Sorry Entertainer
Calvin Johnson Lyrics

The song "Sorry Entertainer" by Calvin Johnson is a poignant meditation on loneliness and the desire to escape from one's own problems. The lyrics are sparse and minimalistic, but they convey a powerful sense of isolation and desperation. The lines "Where the wind blows / That's where I go / Where the moon is / That's where I am" suggest a rootlessness and a constant search for a sense of belonging. The singer of the song is a loner who finds solace in music, specifically playing the organ and writing with a pencil. He yearns for freedom and release, dreaming of being "free at last / Like a monkey out of its cage."

The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "I'm a sorry entertainer" several times, adding to the sense of shame and self-deprecation that pervades the lyrics. The singer seems to see himself as a failure, as someone who can't connect with others or make a meaningful impact on the world. He is haunted by "demons" that he has managed to fend off with his music, but he knows that they could return at any moment. The song ends with a glimmer of hope, as the singer imagines a "new and exciting age" and imagines himself finally breaking free from his loneliness.

Overall, "Sorry Entertainer" is a moving and deeply personal song that captures the universal experience of feeling disconnected and alone. Calvin Johnson's simple, direct lyrics and spare instrumentation create a mood of quiet introspection that lingers long after the song is over.