They want to see him “down on (his) f-ing knees.” Smith, referring to people in the industry, depicts them as the jailers selling careers (or personal hells) for lives. In “Pictures of Me” Smith utilizes his excellent word play. This is a new side to Smith, marking a new point in his life. Tempos increase, the timbre of his voice changes. In “Either/Or,” we see a certain ferocity and anger never before used by Smith. Who’d like to see me down on my f-ing kneesĮverybody’s dying just to get the disease Smith references everlasting sleep as a metaphor for death repeatedly.Įither/Or (1997) Either/Or album cover from 1997. “Anything to pass the time/And keep that song out of your mind.” Smith wishes he could forget the song he woke up to, potentially insinuating that he wished he could stay asleep forever. The bartender wakes him up, singing the folk song “Oh My Darling, Clementine” while closing up the bar. Smith tells the story of drinking too much and passing out at the bar. The street’s wet, you can tell by the sound of the cars Smith goes on to say, “You can switch me off safely/While I’m lying here waiting for sleep to overtake me.” The singer objectifies himself, reducing the value of his life while he is “waiting for sleep to overtake (him).” Smith makes several references to escapism and suicidal thoughts throughout his discography.Įlliott Smith (1995) Elliott Smith album cover from 1995. “You’re a crisis, you’re an icicle/You’re a tongueless talker, you don’t care what you say.” He uses incredibly descriptive language in order to convey a simple concept in more detail, the idea that someone has no regard for others. In “Last Call,” Smith sings about being tired of the treatment he has endured. While I’m lying here waiting for sleep to overtake me Made him wonder who he thought that he knewĪnd I think I’m all done, you can switch me off safely The clap of the fading out sound of your shoes You’re a jaywalker and you just, just walk away You’re a tongueless talker, you don’t care what you say
Roman Candle (1994) Roman Candle album cover from 1993.
Analyzing the lyrics gives a deeper insight into his life, beginning with his debut album, Roman Candle. Smith creates a clear timeline of his life within his discography. The soft and sweet sound of the instrumental is contrasted with Smith’s harsh reality, using metaphors and symbolism in order to tell his story as accurately as possible. Smith’s voice is soft, making his music almost lullaby-esque. His music is typically slow-paced, taking advantage of minor chords for a melancholy sound. Smith’s music is distinct each song carries a certain message stemming from his own life. After several nights at rehab, Smith died of suicide in 2003. At that point, he suffered from depression and looked towards drugs and alcohol to forget about the pain he was feeling. Smith was physically and emotionally abused by his stepfather until the age of 13, when he moved in with his biological father. While living what seemed to be a glamorous life, Smith struggled heavily with experiences from his past. These raw human emotions, so brilliantly expressed, were articulated by Smith, a ‘90s indie-rock artist notable for his guitar and breathtaking lyricism. The drums bang a little louder each second and the electric guitar rips a piercing note when, finally, the words, “a distorted reality is now a necessity to be free” break the overall serenity and the song erupts into pure passion. Louder vocals and an increase of harmonies the song is building its ferocity. As the song continues, he grows more passionate. (“Phorque” on Wikimedia.)Įlliott Smith’s 2004 song, “A Distorted Reality is Now A Necessity to be Free” begins with a soft acoustic guitar and stripped-down vocals: the epitome of comfort. The Figure 8 mural in Silverlake, Los Angeles.
#Elliott smith either or album art series
The instrumental and lyrical content of music is consistently brushed off by the consumer people don’t “realize songs had lyrics,” misunderstanding lyrics as “nonsense.” But what insight can these lyrics give us into artists’ lives? This article is the first of a series “Lyrical Losses,” where the music of artists’ gone too soon will be dissected. The music industry is riddled with tragedy, artists caught up in the complications of fame, but often the warning signs are overlooked. Elliott Smith performing in New York City, January 2003.
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