However, my fascination with lyrics did not stop with the Monkees (Let's hope not. That would be downright depressing, considering that they mostly did not write their own lyrics and were a musical scam altogether. Yet I still love them.)
Lyrics are essential to songs, and they should be considered an equal partner to the musical part of the song. Think marriage in this day and age versus in the 1950s. The lyrics should not have to wear a frilly apron and greet the music with a pot roast on a perfectly dressed table when he comes home from work. They should rather be equals and both have fulfilling lives and careers. (Too much analogy? Probably.)
This is why I become so perplexed when someone tells me that they just listen to a particular song for the melody or rhythm. That's like saying that you like to eat food only to experience its texture-- not its taste or nutritional value. In other words, it's just stupid. But this directly explains the phenomenon we see in the music industry-- the garbage (there's no other word for it) that masquerades as music and sells millions of copies. "P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face," anyone? I try to ignore when this happens and have faith that the world might become less dumb with time. (That's mean. I love you, world!) In the meantime, I will continue to be a lyrics nerd/snob and enjoy them on my own merits whilst spreading the love in hopes to infect people with my fascination.
I will share some tidbits of lyrics from some favorite songs filled with meaning, flavor, and all that is right with the world. (I realize this is rather self-indulgent and silly. I don't really know why I'm doing it. So don't read if you think it is lame.)
"Boys who rape should all be destroyed." -The Raveonettes
"If I could have a second skin, I'd probably dress up in you." -Belle and Sebastian
"I want to be your love, I want to make you cry and sweep you off your feet. I want to hurt your pride, I want to slap your face, I want to paint your nails. I want to make you scream, I want to braid your hair, I want to kiss your friends. I want to make you laugh, I want to dress the same, I want to defend you. I want to squeeze your thighs, I want to kiss your eyelids and corrupt your dreams. I want to crash your car, I want to scratch your cheeks, I want to make you sick. I want to sell you out, want to expose your flaws, I want to steal your things.
I want to show you off, I want to tell you lies, I want to write you books..." -of Montreal
I want to show you off, I want to tell you lies, I want to write you books..." -of Montreal
"I am grey, still on the page, oh colour me in." -Broadcast
"Help yourself, don't say a thing. Your love won't show you anything at all... if all you do is talk." -Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
"She said it was all make-believe.. but I thought she said maple leaves. And when she talked about the fall, I thought she talked about the season. I never understood at all." -Jens Lekman
"You say the Beatles stopped the war. They might've helped to find a cure, but it's still not over." -The Black Angels
"Why so green and lonely?" -Radiohead
"Chemicals, don't strangle my pen, chemicals, don't make me sick again. I'm always so dubious of your intent, like I can afford to replace what you've spent. Come on, chemicals!" -of Montreal
"In your heart of chambers, where you sit with your picture books and your ancient wit. In that nook I found you so old and tired. Would you be the one to carry me? I'd like to be someone you could finally learn to love again" -Beach House
"I do believe in something, you know." -The Duke Spirit
