Break Mirrors is Mills’ debut solo album and the latest step in a remarkable musical career that has seen everyone from Kid Rock to Cass McCombs solicit his services as a guitarist. Mills’ trip began with Simon Dawes, the young L.A. rock outfit he formed with his childhood pal Taylor Goldsmith. They made an album, Carnivore, and eventually shared stages with some of the biggest bands in America, cranking out a fresh yet classic sound the Los Angeles Times called “exhilarating.”
After his collaboration with Goldsmith ran its course, Mills moved into the next phase of his career, as sideman to the stars. He moved quickly, too: In only a few short years Mills has become one of the most in-demand session guitarists in all of Los Angeles, touring with Cass McCombs, Jenny Lewis, Band of Horses and Julian Casablancas and recording with Weezer, Kid Rock, Jakob Dylan , Andrew Bird, and Jesca Hoop, among others.
“When it comes to playing guitar for other people,” he says, “...a lot of my dreams have already come true.”
Now Mills is taking center stage with a set of tunes that reflect that extraordinary wealth of experience. Recorded in casual bursts between other gigs over the course of much of 2009, Break Mirrors strikes a perfect balance between talent and tastefulness: You won’t miss Mills’ impressive playing—check out the fuzzy slide guitar solo on “Hiroshima,” for starters—but what sticks with you is his songwriting, which hits a bittersweet coming-of-age note.
In “It’ll All Work Out” he analyzes his parents’ marriage and comes to some surprising conclusions, and “History of My Life” ponders the best way to celebrate one’s privileges. (“It’s about a humility that comes with the transition into adulthood,” Mills says with typical thoughtfulness.) Elsewhere, “Cheers” documents a painful breakup, while “Hey Lover” celebrates the healthy relationship Mills is in right now.
“I wrote that song while I was on a tour and showed it to her when I got back home,” he says. “And then we actually ended up singing it together on this record.” With a laugh Mills describes the track as “my first song of having someone after one too many songs of longing.”
“Hey Lover” may only be rivaled by the album's artwork, for which Mills sought the help of acclaimed artist Sage Vaughn; together, the two collaborated in creating a collage that represents each song.
The music on Break Mirrors comes out of a long tradition of mellow Southern California rock. Yet, perhaps thanks to Mills’ work for other artists, the songs also reveal traces of something entirely different.
There’s also a sly sense of humor in much of the material that Mills credits to his time with Ben Bridwell and Ryan Monroe (Band of Horses). “There's a humor in some people's music that is not kitschy,” he explains. “And in some of those cases it ends up uncovering a certain kind of despair.”
The result is a record that feels as expansive as it does intimate, as forward-looking as it is nostalgic. Blake Mills is much more than the session guy, the band member, or the solo artist. Break Mirrors is the proof.
Don't Tell Our Friends About Me
Blake Mills Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I felt ashamed of how angry I got
I know I was not getting my message across
I know you can't stand it when that's how I talk
When I summon a duel or when I brandish a thought
I was wrong to turn honesty against you
And sure, some of them could use a good talk
Please, baby, don't tell our friends about me
I could sleep on the couch if you want me to
Or I can be a good dog and just sit with you
Do whatever it is that you ask me to do
'Til you forgive me and I forgive you
Yeah, I know you got the beating but I caught a feeling
Frankly, I don't know what else I can confess to you
Lovers may quarrel and spar sometimes,
But babe, don't tell all our friends about me
Please, baby, don't tell our friends about me
I know I fucked up, I know I fucked up,
I know I fucked up, I know I fucked up,
I know I fucked up, I know I fucked up,
I know I fucked up, I know I fucked up,
But please, baby, don't tell all our friends about me
You said you just needed some time to adjust
It's been 48 hours and 3 weeks and 2 months
Hummingbirds hum and workerbees buzz
You put too much confidence in the people you trust
All the enemies and friends, they'll all tend to judge
And I'll write songs that'll help me deal with issues,
And sure, some people may hear too much
But babe, they don't tell all our friends about us
You know it makes them talk too much
So please, baby, don't tell our friends about me
(All your friends aren't my friends anymore)
Please, baby, don't tell our friends about me
Yes, I know I fucked up, I know I fucked up,
I know I fucked up, I know I fucked up,
I know I fucked up, I know I fucked up,
I know I fucked up, I know I fucked up,
But please, baby, don't tell all our friends about me
In Blake Mills's song "Don't Tell Our Friends About Me," the singer reflects on a recent quarrel with his lover. He expresses regret for not being able to effectively communicate during the argument and for turning honesty against his partner. The singer acknowledges his mistakes and pleads with his lover not to share the details of the fight with their mutual friends. He offers to do whatever she asks in order to make things right between them and begs for understanding.
The lyrics capture the familiar feeling of vulnerability after a heated argument with a loved one. The singer's admission of past mistakes and fear of judgement from their peers reminds us that romantic relationships are often fraught with complications, but it also highlights the importance of privacy in those relationships. The song ends on a somber note, leaving the listeners to ponder just how much honesty and communication are worth divulging to others.
Interestingly, the song was inspired by a real-life relationship that Mills had with actress Teresa Palmer. The song was also produced by legendary musician, Rick Rubin. The sound of the song has been described as a blend of Americana, folk, and indie rock. The song has been featured in various television shows, including HBO's Big Little Lies.
Line by Line Meaning
The older I am, the wiser I'm not
As I get older, I realize how little I truly know.
And I felt ashamed of how angry I got
I regret losing my temper and reacting with anger.
I know I was not getting my message across
I understand now that I was not communicating clearly.
I know you can't stand it when that's how I talk
I recognize that my communication style can be frustrating for you.
When I summon a duel or when I brandish a thought
When I challenge you or express strong opinions, it causes conflict.
I was wrong to turn honesty against you
I realize now that being brutally honest can be hurtful instead of helpful.
And sure, some of them could use a good talk
Although I don't want others to know our problems, I recognize that talking with trusted friends could help us both.
But babe, don't tell all our friends about me
Please don't share our private struggles with others.
I could sleep on the couch if you want me to
I'm willing to make sacrifices and do what it takes to make things right.
Or I can be a good dog and just sit with you
I'll be obedient and supportive while we work through this.
Do whatever it is that you ask me to do
I'm committed to helping us move forward and will follow your lead.
'Til you forgive me and I forgive you
We both need to forgive each other in order to move past this.
Yeah, I know you got the beating but I caught a feeling
I know I hurt you, but I also feel hurt.
Frankly, I don't know what else I can confess to you
I've owned up to my mistakes, and I'm not sure what else I can do to make things right.
Lovers may quarrel and spar sometimes,
Fights and disagreements are a normal part of any relationship.
But babe, don't tell all our friends about me
Our problems are private and should stay between us.
I know I fucked up, I know I fucked up,
I'm aware that I made a mistake and am willing to take responsibility for it.
You said you just needed some time to adjust
I understand that you need space and time to process your feelings.
It's been 48 hours and 3 weeks and 2 months
It's been a while since our fight, but I still feel guilty.
Hummingbirds hum and workerbees buzz
Life goes on, even amid our struggles and difficulties.
You put too much confidence in the people you trust
I think you share too much with others, even those you consider close friends.
All the enemies and friends, they'll all tend to judge
Everyone will have an opinion about our problems, and it's best to keep them to ourselves.
And I'll write songs that'll help me deal with issues,
As a musician, I use my art to process difficult emotions and experiences.
And sure, some people may hear too much
I recognize that my music could reveal more than I intend to share with others.
But babe, they don't tell all our friends about us
Please don't let my music reveal more than we are comfortable sharing with others.
You know it makes them talk too much
Sharing our problems with others only leads to gossip and speculation.
Please, baby, don't tell our friends about me
Privacy is important to me, and I don't want our troubles to become public knowledge.
(All your friends aren't my friends anymore)
I've become more guarded and cautious about who I share my life with.
Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: BLAKE MILLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@smizrahi4110
Loved this song for years. Unparalleled talent from Blake Mills
@nickblake5142
This song is absolutely phenomenal!
@2993marissa
i'm in love with this song. genuine talent.
@LuqaS15
When it first came out, I had this song the whole three days on repeat I think.
Although I reckon the two verses were perfect, I wish Fiona had more.
@capuleeet
The same here..
@hapibeli
such nice lyricism and musical awareness.
@klankhof
Real nice man ! absolutely love it!
@joyceblake3999
Now this is music !
@MrB00z1
Looking forward to your new album Blake!
@capuleeet
Love this song