Pick-Up-Boys
Auld-Hawkins-Webster Saxtet Lyrics

In the song "Pick-Up-Boys" by the Auld-Hawkins-Webster Saxtet, the opening lines introduce a complex mix of vulnerability and bravado. The singer, presenting himself as a "Brave Boy," reveals a façade of confidence tied deeply to the audience's perception—specifically, that of a significant other. There’s a juxtaposition in the lyrics; he maintains his bravery only when this person is present, suggesting that his courage is performative rather than innate. This dynamic highlights a common struggle within relationships—where one’s self-worth and emotional expression are often contingent on others’ validation. The slide and diving into the sea symbolize moments of exhilaration and freedom, yet they are enveloped in a sense of dependence that undermines the authenticity of the bravery he claims to hold.

The lyrically expressed pursuit of approval is further elucidated as the singer attempts to impress not just the person but also the celestial body of the moon, indicating a desire for recognition that transcends the mundane and touches the sublime. This longing to connect through performance—showcasing dance moves—suggests a deeper yearning for intimacy, where expressions of self are transformed into acts designed to elicit admiration. However, the repetition of the lines regarding the lack of peace found in concealment speaks to a broader existential discomfort; he refuses to confront the realities that lie behind his overt bravado and the act of performance. The metaphors of high and pain suggest an internal struggle, where ecstasy remains superficially visible while deeper emotional scars go unaddressed.

The next exploration delves into the paradox of the singer's emotional landscape—watching someone 'die' suggests a metaphorical death, possibly evolving within relationships as one becomes emotionally distanced or loses the connection altogether. The refusal to act illustrates a paralysis that often accompanies real intimacy, where the burden of inaction weighs heavily on one's conscience. Harnessing the numbness encapsulates a coping mechanism, a theme echoed throughout the song, where emotional withdrawal ultimately leads to a deeper existential crisis. The reflection on companionship and sonship hints at the disappointment of not having found a more reciprocal relationship where he could have been a friend, illustrating the complexities involved in male identities and emotional expression, often tied to familial roles rather than egalitarian ones.

In the final verses, the imagery shifts dramatically to the physicality of sleeves holding an ocean—this metaphor suggests a turbulent and vast emotional capacity that he possesses, weighed down by the knowledge that the person he addresses deserved more than what has transpired. The unresolved feelings, coupled with an acknowledgment of inadequacy, weave a rich tapestry of regret and frustration. The line “I hate these new emotions” resonates as both candid self-awareness and a lament for the change in emotional dynamics that have accompanied the evolution of their relationship. Ultimately, the haunting conclusion leaves a sense of unfinished business, with the singer expressing what remains unvoiced—a hope that the important sentiments were nonetheless felt by the other. This blend of bravado, vulnerability, and reflection captures the essence of the struggle to navigate emotional landscapes that are fraught with the pressures of perception, intimacy, and the burden of unspoken truths.