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The Postal Service — We Will Become Silhouettes
Album: Give Up
Avg rating:
6.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1325









Released: 2003
Length: 4:57
Plays (last 30 days): 2
I've got a cupboard with cans of food
Filtered water and pictures of you
And I'm not coming out until this is all over
And I'm looking through the glass
Where the light bends at the cracks
And I'm screaming at the top of my lungs
Pretending the echoes belong to someone
Someone I used to know

And we'll become
Silhouettes when our bodies finally go

I wanted to walk through the empty streets
And feel something constant under my feet
But all the news reports recommended that I stay indoors
Because the air outside will make
Our cells divide at an alarming rate
Until our shells simply cannot hold all our insides in
And that's when we'll explode
And it won't be a pretty sight

And we'll become
Silhouettes when our bodies finally go
Comments (202)add comment
Blimey, this is BLEAK
I love The Postal Service!!! yes
Whoa! NOT Deathcab for Cutie? 

I thought I NAILED IT when I guessed DFC..... 

Still..... not a bad tune.
During the chorus I'm totally hearing Death Cab For Cutie.
I really like this album and this song. I'd never really listened to the lyrics.
Some here complained about the peppy tune with such serious lyrics.
My advice - curb your indignation. It's a song.
 The_Enemy wrote:

The lead singer is totally ripping them off.

I just checked Wikipedia.... he even dresses the same! He could be the guy's clone.

voice has a similarity but the lyrics are too...obvious. and 'dresses the same'? hmmm
 drewd wrote:


Sounds like Pink Floyd!! 

More like Jackson Pollock, imho
I do audio for live events and worked with these guys once when they performed at a large annual conference for the US Postal Service. One of the guys on my crew knew Ben from his college days and spoke with him at the gig. Ben said the USPS basically held a gun to their head stating they would take them to court over trademark infringement ('cause you know, an indy band named The Postal Service might be confusing to the public and might infringe on their market share) and that their performance at the conference was part of their "settlement" 
 danmc wrote:

It's the end of the world as we know it, but I feel fine. Though scores of innocents died and all that remained were the arms of the angels.
 
Is it like today?

Death Cab for Guster
 ImaOldman wrote:
Why does every song have multiple comments saying , "it sounds like whoever"? It's art, art is derivative, it builds on blocks laid by the artists that came before. Obviously if it's a rip off someone would sue, it's the american way! JUST GIVE IT A FUCKING REST, PLEASE...
 

Sounds like Pink Floyd!! 
 gandalfbmg wrote:
meloman wrote:
Really? Pretty damn peppy for such a serious subject. I'd even say highly insulting. If this were about the Holocaust the Nazis carried out in Europe during WWII, I bet this would've been pulled off the air a long time ago.
uhm, just because it's about a nuclear holocaust, doesn't mean it's about Hiroshima specifically. It's a FICTIONAL account of a HYPOTHETICAL nuclear holocaust that hasn't actually happend. And where is it written that we can only have 'sad' or 'serious' sounding songs about sad or serious subjects?
 
It's the end of the world as we know it, but I feel fine. Though scores of innocents died and all that remained were the arms of the angels.
 gandalfbmg wrote:
meloman wrote:
Really? Pretty damn peppy for such a serious subject. I'd even say highly insulting. If this were about the Holocaust the Nazis carried out in Europe during WWII, I bet this would've been pulled off the air a long time ago.
uhm, just because it's about a nuclear holocaust, doesn't mean it's about Hiroshima specifically. It's a FICTIONAL account of a HYPOTHETICAL nuclear holocaust that hasn't actually happend. And where is it written that we can only have 'sad' or 'serious' sounding songs about sad or serious subjects?
 

Case in point: Donald Fagen - New Frontier

https://youtu.be/qBruAooXPNU
I love it that Ben Gibbard is the voice of this group.  And don't laugh  I just realized this. Death Cab cross over.  Enjoy both bands, and now I know why!
Did Louis DeJoy destroy these guys too?
Phew - someone else picks it's actually a grand metaphor.
meloman wrote:
Really? Pretty damn peppy for such a serious subject. I'd even say highly insulting. If this were about the Holocaust the Nazis carried out in Europe during WWII, I bet this would've been pulled off the air a long time ago.
I don't think its specifically about the U.S. dropping A-bombs on Japan, its just a cute little pop song about life after nuclear annihilation (mixed with a love song about how he misses someone).
 

 ImaOldman wrote:
Why does every song have multiple comments saying , "it sounds like whoever"? It's art, art is derivative, it builds on blocks laid by the artists that came before. Obviously if it's a rip off someone would sue, it's the american way! JUST GIVE IT A FUCKING REST, PLEASE...
 
it sounds like whatever
Why does every song have multiple comments saying , "it sounds like whoever"? It's art, art is derivative, it builds on blocks laid by the artists that came before. Obviously if it's a rip off someone would sue, it's the american way! JUST GIVE IT A FUCKING REST, PLEASE...
 emcibulka wrote:
Sounds like Deathcab for Cutie.
 
The lead singer is totally ripping them off.

I just checked Wikipedia.... he even dresses the same! He could be the guy's clone.
 Proclivities wrote:

What, for having a similar keyboard sound or using synthesizers?  I imagine you haven't heard "Autobahn" in a while: musically this sounds nothing like it - different tempo, different notes, etc.
 
LOL!  ….different notes....yeah...can't say anything to that.....Long Live RP and songs with different notes!!
Sounds like Deathcab for Cutie.
 RadioDoc wrote:
Kraftwerk called.  They want their royalty for ripping off Autobahn in the intro.

Isn't it bad enough we get to endure Death Crabs without having to put up with this unimaginative effluvia?
 
What, for having a similar keyboard sound or using synthesizers?  I imagine you haven't heard "Autobahn" in a while: musically this sounds nothing like it - different tempo, different notes, etc.
Not for me. I like a lot of DCFC stuff, but this is just flimsy.
Sounded interesting until the vocals came in. Bleh.
mindnumbing
{#Daisy}  love this song. 

It's fun debating the lyrics with friends.

       



Somebody please...Stop the mail.
I love every song by these guys.
Kraftwerk called.  They want their royalty for ripping off Autobahn in the intro.

Isn't it bad enough we get to endure Death Crabs without having to put up with this unimaginative effluvia?
xkolibuul wrote:
That's what you call minimal resources? How about just one plain guitar instead, in the hands of Tom Waits, Leo Kottke, Joni Mitchell, or Nick Drake (and Leo doesn't even have to sing). To name but a few possibilities. I would be glad to minimize this song instead.

They (Postal service or at least the main singer) did a more stripped-down version with a guitar and I defnitely prefer it. This isn't too bad, but I like the other version much better.

Wouldn't it be nice if this band were lost in the mail?
3, and that's being generous.

The voice is just too irritating.
xkolibuul wrote:
That's what you call minimal resources? How about just one plain guitar instead, in the hands of Tom Waits, Leo Kottke, Joni Mitchell, or Nick Drake (and Leo doesn't even have to sing). To name but a few possibilities. I would be glad to minimize this song instead.



I think those icons were busy being geniuses when these insignificant children decided to make a song. How dare they not consult with the deities first. Besides, the postal service has to contend with rain, sleet, snow, etc. to make it to their appointed rounds. Do you really think Nick Drake could handle that without anti-depressants?

 xkolibuul wrote:


That's what you call minimal resources? How about just one plain guitar instead, in the hands of Tom Waits, Leo Kottke, Joni Mitchell, or Nick Drake (and Leo doesn't even have to sing). To name but a few possibilities.

My bad - must have considered virtuosic musical abilities a resource. What is the significance of members of Talking Heads playing one another's instruments on their most popular "Naive melody - this must be the place'?


Love it, love it, love it, love it, love it. Yeah. Love it.
unitentional mashup?
I like the whole album...especially this song.
perfect time for something light and bubbly with a hint of Mercurochrome
That's what you call minimal resources? How about just one plain guitar instead, in the hands of Tom Waits, Leo Kottke, Joni Mitchell, or Nick Drake (and Leo doesn't even have to sing). To name but a few possibilities. I would be glad to minimize this song instead. MinMan wrote:
Rather than the knee jerk distaste, one might consider this an exercise at what is possible with minimal resources = a keyboard synthesizer / drum machine sequencer and over-dubbed vocals. Gotta like the dissonance between the upbeat melody and apocalyptic theme.
TampaPurple wrote:
Commentwise, I've noticed that there is no middle when it comes to any of Ben Gibbard's bands. You are only in the love 'em camp or the hate 'em camp. I'm firmly in the love 'em camp. But it is odd how the vote distribution is much more middle of the road.
Actually, I'm kinda middle-of-the-road here.
I love this album. Will there ever be another one? Would be nice :)
I've been hearing this tune off and on since joining RP in ought-three and like it well enough but have never checked on the artist's album, AMG page, and so on. Strikes me as one of those tunes I'll hear 10 years from now, either on RP or whatever is going then, and it will ignite a skosh of recognition, "Oh, yeah, I remember that."--but I still won't know who did it and what it was called.
hah hah, Death Cab mail delivery, btw, I like both bands a lot!
I do agree that I always initially think this is Death Cab.
What a nice surprise!
QUITE NICE
Rather than the knee jerk distaste, one might consider this an exercise at what is possible with minimal resources = a keyboard synthesizer / drum machine sequencer and over-dubbed vocals. Gotta like the dissonance between the upbeat melody and apocalyptic theme.
Beaker wrote:
The opening bit reminds me of something by Kraftwerk.
I was just thinking "Krautrock", ....sounds very German to me.
hvnlyheatherly wrote:
sick of the postal service.
Try FedEx. Less stress on their job and cheaper to ship in the holidays.
Beevis this sucks worse than sucking can suck, er um suckiest of all?
Reminds me of some Belle & Sebastian stuff. Not bad for pop.
pkimbrel wrote:
Hey cool! It's Death Cab for Cutie! Huh? The Postal Service? Ah, man, now I'm all confused. Seriously. This stuff is all sounding the same.
Same dude, different band.
Hey cool! It's Death Cab for Cutie! Huh? The Postal Service? Ah, man, now I'm all confused. Seriously. This stuff is all sounding the same.
Iron and Wine, Wilco, Postal Service - you're playing the good stuff tonight!
sick of the postal service.
Commentwise, I've noticed that there is no middle when it comes to any of Ben Gibbard's bands. You are only in the love 'em camp or the hate 'em camp. I'm firmly in the love 'em camp. But it is odd how the vote distribution is much more middle of the road.
my gawd this is horrible... *mute*
Was he disgustingly aspirated like Iron and Whine? jbtidwell wrote:
Ben played this in Atlanta on his solo tour - it was much more like the Iron and Wine version (since he only had his voice and guitar). It was awesome! he seemed like a really down-to-earth, nice guy.
nails on a god damn chalkboard, bleh!
Beaker wrote:
The opening bit reminds me of something by Kraftwerk.
Wir fahr'n fahr'n fahr'n auf der Autobahn fahr'n fahr'n fahr'n auf der Autobahn
Soundmachinens come too cheap nowadays! #1 BillG Music,please !
Saturday morning cartoon music for kids with A.D.D yuck ...
The music might be candy but the lyrics are really twisted once you listen. I assume that's intentional.
sounded like Death Cab . . . .for ugly!
shakitten wrote:
Wow! A solid 2!
Agree. Catchy but candy. Not candy as in something sweet to refresh your breath but as in something that stick under your shoe...
Perhaps it is because I am a child of the 80's, but I love this kind of synthpop. And I think Ben Gibbard is an excellent lyricist. The video for this is fairly amusing. Love the faded jeans and the polo shirt with the collar up. . . . Can't link to it, I'm afraid, as the Blue Meanies at work have banned YouTube. But it's out there.
shakitten wrote:
Wow! A solid 2!
What a funny kitten you are...hahahahhahaha!!
"and I'm screaming at the top of my lungs" I call bullsh*t. I've heard enough of these guys that I don't believe he's capable. Dissaffected, emotionless sing-songyness seems his only mood.
Wow! A solid 2!
jbtidwell wrote:
Ben played this in Atlanta on his solo tour - it was much more like the Iron and Wine version (since he only had his voice and guitar). It was awesome! he seemed like a really down-to-earth, nice guy. He performed Nirvana's "All Apologies" on the piano as a part of his encore.
I was at the Atlanta show too. Awesome show.
Stingray wrote:
Silly lyrics! Hardly a melody! No drive! High-school-format band! Guess it just doesn't get through to you. Too subtle?
ICK!
Ben played this in Atlanta on his solo tour - it was much more like the Iron and Wine version (since he only had his voice and guitar). It was awesome! he seemed like a really down-to-earth, nice guy. He performed Nirvana's "All Apologies" on the piano as a part of his encore.
Although this version is good, the Shins did another version which is much better than this.
I hope all that sniffing going on in the background is because someone has a bad cold, and is not something else.
Kdubba wrote:
Ill take a shake with that!
and could you supersize my fries!
I checked my vote and saw that I only gave it a 4 - don't know why - I like the song so I bumped it to 7
When will this thing end??????
TeddiB wrote:
Wir fahren, wir fahren.....
...Wir fahren auf der Autobahn.
Odyzzeuz wrote:
Supersized shitburger.
Ill take a shake with that!
This album is amazing, and this song is a clear testament to that. More Postal Service
Supersized shitburger.
OldFrenchie wrote:
Sounds like they hit the "demo" button the their key board and made the lyrics up on the spot. Eesh.
Wir fahren, wir fahren.....
Also from Wikipedia: "In 2004, the United States Postal Service sent the band a cease and desist letter citing their trademark on the phrase "postal service". After negotiations, the USPS relented, allowing the band use of the trademark in exchange for promotional efforts on behalf of the USPS and a performance at their annual National Executive Conference. Additionally, the USPS website sells the band's CDs." Actually being good appears to have gone a long way...
ArbiterOfGoodTaste wrote:
Can we start a petition for a new album?
"On June 26, 2006 it was revealed that The Postal Service has begun work on a new album, though the specifics of the release date are ambiguous..." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Postal_Service
Sounds like they hit the "demo" button the their key board and made the lyrics up on the spot. Eesh.
Silly lyrics! Hardly a melody! No drive! High-school-format band! Stingray!
It's good, but man does it ever sounds like the 'Shins', ...which came first the Postal Service or the Shins?
Can we start a petition for a new album?
This might help... https://www.subpop.com/scripts/main/bands_page.php?id=412 jubilantme wrote:
as far as i know it was a one album deal, side project from the lead singer of death cab...i'd love more though.
as far as i know it was a one album deal, side project from the lead singer of death cab...i'd love more though.
I take it this is the singer from Death Cab....what's the story there then - anyone one?
nick_valensi wrote:
Man, that intro... fooled me again. Let's hear some real Kraftwerk!!!!
Me too - or three or four.
gandalfbmg wrote:
uhm, just because it's about a nuclear holocaust, doesn't mean it's about Hiroshima specifically. It's a FICTIONAL account of a HYPOTHETICAL nuclear holocaust that hasn't actually happend. And where is it written that we can only have 'sad' or 'serious' sounding songs about sad or serious subjects?
not to talk to myself, but this song should go up even one more notch, since I found out recently that Jenny Lewis is the backing vocals...
gandalfbmg wrote:
uhm, just because it's about a nuclear holocaust, doesn't mean it's about Hiroshima specifically. It's a FICTIONAL account of a HYPOTHETICAL nuclear holocaust that hasn't actually happend. And where is it written that we can only have 'sad' or 'serious' sounding songs about sad or serious subjects?
See for example "Morning Dew," by Bonnie Dobson/Grateful Dead. Very sad lyrics, but a beautiful tune.
meloman wrote:
Really? Pretty damn peppy for such a serious subject. I'd even say highly insulting. If this were about the Holocaust the Nazis carried out in Europe during WWII, I bet this would've been pulled off the air a long time ago.
uhm, just because it's about a nuclear holocaust, doesn't mean it's about Hiroshima specifically. It's a FICTIONAL account of a HYPOTHETICAL nuclear holocaust that hasn't actually happend. And where is it written that we can only have 'sad' or 'serious' sounding songs about sad or serious subjects?
meloman wrote:
Really? Pretty damn peppy for such a serious subject. I'd even say highly insulting. If this were about the Holocaust the Nazis carried out in Europe during WWII, I bet this would've been pulled off the air a long time ago.
I don't think its specifically about the U.S. dropping A-bombs on Japan, its just a cute little pop song about life after nuclear annihilation (mixed with a love song about how he misses someone).
snapdragon wrote:
What Bill has got to realise is that even if RP is on autopilot in the California night, it's always breakfast time somewhere, like here in Yukay right now for example, and that, therefore, trite derivative tripe such as this is inappropriate at any time.
What Bill has got to realise is that even if RP is on autopilot in the California night, it's always breakfast time somewhere, like here in Yukay right now for example, and that, therefore, trite derivative tripe such as this is inappropriate at any time.
Anyone else think this sounds a bit New Order?
really makes me boogie down
"> love this
Has this been used in a movie or tv show or something? It seems very familiar.
mojoman wrote:
A song about nuclear holocaust, believe it or not. Read the accounts of Hiroshima, where the only remains of some people were their silhouettes burned into the surroundings by the intense initial flash of the atomic bomb going off.
Really? Pretty damn peppy for such a serious subject. I'd even say highly insulting. If this were about the Holocaust the Nazis carried out in Europe during WWII, I bet this would've been pulled off the air a long time ago.
Why not the version with the Shins? It's much better.
The new Honda Civic... it will reverse your thinking.
Monoman wrote:
Artist's Webiste = https://www.usps.com LOL You can't always trust your Google skills.
Oh that's funny. You are so right!
JTRox8 wrote:
Any song with Jenny Lewis on background vocals and in the video is A-ok with me. An 8.
Jenny Lewis yes but no Jerry Lewis!? Come on!! I can only give it a 7.
A song about nuclear holocaust, believe it or not. Read the accounts of Hiroshima, where the only remains of some people were their silhouettes burned into the surroundings by the intense initial flash of the atomic bomb going off.
Love this whole album. SO nyah.
This is getting a little to much airtime.
Any song with Jenny Lewis on background vocals and in the video is A-ok with me. An 8.
Play more songs like this, please. =)
Artist's Webiste = https://www.usps.com LOL You can't always trust your Google skills.
princeofpeoria wrote:
apparently not your paradise ... but it is mine ... nice track ... love it
Agreee, completely love The Postal Service in general :-)!
willb wrote:
Total suckage
apparently not your paradise ... but it is mine ... nice track ... love it
nshifley wrote:
True, the Postal Service is typical saccharine electro-pop, but something about it really appeals to me. I don't know; maybe it's the brilliance in songwriting. An 8. Give Up as a whole... I'm gonna go with a 7.25. For a while I slightly preferred The Shins' peppy acoustic cover of this song, but then I realized that the awesome ending of the original really blows that cover away.
sac·cha·rine Audio pronunciation of "saccharine" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (skr-n, --rn, --rn) adj. 1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of sugar or saccharin; sweet. 2. Having a cloyingly sweet attitude, tone, or character: a saccharine smile. 3. Excessively sentimental: "It was enough for him to rely on sentiment... and saccharine assertions about The Home" (Kate Millett). I think that is their charm, its a saccharine treatment of a song about the days after nuclear war... please post any other bands doing that, I'd like to check them out.