'Hogwash' means nonsense and 'Balderdash' means senseless talk or writing; nonsense. So the track is essentially called “Nonsense and Nonsense”.
Hogwash and Balderdash
BLACK MIDI Lyrics
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Chickens from the pen
Are coming down the rivers
Of Salafessien
Picking out fish bones
On unstable rafts
Checking every angle
Every foliage gap
"I can't keep this speed
The sun's too much"
"Balderdash settle!
You've just lost the touch"
This Hogwash he stood
And he licked fingers clean
While mocking his comrades
Admits to defeat
He kicked, he scolded
Pulled on low cheeks
Hogwash and Balderdash
Chickens from the pen
Surveying the beaches
Of Salafessien
Picking out the pebbles
And throwing them ashore
Checking every second
For men of the law
Hogwash stops and stares at the floor
"From where comes this stench that can't be ignored?"
Lucky for Balder his sweat escapes view
This being the origin of the aromatic stew
Which led to the following bellow of "Phew"
With his right on his nose, Hog's left hand claps Balder
Across his bare scalp as if to extract
His brain, thought submissive, that inside grows bolder
The song "Hogwash and Balderdash" by BLACK MIDI is a surreal and abstract piece that tells the story of two characters, Hogwash and Balderdash, who are navigating their way through the rivers of Salafessien. The lyrics depict a scene where the chickens from the pen (possibly symbolizing innocence or vulnerability) are on unstable rafts, picking out fish bones and examining every detail and angle around them. The sun becomes overwhelming for them, and one of the characters, Balderdash, expresses his inability to keep up with the speed and intensity of the situation. He is told to settle down by Hogwash, who mocks him and admits defeat.
The second verse continues with the chickens from the pen surveying the beaches of Salafessien. They are now focused on picking out pebbles and throwing them ashore, constantly vigilant and checking for any signs of potential trouble, particularly men of the law. However, Hogwash suddenly stops and notices a strong, unpleasant smell that cannot be ignored. It is revealed that Balder, his companion, is the source of the stench due to his sweat.
The final lines suggest that Hogwash responds to the smell by clapping Balder across his bare scalp, as a way to release frustration or potentially extract his thoughts, which have become bolder as he confronts the situation they find themselves in.
Overall, the lyrics of "Hogwash and Balderdash" portray a disorienting and surreal atmosphere where the characters are navigating uncertain and unpredictable situations, using metaphoric imagery that invites interpretation and analysis.
Line by Line Meaning
Hogwash and Balderdash
The absurd and nonsensical ideas or statements
Chickens from the pen
Insignificant individuals or followers
Are coming down the rivers
Moving together towards a certain direction or goal
Of Salafessien
An imaginary or unknown place, representing an unfamiliar territory
Picking out fish bones
Identifying and analyzing insignificant details or flaws
On unstable rafts
Making judgments or decisions based on shaky or unreliable grounds
Checking every angle
Examining every perspective or aspect
Every foliage gap
Even the smallest details or gaps
"I can't keep this speed
I am unable to maintain this pace or intensity
The sun's too much"
The pressure or expectations are overwhelming
"Balderdash settle!
Calm down, nonsense or meaningless ideas!
You've just lost the touch"
You have lost your ability or skill
This Hogwash he stood
This absurd and nonsensical person stood
And he licked fingers clean
Enjoying the victory or accomplishment
While mocking his comrades
Making fun of his fellow followers
Admits to defeat
Acknowledging failure or being unsuccessful
He kicked, he scolded
He expressed anger or frustration
Pulled on low cheeks
Having a grim or stern facial expression
Surveying the beaches
Closely examining the surroundings or environment
Picking out the pebbles
Identifying minor issues or problems
And throwing them ashore
Publicly exposing or highlighting the issues
Checking every second
Being extremely vigilant or watchful
For men of the law
Looking out for authority figures or enforcers
Hogwash stops and stares at the floor
The absurd person pauses and looks down in disbelief or shock
"From where comes this stench that can't be ignored?"
What is the source of this unpleasant or suspicious situation?
Lucky for Balder his sweat escapes view
Fortunately, Balder's perspiration goes unnoticed
This being the origin of the aromatic stew
It is the cause of the unpleasant smell or situation
Which led to the following bellow of "Phew
Resulting in the exclamation of relief
With his right on his nose, Hog's left hand claps Balder
Hogwash, using one hand to cover his nose, jerks Balder's head with his other hand
Across his bare scalp as if to extract
Moving across Balder's exposed head as if to extract something
His brain, thought submissive, that inside grows bolder
His brain, which suppresses independent thinking, becomes more courageous or daring
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: Cameron Overeynder, Geordie Wade Greep, Morgann George Simpson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind