Arrah and the Ferns formed in 2005 in Muncie, Indiana. After releasing thei… Read Full Bio ↴Arrah and the Ferns formed in 2005 in Muncie, Indiana. After releasing their first album in 2006, three of its members (Carl Stovner, Dave Segedy, and Joey Patrick) left the band in May, 2008.

Arrah and the Ferns reformed with a new lineup and are currently based in Philadelphia. They meld many sounds of folk, country, blues, indie- rock, and pop. Their sound is not easily defined as their direction and members have changed a number of times. So far Arrah and the Ferns have released three full-length albums and an EP.

Current roster: Arrah Fisher (vocals, guitar, wurlitzer), Ryan Belski (guitar), Mike Harkness (drums), Buddy Szczesniak (bass).

Science Books
Arrah and the Ferns Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I tried to read between the lines you wrote inside your black notebook

But your heart is like a worm and you won't let me in unless I'm dirt.

So all day I'll eat the mud you walk upon on your front lawn

The neighbors wonder what I'm doing, have I lost my mind consuming

All the shit that you had left as if you knew I would fertilize your past...

Don't try to warn me that you are an island

And there's no room for fighters

And a woman who can't learn how to please a man

Well I've read my fair share of science books

And baby, baby you're no man...

I have no choice but to dissect you with the laser beam that I built last year

when the ice caps melted and oh, the world was captive by your fear!

Or should I kill you while you're sleeping?

I'll give you drugs and drag you to the street

The sun is high and bright, I'll grab that magnifying glass

And watch you die you die you die you die!

Don't try to warn me that you are an island

And there's no room for fighters

And a woman who can't learn how to please a man

Well I've read my fair share of arson books

And baby, baby you're so dead...

Overall Meaning

The song "Science Books" by Arrah and the Ferns is a dark and twisted tale of unrequited love and revenge. The lyrics describe the singer's efforts to understand the object of their affection by reading between the lines of their writings, but their attempts are met with a cold and guarded heart. The metaphor of a heart being like a worm suggests that the object of affection is unwilling to open up and trust the singer unless they are willing to become tainted and dirty in the process. The singer is willing to do so, consuming the mud that the object of affection walks upon, perhaps in an attempt to understand them better or to win their affection.

However, the object of affection is portrayed as not worth the effort, as the singer suggests that they are not a true "man" and cannot be pleased by a woman. The singer instead turns to science books, suggesting that they have taken a more rational and logical approach to understanding the world and love. They even go so far as to build a laser beam with which to "dissect" the object of their affection, or contemplate murdering them in their sleep. The twisted and violent imagery reinforces the idea that this unrequited love has pushed the singer to the breaking point.

Overall, "Science Books" is a disturbing and unsettling exploration of love, obsession, and revenge, all set to a haunting melody.

Line by Line Meaning

I tried to read between the lines you wrote inside your black notebook
I made an attempt to understand the secrets buried deep in your heart through the cryptic messages you wrote, but you are closed off and won't let me in unless I'm at the same low level as you.

But your heart is like a worm and you won't let me in unless I'm dirt.
Your heart is like an uninviting worm, and you will not allow me to enter unless I am equally as uninviting as dirt.

So all day I'll eat the mud you walk upon on your front lawn
I'll do whatever it takes to gain your attention, even if it means debasing myself by eating the mud you step on.

The neighbors wonder what I'm doing, have I lost my mind consuming
Those around us question my sanity as I continue to degrade myself in pursuit of your affection.

All the shit that you had left as if you knew I would fertilize your past...
You left behind the remains of your past as if to offer me a chance to find worth in something that you found value in.

Or should I kill you while you're sleeping?
Perhaps it would be better to end your life while you're unaware and vulnerable.

I'll give you drugs and drag you to the street
I'll use drugs to incapacitate you and then forcibly move you from the comfort of your own space.

The sun is high and bright, I'll grab that magnifying glass
The conditions are perfect for causing harm, so I'll use a magnifying glass to focus the sun's rays on you and watch you suffer.

And watch you die you die you die you die!
I'll revel in your demise and take pleasure in watching you perish.

Well I've read my fair share of science books
I am knowledgeable and well-versed in the principles of science and how it can be used to understand the world around us.

And baby, baby you're no man...
Despite your claims of being strong and independent, you lack the traits commonly associated with masculinity.

I have no choice but to dissect you with the laser beam that I built last year
I've constructed a laser beam which I will use to take apart your being in order to better examine and understand what makes you tick.

When the ice caps melted and oh, the world was captive by your fear!
At a time of real existential danger, the world relied on you to lead and guide it, only to see your fear and cowardice hold it captive.

Well I've read my fair share of arson books
I am familiar with methods of destruction and mayhem, and will not hesitate to use them if it means putting an end to your controlling ways.

And baby, baby you're so dead...
You're a goner, there's no escaping my wrath and my fiery vengeance for all that you've put me through.

Don't try to warn me that you are an island
Don't tell me that you are independent and powerful enough to stand alone and have no need for anyone else.

And there's no room for fighters
You claim that there's no space for those who fight against you and your ways.

And a woman who can't learn how to please a man
You believe that a woman who does not know how to cater to a man's demands is useless and undeserving of respect.

Contributed by Miles D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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