After the band's split, Bachmann moved onto multiple solo projects, including Barry Black and Crooked Fingers, and Gentling toured with Superchunk as an additional instrumentalist.
The band reunited in 2011 and scheduled multiple live dates throughout the year.
Nostalgia
Archers of Loaf Lyrics
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And I'm gonna make a muscle.
Just holding onto filth
Of the pornagraphic slut.
I've got an ill will
And a pair of brass knuckles.
_________ cutting through ribs.
It's a tour de'force.
Nostalgia (4 times)
___________ on to grease
Cause grease is the word
And I'm never never sure
But I'm sure you're never right.
It's the secret agent man,
And a cartoon hero.
____________________________
Nostalgia (4 times)
The opening lines of Archers of Loaf's song Nostalgia paints a grotesque and violent image of the singer. The line "I've got the skin of a shark" seems to indicate the singer's skin is rough and tough, a defense mechanism characteristic of sharks. The following line "And I'm gonna make a muscle" suggests that the singer is exhibiting their strength, perhaps for intimidation or proving a point. The next few lines are more unclear but refer to the "filth of the pornographic slut" and "ill will" combined with "a pair of brass knuckles" which paints a violent and misogynistic picture. The line "_________ cutting through ribs" suggests violence, and with the previous violent imagery, it can be interpreted as a ruthless and dangerous individual.
The chorus of "Nostalgia" is repeated throughout the song, but the meaning is left ambiguous. It seems like a lament for past time or perhaps a wish for a simpler, more innocent time, but it remains unclear what exactly the nostalgia is for. The next verse seems to address the futility of communication with the line "_____________ on to grease 'cause grease is the word." It feels like the singer is searching for meaning but finds only meaningless platitudes. The line "But I'm sure you're never right" might refer to the futility of arguing and the impossibility of agreement.
The lines "It's the secret agent man, and a cartoon hero" is the most enigmatic of the song. They might be a reference to the TV show "Get Smart" or "The Marvel Superheroes," portraying the singer's childhood or innocence. The song ends with a final "Nostalgia" chorus, with the last line left unfinished, perhaps creating a sense of open-endedness or ambiguity.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got the skin of a shark
I am tough and unfeeling like a shark's skin.
And I'm gonna make a muscle.
I am going to flex my muscles and show off my strength.
Just holding onto filth
I am clinging onto dirty things that excite me, such as pornography.
Of the pornagraphic slut.
I am entranced by the promiscuous seductress in the pornographic material.
I've got an ill will
I have negative intentions towards someone or something.
And a pair of brass knuckles.
I possess a weapon to physically harm others if needed.
_________ cutting through ribs.
My metaphorical dagger is slicing through flesh, perhaps in a figurative sense of causing pain or damage.
It's a tour de'force.
This is an impressive display of power or skill.
Nostalgia (4 times)
This refrain indicates a longing for or sentimentality towards the past, perhaps related to the mentioned actions or mindset.
___________ on to grease
I am holding onto something slippery, like a metaphor for trying to maintain control in a chaotic situation.
Cause grease is the word
Grease represents a specific kind of knowledge or vocabulary that is relevant to the situation or topic at hand.
And I'm never never sure
I am consistently indecisive or unsure of what to do.
But I'm sure you're never right.
I do not have confidence in someone else's opinions or ideas.
It's the secret agent man,
This is a reference to a spy or double agent, perhaps representing a desire for subterfuge or secrecy.
And a cartoon hero.
This line similarly brings up a fictional or fantasy figure, perhaps in a playful or immature manner.
____________________________
This blank line could be interpreted as a continuation of the previous thought, or it could represent a pause or break in the narrative flow.
Nostalgia (4 times)
Once again, the refrain highlights a wistful longing for the past or familiartity.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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