Randy
Big Thief Lyrics
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I'll pour the water if you bring the tree
Nothing looks that real to me
I only see two or three colors
Whats it like to breath in?
Find a friend and gather with him?
I'm a wolf in a city of women
Will you plant that sycamore baby?
I'll watch it grow from the second floor
I haven't left the house much lately
And you don't come around here anymore
And all those lovers in their velvet gowns
I wanna take that trip uptown
Will you tell them to let me out
When you can see the light is on?
Found a horse hair in my food
There's a raccoon in my room
There are bluejays all in bloom
All along the cement floor
Randy, they say I've gone insane
So could you take me dancing in the pouring rain?
You don't know me but you know my name
Will you say it till the light is gone?
The opening verse of Big Thief's "Randy" appears to be a conversation between two individuals about a task at hand. It's unclear what that task is, but it's clear that Randy is unsure about something whereas the singer is more confident. The use of color imagery in the line "Nothing looks that real to me / I only see two or three colors" seems to suggest that Randy may be experiencing some sort of sensory loss or lack of clarity. The next verse begins with a question, "What's it like to breathe in?" which could be interpreted literally, as in Randy may have some kind of illness affecting his respiratory system, or figuratively, as in the stress or confusion he's feeling is almost suffocating. The singer suggests finding a friend and spending time with them, perhaps as a way to ease Randy's anxiety.
The chorus of the song suggests a desire for escape - planting a tree outside the window, taking a trip uptown, leaving the house more often. The line "I'm a wolf in a city of women / You only know the light is on" could be interpreted several ways. It could be a metaphor for feeling out of place and alone in a crowded or unfamiliar setting, or it could be specifically about gender or sexuality. The line "All those lovers in their velvet gowns" contrasts with the earlier feeling of isolation, suggesting envy or longing for connection. The bridge begins with a surreal image - a horse hair in the singer's food - which leads into other strange and dreamlike images. The verse ends with a reference to being called insane and a hopeful request to go dancing in the rain with Randy.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh Randy, leave it up to me
The singer is calling out to Randy and expressing their willingness to take charge and handle things.
I'll pour the water if you bring the tree
The singer is suggesting that they work together with Randy to achieve something meaningful, and outlining each other's roles in that endeavour.
Nothing looks that real to me
The singer is feeling disconnected and questioning the nature of reality around them.
I only see two or three colors
The artist is struggling to perceive the full spectrum of the world, and feels limited in what they can perceive.
Whats it like to breath in?
The artist is contemplating the nature of existence, and what it means to be alive.
Find a friend and gather with him?
The singer is suggesting that companionship and social interaction are important and valuable components of life.
I'm a wolf in a city of women
The singer feels out of place or isolated among the people they are surrounded by.
You only know the light is on
The artist is suggesting that Randy is unaware of the deeper issues and emotions that they are grappling with.
Will you plant that sycamore baby?
The artist is asking Randy for help with accomplishing a long-term goal or project.
I'll watch it grow from the second floor
The artist is willing to commit to seeing the task through, but may not be able to contribute as much as Randy.
I haven't left the house much lately
The singer has been feeling withdrawn or socially isolated, and has not been very active outside their home.
And you don't come around here anymore
The artist is expressing frustration or disappointment that Randy is not as present in their life as they used to be.
And all those lovers in their velvet gowns
The singer feels like they are surrounded by people who are more put-together or successful than they are.
I wanna take that trip uptown
The singer is expressing a desire to pursue a more exciting, fulfilling life, possibly away from their current environment.
Will you tell them to let me out
The singer is asking Randy to act as an intermediary or advocate on their behalf to help them achieve their goals.
When you can see the light is on?
The artist is emphasizing their desire for Randy's help when they are in a state of clarity or motivation.
Found a horse hair in my food
The artist has encountered an unexpected, unpleasant surprise that has disrupted their routine or comfort.
There's a raccoon in my room
The singer is dealing with an unwelcome intruder or obstacle that is disrupting their sense of security and order.
There are bluejays all in bloom
The singer is noticing the natural beauty and vibrancy of their environment, even amidst these disruptions.
All along the cement floor
The artist is emphasizing the contrast between the beauty of the natural world and the sterile, dreary landscape of their surroundings.
Randy, they say I've gone insane
The artist is confiding in Randy about their emotional struggles and fears, and is seeking reassurance or support.
So could you take me dancing in the pouring rain?
The artist is asking Randy to engage in a joyful or spontaneous activity together, possibly as a means of coping with their struggles.
You don't know me but you know my name
The singer feels like Randy may not fully understand their situation or mindset, but has a basic familiarity or connection with them that is meaningful.
Will you say it till the light is gone?
The artist is asking Randy to continually affirm and recognize their existence, even in difficult situations or when their future is uncertain.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ADRIANNE ELIZABETH LENKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@charleseads5167
Big Thief - Randy Lyrics
Oh Randy, leave it up to me
I'll pour the water if you bring the tree
Nothing looks that real to me
I only see two or three colors
What's it like to breathe in?
Find a friend and gather within
I'm a wolf in a city of women
You only know the light is on
We'd plant that sycamore, baby
I watch it grow from the second floor
I haven't left the house much lately
And you don't come around here anymore
And all those lovers in their velvet gowns
I want to take that trip uptown
Will you tell him to let me out
When you can see the light is on?
I found a horse hair in my food
And there's a raccoon in my room
There are bluejays all in bloom
All along the cement floor
Randy, they say I've gone insane
So could you take me dancing in the pouring rain?
You don't know me but you know my name
Will you say it 'til the light is gone?
@zjwave8457
I love how both Pual and randy are from their masterpiece album because that exactly what these 2 songs are.
@emilygiannakopoulou3570
What a smooth transition
@mus.00423
Exactly
@mus.00423
Exactly
@tezz_27_
I've listened to this song literally over 150 times now and I love it. It's my most played song of the past 3 years and 7th of all time, It's such a sad song though.
@peytonscarpaci3026
T S how do you tell? Or are you just guesstimating?
@tezz_27_
I primarily listen to it (and all my music) in itunes which keeps all these details
@milksteak6831
It pops in my head randomly and than i have to hear it
@waitzsauce
such a captivating song. no chorus but it hooks you until the blue jays birdsong.
@bryant7542
When I hear this song I imagine drowning, but floating deep underwater. Not struggling, in acceptance. At some point thinking "I'm actually dying, this is it" as memories glide past me. These lyrics being like the haphazard, oddly blissful thoughts coursing through my mind. I open my eyes and my flesh is rotten, grey from the waters. Then I hear the birds again, life.