Conceived in the early 1930s, the electric guitar became a necessity as jazz musicians sought to amplify their sound. Arguably, no other musical instrument had greater influence on how music evolved since the beginning of the twentieth century. Although the earliest guitars used in jazz were acoustic and acoustic guitars are still sometimes used in jazz, most jazz guitarists since the 1940s have performed on an electrically amplified guitar or electric guitar.
Traditionally, jazz electric guitarists use an archtop with a relatively broad hollow sound-box, violin-style f-holes, a "floating bridge", and a magnetic pickup. Solid body guitars, massed produced since the early 1950s, are also used.
Jazz guitar playing styles include "comping" with jazz chord voicings (and in some cases walking bass lines) and "blowing" (improvising) over jazz chord progressions with jazz-style phrasing and ornaments. Comping refers to playing chords underneath a song's melody or another musician's solo improvisations. When jazz guitar players improvise, they may use the scales, modes, and arpeggios associated with the chords in a tune's chord progression.
Brother
Mac DeMarco Lyrics
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You're no better off
Living your life
Than dreaming at night
This much is true
But it's still up to you
To take my advice
So take it slowly, brother
Let it go now, brother
Take it slowly, brother
Let it go
Go home, go home
Go home, go home
You're better off dead
When your mind's been set
From nine until five
How could it be true
Well it's happened to you
So take my advice
And take it slowly, brother
Let it go now, brother
Take it slowly, brother
Let it go
Go home, go home
Go home, go home
Go home, go home
Go home, go home
Ah, ah, ah, ah
The lyrics to Mac DeMarco's song "Brother" seem to be addressing someone who is unhappy with their life and possibly struggling with the monotony of a typical 9-5 job. DeMarco sings "You're no better off living your life than dreaming at night, this much is true. But it's still up to you to take my advice." Here, he is suggesting that the person he is addressing may feel unfulfilled in their current life, but ultimately it is their choice whether or not to take his advice and make a change.
The chorus of the song provides a solution to the problem, with DeMarco advising the person to "take it slowly, brother" and to "let it go." This seems to suggest that the person should slow down and take things one step at a time in order to find happiness and contentment in their life. The repetition of "Go home" at the end of the chorus may also suggest that the person should return to their roots, or find comfort and peace in their home environment.
The line "You're better off dead when your mind's been set from nine until five" is particularly poignant, as it highlights how easily people can fall into the trap of a routine and lose sight of what truly makes them happy. DeMarco seems to be encouraging the person to break free from this routine and take control of their life in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling.
Line by Line Meaning
Shit
An exclamation used to express frustration or annoyance
You're no better off
Your current situation is not any better than before
Living your life
Going about your daily routine
Than dreaming at night
Daydreaming at night is no different from living an unfulfilling life
This much is true
This observation is accurate
But it's still up to you
Despite the truth, it is ultimately your decision
To take my advice
Whether or not you listen to what I have to say is your choice
So take it slowly, brother
Proceed with caution and careful thought, my friend
Let it go now, brother
Release your worries and burdens, my friend
You're better off dead
Being dead is preferable to being stuck in a boring, unfulfilling life
When your mind's been set
When your fate seems to have already been determined
From nine until five
From the typical working hours of a day job
How could it be true
It seems impossible but it's a reality
Well it's happened to you
You have personally experienced this phenomenon
Go home, go home
Suggesting that returning to one's roots or a more simple way of life may be beneficial
Ah, ah, ah, ah
A vocalization with no intended meaning
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Macbriare Samuel Lanyon Demarco
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind