorry for the rant, I guess i am in a bad mood.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />
yes! this album will definately seprate the fake fans who only like them from their hit singles from the true fans.
My question is this. Kids and Time to pretend were we released in 2004/2005. Oracular Spectacular 3 years later. The only new addition to the "big hits" of MGMT list would be electric feel, I would say. For most people don't know much more than one of those three songs.<br /> <br /> So my questions is this, was all of OS supposed to infiltrate pop culture or certain aspects of it? were they planning when they released their first ep/album (climbing to new lows) were they already planning something like OS to take over the pop scene?<br /> <br /> I just wonder because I am wondering if all of OS was basically a lie in a sort of way, or just certain aspects. I love all of MGMT don't get me wrong... but I love those songs too. My friends love that cd the most but like congratulations now too. Before I told them I didn't even care about the message (they said what they thought certain songs were about) and I said I just really enjoyed the music.<br /> <br /> Now I'm digging deeper into the lyrics and loving it... <br /> <br /> point being<br /> <br /> I like all MGMT, and I do like OS... but also the other stuff.
In an interview with the band, while talking about the two albums they said that when they were making the first album they were very focused on making it perfect and publicly appealing, worrying about it being liked and it was almost a rushed compilation of years of ideas. They said the second album would possibly be less appealing to some but it would be a more true representation of their work as a solid 1 year's efforts to putting together work they wanted. Additionally, in general sophomore albums are often about the fame if they were not famous before the first
I think you douche bags who only like things if nobody else does are so adorable. Why do you care so much who likes which songs? A fan is a fan, you either like the music or you don't and other peoples tastes shouldn't influence you. If they do, that makes you a hipster fag. Who gives a shit if someone only likes one or two of the hits, MGMT certainly doesn't and its creepy and pathetic that you do.
Holy shit, LizardKingJM71, this is exactly what my friends and I have been saying for the past, like, year, holy shit. <br /> <br /> We were thinking on parallel planes, but I thought nobody else had thought the same; I was wrong. We got it, dude! Except you explained it much more eloquently and coherently than we ever did.<br /> <br /> If enough people independently think of the same thing, then the chances of that thing being true, in my opinion, greatly increase. Damn, dude, I am very excited.
"As strange as it seems, I'd rather dissolve than have you ignore me"
Beautiful.
This song really makes me relax and feel like I'm floating in a pool, drifting down a river, out to sea, etc. It's interesting the amount of water imagry in the lyrics, begining with "Dead in the Water" and "Sink or Swim" and then "Broken Mast" (which is a part of of a ship) and closing with "Soak up". Here's my breakdown of just the first stanza which I believe really sets up what the song is about:
Dead in the water
It's not a paid vacation
The sons and daughters of city officials Attend demonstrations
It's hardly a sink or swim When all is well if the ticket sells
"Dead in the water" is an expression that means something is going nowhere So if you're going nowhere, even if you're not having to work hard, it's just not enjoyable, wheras a paid vacation is very enjoyable because it is deserved as break from real accomplishment/work and of course, you're getting money while enjoying yourself.
Demonstrations are often made in oppostion of what elected City officials stand for and City officials wouldn't ever be caught at them so it's ironic that their children are often the ones that can be found at them objecting to the things that their parents stand for.
"Sink or Swim" is often a sales job training reference where a new person is given a rush course in what to do/how to sell and then they either "Sink" (fail to make the company money and get fired) or "Swim" (succeed at selling. meet their quota and keep their job) this is a very hard way to make a living because the pressure is immense and most people sink, thus the high-turnover in sales related jobs. So really as long as your successful at what your doing, what is there to worry about.
I take this to mean that MGMT is conflicted about getting boatloads of money if they aren't advancing in their music and making what they feel is better music, so eventhough they get paid one way or the other, they would like to make different music and then maybe they would feel more deserving of the praise and money their getting.
This probably doesn't make sense to us fans (since we prob love all their stuff)however, that's the difference between us and them. Just like City Officials and their children, they have the same issues - but they are opposing eachother on them.
They haven't had as much pressure on them to this point and maybe they even feel what they've done so far isn't nearly that hard because they've succeeded with most of what they've put out there even if they didn't think it was the best music. But really no one wants to hear a rich music artist complain when their tickets to shows are selling out - but that's exactly what MGMT feels like doing, so they're conflicted and really eveyone's telling them to just be happy and enjoy the "Congratulations" so they made a very sarcastic and cynical and awesome song about it. The hand clapping at the end really justifies it too, fantastic touch ;-)
how the fuck did you get the lyrics and it hasn't even come out yet?
my favortie so far is "it's working". tell me when you get those lyrics.
Most Constructive Reply to Lyrics Ever award recipient.
i think it's about wanting praise, but not wanting to admit you want praise, thus putting on false modesty when inside, all you want is a congratulations...
"But I've got someone to make reports That tell me how my money's spent To book my stays and draw my blinds So I can't see what's really there"
it sounds like a touring musician, people take care of him, do everything for him, etc. but all he wants is a congratulations, but still continues to pretend he doesn't want it:
"I save my grace with half-assed guilt"
but finally, he can revel in the "great big congratulations"
"Spread my arms and soak up congratulations"
Nice! i think your interpretation really took it home
thanks man. awesome song
Your interpretation is much better than mine. But that's kind of what I was thinking.
I saw a video where MGMT dedicated this song to Jimi Hendrix so I think his death may have had something to do with the lyrics.
Dead in the water It's not a paid vacation The sons and daughters of city officials Attend demonstrations It's hardly a sink or swim When all is well if the ticket sells
The first lines refer to a rockstar's early death. I think the demonstrations he is refering to are vigils whenever someone famous dies, such as kurt cobain's vigil. The agents etc. only care about ticket sales. They don't care what effect it has on the rockstar's life.
Out with a wimper It's not a blaze of glory You look down from your temple As people endeavor to make it a story And chisel a marble word But all is lost if it's never heard
Some people glamorize the deaths of rockstars going out in a "blaze of glory", but they're saying its really not. Its just another death. News reporters will make it a story as with any superstar's death.
But I've got someone to make reports That tell me how my money's spent To book my stays and draw my blinds So I can't see what's really there And all I need's a great big congratulations
They're saying that they've reached the rockstar level. Congratulations they've reached the rockstar level, but with that comes all the bad things about being a star as well.
I'll keep your dreams You pay attention for me As strange as it seems I'd rather dissolve than have you ignore me The ground may be moving fast But I tied my boots to a broken mast
People always dream about being a rockstar. They'll be a rockstar so you don't have to basically. They like the fame and are maybe a little egocentic.
The difference is clear You throw it in your cauldron Rust and veneer, dusk and dawn Steinways and Baldwins You start with a simple stock of all the waste And salt to taste
I took this as MGMTs way of making music. Steinways and Baldwins are types of pianos. They mix up waste of previous songs and influences of previous bands throw it in a cauldron, add some salt, and come up with a new song.
But damn my luck and damn these friends That keep on combing back their smiles I save my grace with half-assed guilt And lay down the quilt upon the lawn Spread my arms and soak up congratulations
They've chosen this life so damn the things it comes with, fake friend etc. They're halfway guilty about being able to play music and be famous for it. All they can do now is accept congratulations for reaching their goal of being rockstars even though maybe it isn't everything is cracked up to be or what they envisioned.
here's the video : youtube.com/watch
here's the video : youtube.com/watch <br /> He is also seen to wear Jimi Hendrix's Hat.
There are a lot of repeating themes in this album and this song touches on a vary important one. They are expressing their doubts, regrets, and uncertainties about being famous. I think that it happened so fast for them and all they really want is for someone to appreciate their music for the talented music that it is, not just because it is what all the frat parties are playing.
I think everyone is missing the point if you are arguing about whether this album is better than their last, if they are trying to trick people, if they are trying to avoid labels, if they are trying to deter the hardcore indie listeners. You have missed the point completely. They want people to hear this album, which is the type of music they feel in their hearts, and say "Wow, MGMT is a very talented band with a lot to offer." They are very versitile and should be recognized for being a well-rounded group of talented musicians that know the mechanics of writing damn good songs. All this arguing about their image and their "fake" fans is just nonsense.
I do agree with some of the points made about the song, but personally, I think it's more about being under-appreciated or being underrated for what you're doing. And honestly, I think it's seen in some of the lyrics, especially:
"And chisel a marble word But all is lost if it's never heard"
"I'll keep your dreams You pay attention for me As strange as it seems I'd rather dissolve than have you ignore me"
People pay attention to music for the wrong reasons, or they don't pay attention to the music/lyrics to a song at all and they completely ignore it. I think the whole point the song is trying to make is that they just want to be "praised", i.e "congratulated" for their hard work. I think that's why the applause fits so well at the end of the song - sometimes it's just a matter of being praised, even if it's small.
I'm diggin it, can't wait to hear how this is all gonna sound on the album and finally get myself to one of their shows! What do you guys think the lyrics mean? When I read them at first they seemed all over the place, they could've meant a bunch of different things. ..But it could be about the relationships with their parents?
This song makes me sad - I love it.<br /> <br /> p.s. the lyrics have been posted for nearly a year on the official forum, bbs. =)
uncomfortable about the fame is understandable, i imagine it's not very human, but guilt is unnecessary . it's funny because this is another great song - congratulations.
Ha yeah, kinda ironic, ain't it?