McMahon announced the moniker in a blog post in July 2014, stating, "as I embark on yet another musical adventure, I will be traveling with my band to many of those same stages, this time as “Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness”. I suppose my wilderness is mostly an abstract one. Since putting Jack’s behind me, I have forced myself into strange spaces seeking new stimulus..."
The first song recorded under the moniker, 'Cecilia and the Satellite', received official radio play on the 17th July 2014. An album is expected to follow.
Art School Girlfriend
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Left the TV on
The government is shutting down
My days wide open
I woke up on the ground, and you
Were in a cardigan sweater
With your horn-rimmed glasses on
Can't see the world without them
I sewed a farewell letter with a needle and thread
And I called in sick for good
Sitting on an island with a girl I need
I made a fat withdrawal from a cash machine
And I found a place to start again
With my art school girlfriend
Art school girlfriend
So I climb into bed awake
Got your camera out
Taking pictures of the mess we made
To save for later
I'm happy wasting away, it's cool
You're in a portable darkroom
And I'm dreaming of a swimming pool
While I read your latest fader
Living in the pages of a book she read
I sewed a farewell letter with a needle and thread
And I called in sick for good
Sitting on an island with a girl I need
I made a fat withdrawal from a cash machine
And I found a place to start again
With my art school girlfriend
She's all I need
She's all I need
And so I'm living in the pages of a book she read
I sewed a farewell letter with a needle and thread
And I called in sick for good
Sitting on an island with a girl I need
I made a fat withdrawal from a cash machine
And I found a place to start again
With my art school girlfriend
Art school girlfriend
And she's all I need
She's all I need
The song "Art School Girlfriend" by Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness tells a story of a person waking up on the ground, realizing that the government is shutting down and their days are open. The lyrics indicate that the singer is happy with wasting away with their art school girlfriend who is living in the pages of a book she reads. The singer sews a farewell letter with a needle and thread, and they call in sick for good. Together with their girlfriend, they sit on an island, make a fat withdrawal from a cash machine, and find a place to start over.
The song seems to be about finding happiness and contentment in simplicity while challenging the mainstream pressures of society. The art school girlfriend represents freedom, intellectualism, and passion for creating, things that are not conventionally valued but are essential for authentic self-expression. The artist's life is glamourized in contrast to the mundane 9-5 jobs, and the government shutdown becomes an opportunity to escape the routine.
Line by Line Meaning
I woke up on the ground again
I am exhausted and disoriented, having slept on the floor
Left the TV on
I was too tired to turn off the television before falling asleep
The government is shutting down
There is political unrest and uncertainty with the country's leadership
My days wide open
I have no definitive plans or schedule
I woke up on the ground, and you
Despite my fatigue, I am happy to be with you
Were in a cardigan sweater
Your clothing suggests a level of sophistication and individuality
With your horn-rimmed glasses on
Your glasses suggest a level of intelligence and knowledge
Can't see the world without them
Your glasses are an essential part of your identity and perception
Living in the pages of a book she read
You are a deeply introspective and intellectual person, influenced by the stories you read
I sewed a farewell letter with a needle and thread
I wrote a heartfelt note with great care and attention
And I called in sick for good
I am leaving my job and moving on to something new
Sitting on an island with a girl I need
I am content and happy in your company, and feel like you are essential to my well-being
I made a fat withdrawal from a cash machine
I have access to financial resources and am unafraid to use them
And I found a place to start again
I have discovered a new beginning, free from whatever was holding me back
With my art school girlfriend
You are my muse, my inspiration, and my partner in creativity
So I climb into bed awake
I am restless and uneasy despite being in bed
Got your camera out
You are a photographer and capturing moments is important to you
Taking pictures of the mess we made
We are creating chaos and disruption, and you find it fascinating
To save for later
You want to remember this moment and this experience with me
I'm happy wasting away, it's cool
I am content with living a simple, carefree life
You're in a portable darkroom
You are always working on your craft and have the tools to do so wherever you go
And I'm dreaming of a swimming pool
I am longing for luxury and relaxation
While I read your latest fader
I am simultaneously keeping up with your interests and creative pursuits
And she's all I need
You are my everything and I am grateful to be with you
Contributed by John P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.