Eels — Things the Grandchildren Should Know
Album: Blinking Lights And Other RevelationsAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1538
Length: 5:14
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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I go to bed real early
Everybody thinks it's strange
I get up early in the morning
No matter how disappointed I was with the day before
It feels new
I don't leave the house much
I don't like being around people
Makes me nervous and weird
I don't like going to shows either
It's better for me to stay home
Some might think it means I hate people
But that's not quite right
I do some stupid things
But my heart's in the right place
And this I know
I got a dog, I take him for a walk
And all the people like to say hello
I'm used to staring down at the sidewalk cracks
I'm learning how to say hello
Without too much trouble
I'm turning out just like my father
Though I swore I never would
Now I can say that I have love for him
I never really understood
What it must have been like for him
Living inside his head
I feel like he's here with me now
Even though he's dead
It's not all good and it's not all bad
Don't believe everything you read
I'm the only one who knows what it's like
So I thought I'd better tell you
Before I leave
So in the end I'd like to say
That I'm a very thankful man
I try to make the most of my situations
And enjoy what I have
I knew true love and I knew passion
And the difference between the two
I have some regrets but if I had to do it all again
Well, it's something I'd like to do
Everybody thinks it's strange
I get up early in the morning
No matter how disappointed I was with the day before
It feels new
I don't leave the house much
I don't like being around people
Makes me nervous and weird
I don't like going to shows either
It's better for me to stay home
Some might think it means I hate people
But that's not quite right
I do some stupid things
But my heart's in the right place
And this I know
I got a dog, I take him for a walk
And all the people like to say hello
I'm used to staring down at the sidewalk cracks
I'm learning how to say hello
Without too much trouble
I'm turning out just like my father
Though I swore I never would
Now I can say that I have love for him
I never really understood
What it must have been like for him
Living inside his head
I feel like he's here with me now
Even though he's dead
It's not all good and it's not all bad
Don't believe everything you read
I'm the only one who knows what it's like
So I thought I'd better tell you
Before I leave
So in the end I'd like to say
That I'm a very thankful man
I try to make the most of my situations
And enjoy what I have
I knew true love and I knew passion
And the difference between the two
I have some regrets but if I had to do it all again
Well, it's something I'd like to do
Comments (273)add comment
Eels schmeels.
I'm gonna play this to my Daughters and grandaughter
My dad would have appreciated this ..
This is one of the reasons I listen to RP - to hear different music and little gems like this song. Maybe not for all tastes but as a grandparent it resonates. Thanks Bill.
Great, interesting song.
The Pandemic Anthem
"I don't leave the house much
I don't like being around people
Makes me nervous and weird"
[smile] Not that that has changed much in the last year.
"I don't leave the house much
I don't like being around people
Makes me nervous and weird"
[smile] Not that that has changed much in the last year.
worth stopping and actively listening to
fitzworld wrote:
You don't have to listen to it, turn it off or go away. Some of us like this song.
I am going to urge my grandchildren NEVER to listen to this song! The monotonous chords on the guitar are KILLING ME!! The lyrics are BEYOND boring and trite and maudlin. Please, please don't EVER make me listen to this crap again. It's absolutely awful!!!!
You don't have to listen to it, turn it off or go away. Some of us like this song.
This is at least a 9 for speaking to my id...
radioparadise9 wrote:
Your grandchildren may grow up as empty as you ... pity
Many years ago John Sebastian said, "It's like trying to tell a stranger about rock n roll". Loved E's music since first hearing Nowheresville, recorded as "E". I've never heard that on RP, perhaps you can add it to your playlist?
Your grandchildren may grow up as empty as you ... pity
Another one I've never heard before, and its quietly lovely. It does make me miss my Dad, but I would anyway, so.
Sofa_King wrote:
I was brought up in a unemotional but loving lowland Scottish family. To see the loving bit you needed to know what to look for but I never doubted it was there. I’ve tried to explain my relationship with my father to years and Sofa_King had done it in just 3 lines. Thanks!
This song describes always reminds me how much I love my father, even if I never told him that, as we don't really have that kind of relationship. It's not that either of us is particularly cold, we're just semi-formal with one another, which is how we've always been. But I know he knows I admire him, and I feel his love and affection. I would like, however, to change this with my children, when I have them one day - there's nothing wrong with telling your children you love them on a regular basis.
But I digress. I just wanted to say that if you haven't yet watched the documentary about Mark Oliver Everett (E from EELS) called Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives, you definitely should.
But I digress. I just wanted to say that if you haven't yet watched the documentary about Mark Oliver Everett (E from EELS) called Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives, you definitely should.
I was brought up in a unemotional but loving lowland Scottish family. To see the loving bit you needed to know what to look for but I never doubted it was there. I’ve tried to explain my relationship with my father to years and Sofa_King had done it in just 3 lines. Thanks!
fitzworld wrote:
Your grandchildren may grow up as empty as you ... pity
I am going to urge my grandchildren NEVER to listen to this song! The monotonous chords on the guitar are KILLING ME!! The lyrics are BEYOND boring and trite and maudlin. Please, please don't EVER make me listen to this crap again. It's absolutely awful!!!!
Your grandchildren may grow up as empty as you ... pity
Your post got me thinking..When someone is not 'socially normal',or like all the rest, they are often given a label or a clinical diagnosis. Unfortunately we convince many of these individuals that they are sick instead of helping them embrace their uniqueness. judge not lest ye be judged. rKokon wrote:
Could this guy who wants to stay home and avoid people be a victim of Asperger's Syndrome? Or is he a hermit? Or an extreme introvert? Let's think up all the possible psychiatric labels for this man's problem.
Nowadays, the bio-type folk-rock song has sort of fallen out of favor.
If these are Eels, how come only one voice is singing?
On_The_Beach wrote:
Bump, which I suppose a thumbs up vote is now the equivalent?
Right? Would have been nice if that was available 'from the beginning of RP time' - that and an indication of if/when you commented on a song previously would be cool too.....not that I'm complaining....RP is so cool....Long Live RP!!
Bump, which I suppose a thumbs up vote is now the equivalent?
Right? Would have been nice if that was available 'from the beginning of RP time' - that and an indication of if/when you commented on a song previously would be cool too.....not that I'm complaining....RP is so cool....Long Live RP!!
Sofa_King wrote:
Bump, which I suppose a thumbs up vote is now the equivalent?
This song describes always reminds me how much I love my father, even if I never told him that, as we don't really have that kind of relationship. It's not that either of us is particularly cold, we're just semi-formal with one another, which is how we've always been. But I know he knows I admire him, and I feel his love and affection. I would like, however, to change this with my children, when I have them one day - there's nothing wrong with telling your children you love them on a regular basis.
But I digress. I just wanted to say that if you haven't yet watched the documentary about Mark Oliver Everett (E from EELS) called Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives, you definitely should.
But I digress. I just wanted to say that if you haven't yet watched the documentary about Mark Oliver Everett (E from EELS) called Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives, you definitely should.
Bump, which I suppose a thumbs up vote is now the equivalent?
Leave it to Mr E to show such raw emotion, the melancholy guitar, the simple lyrics, the mirror that he holds up and shows us the human condition.
Quite the artist.
Quite the artist.
LPCity wrote:
Either empty nest or just realizing that we're not always in the right mood to appreciate something....in this case I had the same feeling....and boy now that I do hear it...well it's a 9 for me for sure....Long Live RP!!
I rated this a 4 previously. I must have been in a really sour mood.
Today I read the lyrics and listened again and it was a very different feeling that I felt. While the guitar melody approaches "Adam Sandler on SNL" simplicity, the lyrics are honest and heartfelt.
Hell, maybe it's just being an empty nester now and missing the madness of having the kids around the house.
8
Today I read the lyrics and listened again and it was a very different feeling that I felt. While the guitar melody approaches "Adam Sandler on SNL" simplicity, the lyrics are honest and heartfelt.
Hell, maybe it's just being an empty nester now and missing the madness of having the kids around the house.
8
Either empty nest or just realizing that we're not always in the right mood to appreciate something....in this case I had the same feeling....and boy now that I do hear it...well it's a 9 for me for sure....Long Live RP!!
I rated this a 4 previously. I must have been in a really sour mood.
Today I read the lyrics and listened again and it was a very different feeling that I felt. While the guitar melody approaches "Adam Sandler on SNL" simplicity, the lyrics are honest and heartfelt.
Hell, maybe it's just being an empty nester now and missing the madness of having the kids around the house.
8
Today I read the lyrics and listened again and it was a very different feeling that I felt. While the guitar melody approaches "Adam Sandler on SNL" simplicity, the lyrics are honest and heartfelt.
Hell, maybe it's just being an empty nester now and missing the madness of having the kids around the house.
8
This proves a not so great song can be truly moving and something I can relate to and truly like anyway.
Good stuff.
Good stuff.
This song reminds me of how much I love my father, even if I never told him that, as we don't really have that kind of relationship. It's not that either of us is particularly cold, we're just semi-formal with one another, which is how we've always been. But I know he knows I admire him, and I feel his love and affection. I would like, however, to change this with my children, when I have them one day - there's nothing wrong with telling your children you love them on a regular basis.
But I digress. I just wanted to say that if you haven't yet watched the documentary about Mark Oliver Everett (E from EELS) called Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives, you definitely should.
But I digress. I just wanted to say that if you haven't yet watched the documentary about Mark Oliver Everett (E from EELS) called Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives, you definitely should.
This so closely describes my own life, from the dog walking scenario, to the lines about his father. Thanks for playing this. I will have to play it for my grandchildren.
I can relate to this. More, each day.
well then! I'm not sure if I have/haven't heard this one yet, although I just now HEARD it and....my rating started at a 6, then a 7, and when he started talking about "not going out of the house" well it got to 8 and then that final verse got me to a 9. Not often I go 6 → 9 in one listening, but that's what this song did for me.
Sloggydog wrote:
Proclivities wrote:
What Sloggydog & Proclivities said.
PSD'd here; too bad this fine tune is out of rotation.
I like this a lot. I feel it. I would describe the sound as deliberately melancholy. Nice stuff.
Not sure where all the hate further down the page is comin from.
Not sure where all the hate further down the page is comin from.
Proclivities wrote:
. . . It seems like a lot of listeners here are of the "lunch-is-only-burger-with-fries-and-a-coke" mentality: any deviation from what they consider "normal" is too alien and unpleasant for them to process. These lyrics are purposely raw and direct — they address issues like social anxiety and depression, and by the song's title alone, one should expect its melody to be child-like.
What Sloggydog & Proclivities said.
PSD'd here; too bad this fine tune is out of rotation.
I like this a lot. I feel it. I would describe the sound as deliberately melancholy. Nice stuff. Not sure where all the hate further down the page is comin from.
unclehud wrote:
Agreed. It seems like a lot of listeners here are of the "lunch-is-only-burger-with-fries-and-a-coke" mentality: any deviation from what they consider "normal" is too alien and unpleasant for them to process. These lyrics are purposely raw and direct — they address issues like social anxiety and depression, and by the song's title alone, one should expect its melody to be child-like. Whatever...different strokes for different folks.
Eels music is quite different; it wouldn't surprise me if a lot of this song is autobiographical. The guy writes weirdo lyrics and even weirder music, but somehow the words resonate with me, and I like the child-like melodies.
And we (E and I) don't really care what you think.
And we (E and I) don't really care what you think.
Agreed. It seems like a lot of listeners here are of the "lunch-is-only-burger-with-fries-and-a-coke" mentality: any deviation from what they consider "normal" is too alien and unpleasant for them to process. These lyrics are purposely raw and direct — they address issues like social anxiety and depression, and by the song's title alone, one should expect its melody to be child-like. Whatever...different strokes for different folks.
Bumping from 7 to 8. Great tune
on the cusp of losing my dad, and this song just hits me with the whole range of emotions. musically hohummmm. but lyrically? damn. I'll probably play this song a couple of times for my grandkids when they get big enough to appreciate what's being said. and i'll probably play this at my dad's funeral. it's not a "raw emotion" song, but more of a musing on a life spent living... me likey
tryallmusic wrote:
I have to agree, always enjoy when it comes on. Not the most exciting or inventive melody, but it fits the lyrics and just works. Cool sentiment. I might have to pick up the album and check it out.
Thanks again for the awesome variety, Bill! Probably ought to go chip in a few more bucks...
Not really sure why I like this song.... I just do.
I have to agree, always enjoy when it comes on. Not the most exciting or inventive melody, but it fits the lyrics and just works. Cool sentiment. I might have to pick up the album and check it out.
Thanks again for the awesome variety, Bill! Probably ought to go chip in a few more bucks...
Eels music is quite different; it wouldn't surprise me if a lot of this song is autobiographical. The guy writes weirdo lyrics and even weirder music, but somehow the words resonate with me, and I like the child-like melodies.
And we (E and I) don't really care what you think.
And we (E and I) don't really care what you think.
Exactly. The sentimentalist in me loves it. The critic in me kinda hates it.
ralphf wrote:
ralphf wrote:
It's not all good and it's not all bad . . . but, it's somewhat different.
I Love this song!
It's not all good and it's not all bad . . . but, it's somewhat different.
gregormiz wrote:
bump
Sad and Brilliant. It's very real, which is one of the things that we hope for from poetry.
Reading down the comments, I get the distinct feeling that some listeners have never known anyone with social anxiety, much less experienced it themselves. (Or if they do, the don't acknowledge it)
My Dad's a Physicist, and has recently (after his 70th birthday...) come to terms with the fact that he doesn't really understand how to fit into society. He's still physically fit, and has always been good-looking and Charming. People like him. Still, he's upset by everyday social interactions.
Reading down the comments, I get the distinct feeling that some listeners have never known anyone with social anxiety, much less experienced it themselves. (Or if they do, the don't acknowledge it)
My Dad's a Physicist, and has recently (after his 70th birthday...) come to terms with the fact that he doesn't really understand how to fit into society. He's still physically fit, and has always been good-looking and Charming. People like him. Still, he's upset by everyday social interactions.
bump
Hearing this today, on the anniversary of my father's death ... and really listening to the words ... I like it more than I used to.
unh. I like it.
RedTopFireBelow wrote:
AGREE—— I hate it so much I just had to come out here and say it too.... echo eche ache ouch — And, the first time EVER, I just had to comment on a song,
Wow... I can't believe this song even gets played. I rate this as one of the worst songs I've ever heard. The lyrics aren't terrible but since the melody sucks so badly, the lyrics just follow suit.
yikes! please.. turn it off!!!!! make it stop!!!!!!
yikes! please.. turn it off!!!!! make it stop!!!!!!
AGREE—— I hate it so much I just had to come out here and say it too.... echo eche ache ouch — And, the first time EVER, I just had to comment on a song,
This song is easier to appreciate in the context of the entire album; it serves as its coda.
It would be difficult for this song to suck more than it already does.
visualblues wrote:
yeah, man. that gets me every time. along with some others. but this is a good one.
best line : "if I had to do it all over again .... well .... it's something I'd lke to do"
yeah, man. that gets me every time. along with some others. but this is a good one.
best line : "if I had to do it all over again .... well .... it's something I'd lke to do"
The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. - Henry David Thoreau
It seems like a whole lot of stripped down honesty in there...almost a confession.
Wow... I can't believe this song even gets played. I rate this as one of the worst songs I've ever heard. The lyrics aren't terrible but since the melody sucks so badly, the lyrics just follow suit.
yikes! please.. turn it off!!!!! make it stop!!!!!!
yikes! please.. turn it off!!!!! make it stop!!!!!!
This sounds like the result of writers block + a recording industry deadline.
Not really sure why I like this song.... I just do.
fredriley wrote:
Yup, that pretty much sums it up. Some poems are best spoken, not sung.
Here, here, going for PSD quickly
Yup, that pretty much sums it up. Some poems are best spoken, not sung.
Here, here, going for PSD quickly
Very moving song.
This is just such a great song. I never tire of it, and I even bought it after hearing it here first.
Sorry to disagree with the below. I think this song is all in the honesty of the emotion. I find it deeply moving. Redemption and forgiveness - especially when hard-won, as they are, if you know anything about his life - are some of the most powerful positive energies in the world. And E pulls it off, beautifully here.
See on hea.
RedTopFireBelow wrote:
Yup, that pretty much sums it up. Some poems are best spoken, not sung.
Wow.. this is one of the worst songs I've heard in a long time. As a poem, I think it would be beautiful, but as a tune.. sorry, it's terrible.
It's boring, there's no melody, and you can't dance to it...
It's boring, there's no melody, and you can't dance to it...
Yup, that pretty much sums it up. Some poems are best spoken, not sung.
Wow.. this is one of the worst songs I've heard in a long time. As a poem, I think it would be beautiful, but as a tune.. sorry, it's terrible.
It's boring, there's no melody, and you can't dance to it...
It's boring, there's no melody, and you can't dance to it...
oldviolin wrote:
You will have another chance. Don't Panic. Have fun. Be Yourself.
I blew it I'm afraid...I'm sorry more than you can ever know...
You will have another chance. Don't Panic. Have fun. Be Yourself.
Sad and Brilliant. It's very real, which is one of the things that we hope for from poetry.
Reading down the comments, I get the distinct feeling that some listeners have never known anyone with social anxiety, much less experienced it themselves. (Or if they do, the don't acknowledge it)
My Dad's a Physicist, and has recently (after his 70th birthday...) come to terms with the fact that he doesn't really understand how to fit into society. He's still physically fit, and has always been good-looking and Charming. People like him. Still, he's upset by everyday social interactions.
Reading down the comments, I get the distinct feeling that some listeners have never known anyone with social anxiety, much less experienced it themselves. (Or if they do, the don't acknowledge it)
My Dad's a Physicist, and has recently (after his 70th birthday...) come to terms with the fact that he doesn't really understand how to fit into society. He's still physically fit, and has always been good-looking and Charming. People like him. Still, he's upset by everyday social interactions.
i think i wrote this song
I make every attempt to be a songwriter,
But I really have nothing of interest to say.
I go ahead and do it anyway, though,
And have just decided to let the chips fall where they may.
But I really have nothing of interest to say.
I go ahead and do it anyway, though,
And have just decided to let the chips fall where they may.
Despite the pettiness of the comments below, this song makes me appreciate everyone in my life - thanks RP
fingerpin wrote:
h is plank's constant, and f is frequency of light and such like, E is energy. Basically E=hf shows how the energy in light and such is quantized in discrete packets, not continuous.
/nerd
fuh2 wrote:
nerakdon wrote:
He's got it wrong. E=MC^2. And this song is genius, by the way. I totally get it.
It's not his calulation; in his own words, he barely understands basic math. However, his father was Hugh Everett III, originator of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum theory and of the use of Lagrange multipliers for general engineering optimizations.
/Links may not work 'cause I'm kinda' lazy.
nerakdon wrote:
He's got it wrong. E=MC^2. And this song is genius, by the way. I totally get it.
It's not his calulation; in his own words, he barely understands basic math. However, his father was Hugh Everett III, originator of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum theory and of the use of Lagrange multipliers for general engineering optimizations.
/Links may not work 'cause I'm kinda' lazy.
h is plank's constant, and f is frequency of light and such like, E is energy. Basically E=hf shows how the energy in light and such is quantized in discrete packets, not continuous.
/nerd
fuh2 wrote:
nerakdon wrote:
He's got it wrong. E=MC^2. And this song is genius, by the way. I totally get it.
It's not his calulation; in his own words, he barely understands basic math. However, his father was Hugh Everett III, originator of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum theory and of the use of Lagrange multipliers for general engineering optimizations.
/Links may not work 'cause I'm kinda' lazy.
nerakdon wrote:
He's got it wrong. E=MC^2. And this song is genius, by the way. I totally get it.
It's not his calulation; in his own words, he barely understands basic math. However, his father was Hugh Everett III, originator of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum theory and of the use of Lagrange multipliers for general engineering optimizations.
/Links may not work 'cause I'm kinda' lazy.
Brilliant
I blew it I'm afraid...I'm sorry more than you can ever know...
fredriley wrote:
. . .Then quit telling me what I can or cannot say!
For what it's worth, I agree that we should avoid letting posts get personal. However, when some "musical" comments are so vile, inflammatory and non-constructive, I can't resist taking a shot, once in a blue moon.
. . . folk have a right to say pretty much what they want on the board . . .
. . .Then quit telling me what I can or cannot say!
For what it's worth, I agree that we should avoid letting posts get personal. However, when some "musical" comments are so vile, inflammatory and non-constructive, I can't resist taking a shot, once in a blue moon.
On_The_Beach wrote:
But of course it's OK for you to hop up on your soapbox and judge me, tell us all "The Way It Is" and how we must behave here at RP. Talk about people who live in glass houses! Yeesh.
If you can't take it, don't dish it out. You tell people to feck off, then get the hump when someone tells you not to tell people to feck off. Figure this: RP is for anyone and everyone, as is this board, and folk have a right to say pretty much what they want on the board, including that a particular song is sh1te. The board and the station don't belong to some self-elected musical elite.
But of course it's OK for you to hop up on your soapbox and judge me, tell us all "The Way It Is" and how we must behave here at RP. Talk about people who live in glass houses! Yeesh.
If you can't take it, don't dish it out. You tell people to feck off, then get the hump when someone tells you not to tell people to feck off. Figure this: RP is for anyone and everyone, as is this board, and folk have a right to say pretty much what they want on the board, including that a particular song is sh1te. The board and the station don't belong to some self-elected musical elite.
fredriley wrote:
But of course it's OK for you to hop up on your soapbox and judge me, tell us all "The Way It Is" and how we must behave here at RP. Talk about people who live in glass houses! Yeesh.
Just because a listener hates one song doesn't meant that s/he has to feck off elsewhere - don't be so goddamn intolerant. RP isn't an 'all or nothing' station - the very nature of 'eclectic' means that all listeners will hate some of the output. And who are you to tell people to feck off? Do you think Bill and Becky want to chase away listeners, particularly paying listeners?
But of course it's OK for you to hop up on your soapbox and judge me, tell us all "The Way It Is" and how we must behave here at RP. Talk about people who live in glass houses! Yeesh.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Lucky for you there's hundreds of other stations for you to listen to and whine about. Buh-bye, now.
Just because a listener hates one song doesn't meant that s/he has to feck off elsewhere - don't be so goddamn intolerant. RP isn't an 'all or nothing' station - the very nature of 'eclectic' means that all listeners will hate some of the output. And who are you to tell people to feck off? Do you think Bill and Becky want to chase away listeners, particularly paying listeners?
Lucky for you there's hundreds of other stations for you to listen to and whine about. Buh-bye, now.
Just because a listener hates one song doesn't meant that s/he has to feck off elsewhere - don't be so goddamn intolerant. RP isn't an 'all or nothing' station - the very nature of 'eclectic' means that all listeners will hate some of the output. And who are you to tell people to feck off? Do you think Bill and Becky want to chase away listeners, particularly paying listeners?
Sweet, loved that.
love me some Eels on a rainy afternoon. Simple, strong, and very, very real.
fitzworld wrote:
And what, exactly, WILL you leave to your grandchildren? Just curious...
I am going to urge my grandchildren NEVER to listen to this song! The monotonous chords on the guitar are KILLING ME!! The lyrics are BEYOND boring and trite and maudlin. Please, please don't EVER make me listen to this crap again. It's absolutely awful!!!!
And what, exactly, WILL you leave to your grandchildren? Just curious...
Lyrics - and BTW, I love them. I wish I had grandparents. Hell, I wish I had my parents, after listening to this...
"Things The Grandchildren Should Know"
"Things The Grandchildren Should Know"
I go to bed real early
Everybody thinks it's strange
I get up early in the morning
No matter how disappointed i was
With the day before
It feels new
I don't leave the house much
I don't like being around people
Makes me nervous and weird
I don't like going to shows either
It's better for me to stay home
Some might think it means i hate people
But that's not quite right
I do some stupid things
But my heart's in the right place
And this i know
I got a dog
I take him for a walk
And all the people like to say hello
I'm used to staring down at the sidewalk cracks
I'm learning how to say hello
Without too much trouble
I'm turning out just like my father
Though i swore i never would
Now i can say that i have a love for him
I never really understood
What it must have been like for him
Living inside his head
I feel like he's here with me now
Even though he's dead
It's not all good and it's not all bad
Don't believe everything you read
I'm the only one who knows what it's like
So i though i'd better tell you
Before i leave
So in the end i'd like to say
That i'm a very thankful man
I tried to make the most of my situations
And enjoy what i had
I knew true love and i knew passion
And the difference between the two
And i had some regrets
But if i had to do it all again
Well, it's something i'd like to do.
I wish I still had my parents. There are so many things I wish I'd have thought to ask - I guess I just always thought they'd live forever and so would I. This song hits home in so many ways it'll probably be one of those songs (like "Ticking" by Elton John) that I'll only be able to handle once a year because of the intimacy...
Bill, back this up with some John Prine. Should sound good together.
fitzworld wrote:
Lucky for you there's hundreds of other stations for you to listen to and whine about. Buh-bye, now.
I am going to urge my grandchildren NEVER to listen to this song! The monotonous chords on the guitar are KILLING ME!! The lyrics are BEYOND boring and trite and maudlin. Please, please don't EVER make me listen to this crap again. It's absolutely awful!!!
Lucky for you there's hundreds of other stations for you to listen to and whine about. Buh-bye, now.
I am going to urge my grandchildren NEVER to listen to this song! The monotonous chords on the guitar are KILLING ME!! The lyrics are BEYOND boring and trite and maudlin. Please, please don't EVER make me listen to this crap again. It's absolutely awful!!!!
Why does the Eels singer, Mark Everett always sound like he's singing through a megaphone? It also wouldn't hurt if they composed a more upbeat song now and then.
That said - still like this.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz............................................................
jbtidwell wrote:
I hadn't made that particular connection, because John Prine reminds me of my Dad, and this guy doesn't. At all. He's more like Young, but with the songwriting of Clark. It's really quite uncanny. Perhaps it's just the way his voice seems to follow me around the room that makes me feel as if I know him.
I am stunned at how long it took me to realize this was not an artist I had heard before. Still, I know I can't place the voice. I feel lucky to have heard it.
Very cool - a little bit like John Prine, but with the new Iron and Wine "low-key" approach
I hadn't made that particular connection, because John Prine reminds me of my Dad, and this guy doesn't. At all. He's more like Young, but with the songwriting of Clark. It's really quite uncanny. Perhaps it's just the way his voice seems to follow me around the room that makes me feel as if I know him.
I am stunned at how long it took me to realize this was not an artist I had heard before. Still, I know I can't place the voice. I feel lucky to have heard it.
fuh2 wrote:
He's got it wrong. E=MC^2. And this song is genius, by the way. I totally get it.
He's got it wrong. E=MC^2. And this song is genius, by the way. I totally get it.
spumoni wrote:
That's mostly because of its childish self-centred lyrics :)
This song seeps into the psyche and sends the soul searching... I was playing this and my grandaughter questioned "Is this song meant for me?" Indeed, things the grandchildren should know.
That's mostly because of its childish self-centred lyrics :)
This is a beautiful, beautiful song. There are so many "mistakes" in my past, which in retrospect, appear to have really been blessings in disguise.
the entire album is great
Great song from a great album and a great artist. I can understand why some people don't "get" E or Eels. As far as I'm concerned, it's their loss.
The older I get the more this song makes sense
I don't like listening to crappy "music"
I have no tolerance for inane lyrics either...
I have no tolerance for inane lyrics either...
I love E's unique brand of melancholy.
"Little Bird" from the new CD (End Times) is one of the prettiest/saddest songs I have ever heard. Here's a link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oca-0wH9SyU
(yes, I did post this link on one other song comment board)
"Little Bird" from the new CD (End Times) is one of the prettiest/saddest songs I have ever heard. Here's a link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oca-0wH9SyU
(yes, I did post this link on one other song comment board)
Aw man, now I wanna get drunk and cry. 
so hard to even comment on this song...it's like we are hearing Napoleon Dynamite's thoughts as he's middle-aged and taking a long, thoughtful walk in the woods with his dog
This song seeps into the psyche and sends the soul searching... I was playing this and my grandaughter questioned "Is this song meant for me?" Indeed, things the grandchildren should know.
Heartfelt lyrics, right enough, but the delivery is awful monotonous 
Way to close to home.
decorgirl wrote:
I'm sure you don't have to be...but I'm equally sure that it helps. The good news is that probably some day you'll know.
Definitely not twee. Maybe you have to be over 40 to appreciate it...
I'm sure you don't have to be...but I'm equally sure that it helps. The good news is that probably some day you'll know.
decorgirl wrote:
No. Younger than that. I like it.
Definitely not twee. Maybe you have to be over 40 to appreciate it...
No. Younger than that. I like it.
Definitely not twee. Maybe you have to be over 40 to appreciate it...
Very, very touching. Thanks Dad!
WayUpNorth wrote:
Maybe this is one of those that will grow on me
So simple yet so challenging, and so moving, this is art IMHO. 
Maybe this is one of those that will grow on me
All I can think of when I hear this song is Adam Sandler singing "Somebody Kill Me" in the Wedding Singer. I just can't shake that thought.
So simple yet so challenging, and so moving, this is art IMHO.
how does this have a 7? 
I have never used this icon until now.
I have never used this icon until now. lmic wrote:
Oh man.... Excellent point.
Like a clinically depressed Colin Hay. ;)
Oh man.... Excellent point.
You can predict the exact lyrics before even hearing the next line. Song is a bit monotonous too, but has some potential
7 for the lyrics.
Been there, done that.
Been there, done that.
Brings tears to my eyes and bumps to my skin. Means even more to me now that I have a son of my own.
Xeric wrote:
Also interesting and touching to watch him get progressively more comfortable in his own skin as he explores his relationship with his Dad. Great TV. And man, I like this song.
I noticed that as well...after seeing that, I have a completely new appreciation for Eels.
Also interesting and touching to watch him get progressively more comfortable in his own skin as he explores his relationship with his Dad. Great TV. And man, I like this song.
I noticed that as well...after seeing that, I have a completely new appreciation for Eels.
Bone wrote:
Outstanding program, both as Mark's very touching reconnection to his father... and a layman journey into theoretical quantum mechanics. Something for everybody. :)
Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives
Also interesting and touching to watch him get progressively more comfortable in his own skin as he explores his relationship with his Dad. Great TV. And man, I like this song.
Outstanding program, both as Mark's very touching reconnection to his father... and a layman journey into theoretical quantum mechanics. Something for everybody. :)
Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives
Also interesting and touching to watch him get progressively more comfortable in his own skin as he explores his relationship with his Dad. Great TV. And man, I like this song.
Like a clinically depressed Colin Hay. ;)
I have seen them several times in the LATER Tv Show and every time they were differnt good!
On_The_Beach wrote:
It's at least four different chords - a pretty traditional progression, but yes - it is about the heartfelt delivery and the lyrics more than it is about any sort of musical embellishment. Great stuff indeed.
Yah, this song usually ilicits goosebumps. Musically it couldn't be any simpler; he basically strums one chord for 4 minutes; it's all about the lyrics and especially that melancholy heartfelt delivery. Great stuff.
It's at least four different chords - a pretty traditional progression, but yes - it is about the heartfelt delivery and the lyrics more than it is about any sort of musical embellishment. Great stuff indeed.
le_colonel wrote:
A lot if not most of the best music ever made has been fuelled by depression, anxiety, distress and various negative emotions. If you don't want to listen to any such music, you are missing out on 90 per cent of the best of what's out there.
two thumbs up
A lot if not most of the best music ever made has been fuelled by depression, anxiety, distress and various negative emotions. If you don't want to listen to any such music, you are missing out on 90 per cent of the best of what's out there.
two thumbs up
le_colonel wrote:
A lot if not most of the best music ever made has been fuelled by depression, anxiety, distress and various negative emotions. If you don't want to listen to any such music, you are missing out on 90 per cent of the best of what's out there.
I could not agree more.
A lot if not most of the best music ever made has been fuelled by depression, anxiety, distress and various negative emotions. If you don't want to listen to any such music, you are missing out on 90 per cent of the best of what's out there.
I could not agree more.
I just can't rate this any lower can I?
jagdriver wrote:
It's not the least bit amusing, nor do I need/want to listen to music to get depressed. Quite the contrary........
A lot if not most of the best music ever made has been fuelled by depression, anxiety, distress and various negative emotions. If you don't want to listen to any such music, you are missing out on 90 per cent of the best of what's out there.
It's not the least bit amusing, nor do I need/want to listen to music to get depressed. Quite the contrary........A lot if not most of the best music ever made has been fuelled by depression, anxiety, distress and various negative emotions. If you don't want to listen to any such music, you are missing out on 90 per cent of the best of what's out there.
THIS is a SONG.
It may be that I don’t understand the full significance of this song but I don’t find it depressing. I find it uplifting. I feel its song about a man who has had his problems but has gone through them and found a new equilibrium with life as a result.
“So in the end I’d like to say
That I’m a very thankful man
I tried to make the most of my situations
And enjoy what I had
I knew true love and I knew passion
And the difference between the two
And I had some regrets
But if I had to do it all again
Well, it's something I’d like to do”
It’s a “Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” kind of song.
My family just learned two weeks ago that my mother has a rare/very aggressive/non-treatable cancer and will probably die this summer. The lyrics to this song ring so incredibly true to me now.
God - he really knows about this stuff. I hope he has his ups too: god bless. 
; "Flamed")
Wizzuvv_oz wrote:
I just can't give it a 10 because musically it's too simple. But all the rest is quite compelling (like, as in very moving)
Fair enough.
Some of the simplest songs are my favorites. Just me!
I just can't give it a 10 because musically it's too simple. But all the rest is quite compelling (like, as in very moving)
Fair enough.
Some of the simplest songs are my favorites. Just me! goodpunk wrote:
Seems brilliance runs in the family... And they put it to good use, too.
I just can't give it a 10 because musically it's too simple. But all the rest is quite compelling (like, as in very moving)
Seems brilliance runs in the family... And they put it to good use, too.
I just can't give it a 10 because musically it's too simple. But all the rest is quite compelling (like, as in very moving)
I posted this somewhere else but damn, tragic backstory - https://paulmainwood.substack....
=
This song reminds me of how much I love my father, even if I never told him that, as we don't really have that kind of relationship. It's not that either of us is particularly cold, we're just semi-formal with one another, which is how we've always been. But I know he knows I admire him, and I feel his love and affection. I would like, however, to change this with my children, when I have them one day - there's nothing wrong with telling your children you love them on a regular basis.
But I digress. I just wanted to say that if you haven't yet watched the documentary about Mark Oliver Everett (E from EELS) called Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives, you definitely should.