Between the Bars-Elliott Smith My good friend sent me this video, describing it as ’surreal’, which doesn’t give it justice. I watched it 5 or 6 times the first time, and it never tires me. Elliott Smith is in my top 5 list of favorite artists, and every time I listen to one of his songs or read his lyrics he teaches me something new. At a first glance this song might seem to be a love song between two people, but I don’t think it is. I think it’s about a girl who he wants to incorporate in his life, but it doesn’t feel right. As they are bar-hopping and drinking, their attraction enhances, but not involving love. He is thinking of someone else; someone who always shows up in his mind when he drinks. He is out with the new girl who obviously doesn’t compare to the one he truly loves, and the new girl thinks everything is fine. If she really knew and understood him she would know that he isn’t ‘half right’…and he just drinks the reality away. It says “I’ll keep you apart, deep in my heart,separate from the rest, where I like you the best”…which I interpret as pretending to take her in for the time being, but his heart is already taken. He doesn’t feel her. It’s just another night on the town with a girl he drunkenly kisses and pretends with, but he knows she isn’t right for him…she’s just another girl…anothe girl who doesn’t compare. “Between the bars” is a pun. As they go bar to bar, and also implying between the bars of alcoholism and being unhappy with this current love interest and not finding anyone he is happy with. It could even go as far to describe jail cell bars-if they got PI’s or something…but whatever.
Another way to look at it, is if the girl has a drinking problem that he is coping with. Any of his songs, you can make your own, or imagine them from his point of view. Each time my depiction changes…so think what you want, it can be right.
William Fitzsimmons.
I found him while scoping out Zach Braff’s myspace, checking to see what music my fav Zach has been discovering.
He just came to Texas, and I cannot believe I had to find out about him AFTERwards.
His music is peaceful, kind, and heartbreaking. I tend to zone out while listening, and find myself re-inventing my past…playing with fate and cutting and pasting choices and memories together, creating a collage of the way I ‘wish’ some things could have played out. Ok, basically I daydream and make a music video in my head. I can lay on my back, wide awake, staring at the ceiling, and let my mind travel off.
A good bearded man. Listen.
Sleeper 1972-Manchester Orchestra
I was reading a blog of random thoughts from the musician William Fitzsimmons.
He dared: listen to ‘Sleeper 1972’ by Manchester Orchestra and don’t cry.
The lyrics are terribly mundane. The track is simultaneously haunting and peaceful…mimicking a funeral with keyboard tones that sound like an organ …fitting the meaning of the song.
I am not trying to be sad or depressing, I simply appreciate a good song, even if it is sad.
Too many people underestimate the beauty of a slower song.
This song is beautiful. Don’t just read the lyrics, listen. Just take a few minutes to listen.
When my dad died the worms ate out both his eyes.
His soul flew right up in the sky and I cried myself to sleep.
My mother lies alone on her back at night.
Adding up hours till her demise, she counts herself to sleep.
When my sister finds my body closed up like the blinds,
I tell her I promise its fine, but she cries herself to sleep.
The men in black ties arrive at the house in surprise.
To find a little girl by your side in the wood box where you’re sleeping.
I still see you inside of this God-awful house
You move awfully quiet now
And I still feel you everywhere
You told me this has always been worth living,
But what’s really worth living anymore?
LISTEN BELOW
