On their own, Green and Shapiro have long been notable figures among indie-pop fans, cherished for their off-kilter sensibility (him) and elegantly quirky style (her). As part of New York City’s “anti-folk” scene at the end of the nineties, Adam Green first came to prominence as one-half of Moldy Peaches, his duo with Kimya Dawson that enjoyed belated mainstream success via the Grammy-winning soundtrack of the 2007 indie film Juno.
Pleasantries
Adam Green & Binki Shapiro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How do you think most times?
I've been searching for some passion for my actions
Now you know that its full price
You know how and you know why
You're not the bedroom type
Nightly fading, just what are you celebrating?
Whatever this is, the pleasure's all his
Endlessly trailing my dreams
No need to pretend I want you instead
To council her excellency
Can't be the first to say you're the worst
Surely there's one or two
I care more if you act as though you like me
Then if you really do
Living a lie to a song you can't hide
The paintings are still in the tube
I needed to fall, you need not crawl
I punish myself with you
What was between all those pleasantries
What did you hope you'd find?
I was waiting for the chance you never gave me
I'm still working on my line
The song "Pleasantries" by Adam Green & Binki Shapiro appears to be about the difficulties of communication and connection between two people. The first verse seems to suggest that there is a lot of small talk and polite conversation between them, without any real depth or emotion. The singer is searching for something more meaningful and passionate, but it seems that the other person is not interested in that kind of interaction. The line "Now you know that it's full price" could be interpreted as the singer expressing their frustration that they are not getting what they want from this relationship.
The second verse is more focused on the other person and their personality. They are described as not being the "bedroom type" and having a short fuse. The line "whatever this is, the pleasure's all his" could be suggesting that the other person is not interested in a two-way relationship and is only focused on their own needs and desires. The singer seems to be confused and disillusioned by the whole situation, and is considering moving on.
The final verse is more introspective, with the singer reflecting on their own feelings and motivations. They seem to be struggling with their own emotions, and trying to come up with a way to express themselves to the other person. The line "I needed to fall, you need not crawl" suggests that the singer is willing to take a risk and be vulnerable, but they don't want the other person to feel like they have power over them. Overall, the song is a melancholic reflection on the challenges of relationships and communication.
Line by Line Meaning
What's in between all those pleasantries?
What is the underlying truth and intention behind all the superficially polite conversations?
How do you think most times?
What goes on in your mind most of the time, and what motivates your actions?
I've been searching for some passion for my actions
I have been seeking a sense of purpose and direction for my endeavors.
Now you know that its full price
Now you understand the true cost and consequences of your actions.
You know how and you know why
You have a clear understanding of both the process and the reason behind something.
You're not the bedroom type
You don't have the temperament or inclination for intimate relationships.
Nightly fading, just what are you celebrating?
As you gradually lose your vitality and energy, what is it that you are really cherishing or commemorating?
Old fashions burn your short fuse dry
Conventional and routine ways of doing things exhaust your patience and tolerance.
Whatever this is, the pleasure's all his
Whatever this situation or arrangement might be, only one person is really deriving any enjoyment from it.
Endlessly trailing my dreams
My aspirations and desires continually elude me and are always just out of reach.
No need to pretend I want you instead
I don't need to put on a facade and act like I prefer you over someone else.
To council her excellency
To advise or mentor someone who is highly ranked or respected in a particular field or context.
Can't be the first to say you're the worst
I cannot be the only person who thinks that you are not very good at something.
Surely there's one or two
There must be at least one or two other people who share my opinion about your shortcomings.
I care more if you act as though you like me
I am more concerned with the way you treat me and make me feel than with your actual feelings towards me.
Then if you really do
Rather than if you genuinely have affection or regard for me.
Living a lie to a song you can't hide
Pretending to be something you're not while facing an unavoidable and undeniable reality.
The paintings are still in the tube
The potential and promise of something have yet to be realized or actualized.
I needed to fall, you need not crawl
I had to make mistakes and experience setbacks in order to grow and develop, but you don't have to debase yourself in the process.
I punish myself with you
By remaining in this relationship or dynamic, I am causing myself unnecessary pain and hardship.
What was between all those pleasantries
What was the unstated and unacknowledged reality beneath all of our seemingly polite exchanges?
What did you hope you'd find?
What were your true expectations and desires when you entered into this situation?
I was waiting for the chance you never gave me
I was hoping for an opportunity or opening that you never provided or allowed.
I'm still working on my line
I am still trying to figure out the best way to express myself and articulate what I really want to say.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ADAM GREEN, JORDANA SHAPIRO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind