Gibbard has been actively writing, recording and releasing music since 1994, when he graduated from Olypmic High School. He appeared as a guest on Jimmy Tamborello's (his Postal Service collaborator) Dntel album entitled Life is Full of Possibilities (2001) - Specifically, he contributed vocals to the song "(This Is) The Dream of Evan and Chan.". In addition, played bass for the band Pedro the Lion on their 2000 tour, and he played drums on the song 'Carparts' for The Long Winters' 2002 album, "The Worst You Can Do Is Harm." He has also released a split EP with Andrew Kenny (of American Analog Set) in the Home Series on the Post-Parlo record label on March 30, 2004. Styrofoam's 2004 album Nothing's Lost features Gibbard's vocals on the track "Couches in Alleys." Additionally, Ben contributed vocals to a song (Handle With Care) on Rilo Kiley frontwoman Jenny Lewis's side project Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins's album, Rabbit Fur Coat.
Gibbard will make his acting debut in the film "Brief Interviews with Hideous Men," an adaptation of David Foster Wallace's collection of short stories. Actor John Krasinski (NBC's "The Office") wrote the screenplay and directed the film.
Choir Vandals
Ben Gibbard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Marked up with the choir vandals
Reading: destroy destroy destroy
Two-speed cycles streamered handles
Evenings with the roman scandals
I just want to be someone you know...
The lyrics of Ben Gibbard's song "Choir Vandals" evoke a sense of destruction and chaos. The opening lines, "Burn down like old cathy candles, marked up with the choir vandals, reading: destroy destroy destroy," suggest the idea of something beautiful and innocent being destroyed by a group of mischievous individuals. The choir vandals could be seen as a metaphor for anyone who engages in acts of destruction or rebellion. The use of the word "marked up" implies that this is not a one-time occurrence, but rather a repeated pattern of behavior.
The lines "Two-speed cycles streamered handles, evenings with the roman scandals" suggest a world that is moving too fast, with people living life on the edge and engaging in risky behavior. The "streamered handles" could be interpreted as a metaphor for the speed and intensity of life, while the "roman scandals" hint at the idea of people living lives of excess and immorality. The final lines, "I just want to be someone you know," suggest a sense of desperation and a desire for recognition and acceptance.
Overall, "Choir Vandals" is a thought-provoking exploration of the darker side of human nature, the need for rebellion, and the desire for acceptance.
Line by Line Meaning
Burn down like old cathy candles
Slowly fading away like a burnt-out candle
Marked up with the choir vandals
Covered in graffiti and destruction caused by the choir group
Reading: destroy destroy destroy
The written message is simple: destroy everything
Two-speed cycles streamered handles
Riding bicycles with colorful streamers on the handles, going fast and slow
Evenings with the roman scandals
Spending time with others who engage in immoral behavior, like the scandals of ancient Rome
I just want to be someone you know...
I long to be recognized and remembered by someone important to me
Contributed by Kaelyn W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Joshua Wilkinson
Thank you so much for uploading this entire album:)
maia
thank you so much for uploading this album it has become obsolete and i had the hardest time trying to find it
Annie Wensley
same!
It's not on itunes or spotify and they don't even play it on pandora anymore
F.A.
Annie Wensley It actually is on iTunes. If you search for Andrew Kenny or just "Home Vol. 5" you'll see it. :)
Emma S
+Annie Wensley Actually, it plays on my pandora radio from time to time. But you commented a while ago so maybe they've re-added it since then.
Meesa B
this song is played on slacker. indie chill station.
Gio medina
great song, wish i traveled more just too listen to this.. lol
Joshua Benner
Elvis Presley - rock and roll Michael Jackson - pop kurt cobaine - grundge ben gibbard - indie ... kings of their genres... (and i cant spell their names haha)
joel-ashton Starkus
Kurt Cobain, and Eddie Vedder. easily grunge man.
Ashton Gisevius
Sounds like silent hill 2