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.
Hometown Fantasy
Ben Gibbard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I'm not battery-operated
or as sharp as you are serrated
And maybe, I'll be, a steam-train all metal and black
If you'll lay down my track
Till it's time for you to get back
The lyrics of "Hometown Fantasy" are about a person contemplating becoming someone's ideal fantasy, but recognizing their limitations and flaws. The line "Maybe I'll be your Hometown Fantasy" suggests that the singer is willing to do what it takes to fulfill their lover's desires, but the following lines reveal that the singer is not perfect. The line "But I'm not battery-operated" highlights the fact that the singer is not a flawless machine that can always keep up with their lover's expectations. The line "or as sharp as you are serrated" suggests that the singer is not as edgy or intriguing as their lover.
Later in the song, the singer recognizes that they may not be enough for their lover, but they are willing to try. The line "And maybe, I'll be, a steam-train all metal and black" suggests that the singer is willing to transform into something powerful and iconic, but only if their lover supports and encourages them. The line "If you'll lay down my track / Till it's time for you to get back" suggests that the singer needs their lover's guidance to become their ideal self.
Overall, the lyrics of "Hometown Fantasy" capture the struggle of trying to be your partner's ideal fantasy while recognizing your own shortcomings.
Line by Line Meaning
Maybe I'll be your Hometown Fantasy (boy)
Perhaps I could be the ideal dream you've always had for a perfect guy, but I'm not sure.
But I'm not battery-operated
I'm not an autonomous toy, and thus, I am not perfect.
or as sharp as you are serrated
I am not as smart and knowledgeable as you are.
And maybe, I'll be, a steam-train all metal and black
Possibly, I might become someone strong and robust like a steam-train, resilient and fearless.
If you'll lay down my track
If you are ready to show me the way, guide me, and give me direction.
Till it's time for you to get back
Until you leave or stop guiding me, and I will have to fend for myself.
Contributed by Bailey V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
N. Ash
<3 I never realized how close him and Ben's voice can be, I can tell this is Andrew. Wish they would make another..or re-make it, like they just did with Postal service.
die zauber
reminds me of high school romance and despair. nostalgic, painful beauty
Aodhan Robertson
only one who has sufferd can understand this man
JAN-e
Best part of the Home are the last tracks IMO.