Saddle Creek also released Letting Off the Happiness in November 1998, a ten-track record that boasted a much more focused and clear sound than the previous album. According to the Saddle Creek press release, it features members of Lullaby for the Working Class, Neutral Milk Hotel, and Of Montreal. It was predominantly recorded in the Oberst family basement in Omaha on an analog eight track reel to reel; with some work also done at keyboardist Andy Lemaster's Athens, GA studio. Although almost all of the tracks feature a full band, June on the West Coast is performed with only acoustic guitar and vocals. Padraic My Prince gives a dramatic fictional account of the death of Oberst's imagined baby brother.
In 2000 Bright Eyes released Fevers and Mirrors, a demonstration of the immense improvement in production quality and musical vision of the band. New instruments such as flute, piano, and accordion were introduced into the song arrangements. After An Attempt to Tip the Scales, a mock radio interview takes place. The mock radio interview features Todd Fink of The Faint doing an impression of Conor Oberst while reading a script that Oberst wrote. The man interviewing is Matt Silcock, a former member of Lullaby for the Working Class. In this interview, the fake Oberst intentionally presents a strange, contradictory explanation of his attitude towards his music. The interview acknowledges criticisms of his lyrics as overblown and insincere, which had begun to appear as the popularity of the band increased, but responds by stating that the lyrics are meant for personal interpretation. In a 'real' interview with KittyMagik.com, Oberst stated about the mock one: "It was a way to make fun of ourselves because the record is such a downer. I mean, that's one part of who I am, but I also like laughing and fucking around."
2002 saw the release of Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground, and since then Oberst has released an almost constant stream of new material on collaborative EPs, split singles, tribute albums, and charity records. He ventured into the studio with Nebraska folk-pop outfit Tilly And The Wall, co-producing their debut album Wild Like Children and released it on his newly established record label, Team Love.
January 2005 saw the release of two albums: I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning, which is a country-tinged mélange of Conor’s finest acoustic songs, featuring guest vocal appearances from Emmylou Harris and Jim James of My Morning Jacket; and Digital Ash In A Digital Urn, which is a more produced, electronic album featuring cameo appearances by Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
One single from each album, Take It Easy (Love Nothing) from Digital Ash and Lua from I'm Wide Awake took the top two slots on Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart, the first time for any artist since 1997.
As had become expected of Bright Eyes recordings, the albums feature an array of talented comrades including members of Rilo Kiley, Tilly And The Wall, Cursive, Now Its Overhead, The Good Life, Azure Ray, The Faint, The Bruces, Neva Dinova, The Postal Service and Audrye Sessions.
In October 2006, Bright Eyes released a compilation of rare tracks called Noise Floor: Rarities 1998-2005.
Bright Eyes released their sixth studio album called Cassadaga on April 9, 2007, preceded by an EP entitled Four Winds on March 6, 2007.
A further 25-30 tracks have been recorded in Portland, Oregon and New York City, with another session planned in Omaha, Nebraska. Some of these tracks had already been performed at live shows.
On February 15, 2011, the band released their seventh studio album, The People's Key.
On June 22, 2020, they released Down In The Weeds Where The World Once Was, their first album on Dead Oceans after a long history with Saddle Creek.
Entry Way Song
Bright Eyes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I stood in your entry way
A place where we used to wait
For cars to carry us away
Like once in this storm
They drove me and Justin home
The music was just being born
It was all I was longing for
Of singing my songs again
Oh, please don't think ill of it
It's the reason I exist
But you
You're the crutch of a cripple
You're the calm of a conscience
You're the peace that I have found
When all these voices talk too loud
Well, you are quietly reassuring me
With the hands of a healer
And the tongue of a teacher
its your voice that I have known
To be the first one on the phone
Yeah, you ran all the lights to the hospital
So don't you say to me
That life's a trap
The future is nothing but a tragedy
'cause I'll be out of that window
Yeah, I'll start wishing to die again
Just say we're not walking backwards, kid
And show me to the door
And I'll walk behind
Out into the hot sunlight
Where the world's very much alive
Even when I close my eyes
Well, should I admit
That my promise is counterfeit
That I'm careless and childish
And that's all I can hope to be
And would you concede
That I think only of myself
I refuse everybody's help
Who has been reaching out for me
Well, you reach with the soul of a sailor
And the swing of a miner
You have cleared the rock away
Leaving gold there in its place
And it is more than anyone could claim
Oh, with the sense of a banker
And with the touch of a tailor
You saved this life for me
And you have sown it to beauty
And I am grateful now and I will always be
So would you sing with me
The song is all I know
Some truths are told now only in a melody
So I've been writing a new one
Yeah, I've been taking my time with it
It's gonna be so perfect
It's gonna hold all of us inside of it
You will see
If you just add your harmony
I think it would be complete
And be worthy of singing
Becomes a symphony
Yeah, you're the cool of the water
You're the start of the summer
Keep me still like a anchor
In a storm you're the cellar
When I'm heavy with worry make me light as a feather
When I'm deafened by anger you're the song I remember
With the grace of a dancer and the strength of a pillar
When I'm starving to suffer you just fill me with laughter
You're a poet
And a saint
You are the only one I choose to imitate
Oh, like the love of a father through the eye of a camera
It's this picture I have seen
We're on a sloping hill of green
And you are walking there beside me
The lyrics to "Entry Way Song" by Bright Eyes describe a relationship that once existed between the singer and another person who brought calm to their chaotic life. The entryway of the person's house is where they used to wait for cars to carry them away, and though they are no longer together, the memory of that calming presence remains with the singer. The song is full of contrasts, such as the storm that once was but now is not, and the peace that the person brings amidst the chaos of the singer's life.
The second half of the song explores the idea of self-reflection and self-doubt, admitting that the promise of the singer's life may be counterfeit and that they refuse the help of those reaching out. However, the person who brought calm to their life is compared to different professions, including a sailor, a miner, a tailor, and a banker. They have saved the singer's life and sown it with beauty. The song ends with an invitation for the listener to join in singing a new song that the singer has been writing, one that will hold "us all inside of it."
Line by Line Meaning
Last Saturday
Referring to a specific day in the past
I stood in your entry way
Standing in the entrance or foyer of someone's house
A place where we used to wait
A spot where they would wait for a ride
For cars to carry us away
Waiting for a car to take them to another place
Like once in this storm
Similar to a time when they were caught in a storm
They drove me and Justin home
Someone gave them a ride home during a storm
The music was just being born
A reference to the moment when he discovered his passion for music
It was all I was longing for
Music was his heart's desire
Now I'm on a plane
Currently on a plane
Of singing my songs again
Going to perform his music
Oh, please don't think ill of it
Asking the listener not to judge him for his ambitions
It's the reason I exist
Music is his purpose in life
But you
Referring to a specific person
You're the crutch of a cripple
Compared to being the support for someone in need
You're the calm of a conscience
Being the voice of reason or morality
You're the peace that I have found
That person brings him serenity
When all these voices talk too loud
When he is overwhelmed by other opinions and thoughts
Well, you are quietly reassuring me
The person is comforting him in a gentle, calm way
With the hands of a healer
Reference to a person who fixes or mends things
And the tongue of a teacher
The person is also passing on knowledge and wisdom
its your voice that I have known
The person's voice is familiar and comforting to him
To be the first one on the phone
The person is someone who he would call for help or support
Yeah, you ran all the lights to the hospital
The person rushed him to the hospital in an emergency
So don't you say to me
Asking the person not to make a certain statement
That life's a trap
Referring to the idea that life can be limiting or trapping
The future is nothing but a tragedy
Thinking that the future is just a series of unfortunate events
'cause I'll be out of that window
Leaving that mindset behind
Yeah, I'll start wishing to die again
Hopelessness and suicidal thoughts returning
Just say we're not walking backwards, kid
Asking the person to promote a positive attitude
And show me to the door
Leading him towards hope and positivity
And I'll walk behind
Following the other person's lead and example
Out into the hot sunlight
Moving towards a new, brighter future
Where the world's very much alive
The world is full of opportunity
Even when I close my eyes
The possibilities exist even when he can't see them
Well, should I admit
Wondering if he should confess something
That my promise is counterfeit
Admitting that he can't keep his promises
That I'm careless and childish
Acknowledging his immaturity and lack of responsibility
And that's all I can hope to be
Feels like he can't change who he is
And would you concede
Asking the person to agree with him
That I think only of myself
Admitting to being selfish
I refuse everybody's help
Resisting the support of others
Who has been reaching out for me
People are trying to help him
Well, you reach with the soul of a sailor
The other person is extending help in a strong and determined way
And the swing of a miner
Similar to someone putting in hard work and effort
You have cleared the rock away
The person helped remove the obstacles in his life
Leaving gold there in its place
Transforming the problems into something positive
And it is more than anyone could claim
The other person has done more than expected
Oh, with the sense of a banker
Referring to someone who is shrewd or wise
And with the touch of a tailor
Someone who is careful and detailed
You saved this life for me
The other person played a critical role in his life
And you have sown it to beauty
Referring to the other person's positive influence
And I am grateful now and I will always be
Being thankful and showing appreciation
So would you sing with me
Asking the other person to join him
The song is all I know
Referring to his love of music
Some truths are told now only in a melody
Music can express important messages and emotions
So I've been writing a new one
Working on a new song
Yeah, I've been taking my time with it
Taking care and putting in effort on the song
It's gonna be so perfect
Feeling confident in the song's quality
It's gonna hold all of us inside of it
Referring to the song's inclusive nature
You will see
Asking the other person to have faith
If you just add your harmony
Inviting the other person to join in the music
I think it would be complete
Believing that the other person's contribution will complete the song
And be worthy of singing
The song will be worth performing
Yeah, you're the cool of the water
The other person is refreshing and calming
You're the start of the summer
The other person brings joy and excitement
Keep me still like a anchor
The other person grounds him and makes him feel stable
In a storm you're the cellar
A metaphor for the other person being a safe haven in difficult times
When I'm heavy with worry make me light as a feather
The other person's support helps him feel less burdened
When I'm deafened by anger you're the song I remember
The other person's calm voice helps him de-escalate his anger
With the grace of a dancer and the strength of a pillar
The other person is both graceful and strong
When I'm starving to suffer you just fill me with laughter
The other person can make him feel happy even in sad times
You're a poet
The other person has a way of expressing things creatively
And a saint
Can also be seen as someone who represents goodness or morality
You are the only one I choose to imitate
The other person serves as a positive example in his life
Oh, like the love of a father through the eye of a camera
Comparing the other person's love to the way a father might feel for his child
It's this picture I have seen
A mental image he has of the other person's love
We're on a sloping hill of green
Describing a peaceful landscape
And you are walking there beside me
The other person is his companion and support through life
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: OBERST
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eduardo León Solórzano
Para Lili:
El sábado pasado me paré en tu camino de entrada
Ese lugar donde solíamos esperar
Para que los autos nos lleven lejos
Como una vez en esta tormenta, me llevaron a mí y a Justin a casa
La música acababa de nacer
Era todo lo que anhelaba
Ahora estoy en un avión
Cantando mis canciones otra vez, oh por favor no lo pienses mal
Porque es la razón por la que existo
Pero tú eres la muleta de un lisiado
Eres la calma de una conciencia
Eres la paz que he encontrado
Cuando todas estas voces hablan demasiado fuerte, me estás tranquilizando en silencio.
Con las manos de un sanador
Y la lengua de un maestro
Es tu voz la que he conocido
Siendo la primera al hablar por teléfono
Sí, gastaste todas las luces al hospital
Entonces no me digas
Que la vida es una trampa
El futuro no es más que una tragedia
porque estaré fuera de esa ventana
Sí, empezaré a desear morir de nuevo
Solo di que no estamos caminando al revés, niño
Y enséñame a la puerta
Y caminaré detrás
Hacia la cálida luz del sol
Donde el mundo está muy vivo
Incluso cuando cierro los ojos
Bueno, debo admitir
Que mi promesa es falsa
Que soy descuidado e infantil
Y eso es todo lo que puedo esperar ser
Y concederías
Que pienso solo en mí
Rechazo la ayuda de todos
¿Quién me ha estado buscando?
Bueno, llegas con alma de marinero
Y el balanceo de un minero
Has limpiado la roca
Dejando oro allí en su lugar
Y es más de lo que nadie podría reclamar
Oh, con el sentido de un banquero
Y con el toque de un sastre
Me salvaste esta vida
Y lo has sembrado de belleza
Y estoy agradecido ahora y siempre lo estaré
Entonces, ¿cantarías conmigo?
La canción es todo lo que sé
Algunas verdades se cuentan ahora solo en una melodía
Entonces he estado escribiendo una nueva
Sí, me he estado tomando mi tiempo con eso
Va a ser tan perfecta
Apareceremos todos dentro de ella
Ya verás
Si solo agregas tu armonía
Creo que estaría completa
Y sería digna de cantar
Se convierte en una sinfonía
Si, eres el fresco del agua
Eres el comienzo del verano
Mantenme quieto como un ancla
En una tormenta eres el sótano
Cuando estoy lleno de preocupaciones, hazme liviano como una pluma
Cuando estoy ensordecido por la ira, eres la canción que recuerdo
Con la gracia de un bailarín y la fuerza de un pilar
Cuando me muero de hambre por sufrir, solo me llenas de risa
Eres una poeta
Y una santa
Eres la único que elijo imitar
Oh, como el amor de un padre a través del ojo de una cámara
Es esta foto que he visto
Estamos en una colina verde inclinada
Y tú estas caminando a mi lado
Hafiz Jiwanta
Last saturday I stood in your entry way
That place where we used to wait
For cars to carry us away
Like once in this storm, they drove me and justin home
The music was just being born
It was all I was longing for
Now im on a plane
Off singin my songs again, oh please dont think ill of it
Cause its the reason I exists
But you, youre the crutch of a cripple
You're the calm of a conscience
You're the peace that I have found
When all these voices talk too loud you are quietly reassuring me
With the hands of a healer
And the tongue of a teacher
Its your voice that I have known
To be the first one on the phone
Yeah, you ran all the lights to the hospital
So don't you say to me
That life's a trap
The future is nothing but a tragedy
'Cos I'll be out of that window
Yeah, I'll start wishing to die again
Just say we're not walking backwards, kid
And show me to the door
And I'll walk behind
Out into the hot sunlight
Where the world's very much alive
Even when I close my eyes
Well, should I admit
That my promise is counterfeit
That I'm careless and childish
And that's all I can hope to be
And would you concede
That I think only of myself
I refuse everybody's help
Who has been reaching out for me
Well, you reach with the soul of a sailor
And the swing of a miner
You have cleared the rock away
Leaving gold there in its place
And it is more than anyone could claim
Oh, with the sense of a banker
And with the touch of a tailor
You saved this life for me
And you have sown it to beauty
And I am grateful now and I will always be
So would you sing with me
The song is all I know
Some truths are told now only in a melody
So I've been writing a new one
Yeah, I've been taking my time with it
It's gonna be so perfect
It's gonna hold all of us inside of it
You will see
If you just add your harmony
I think it would be complete
And be worthy of singing
Becomes a symphony Yeah, you're the cool of the water
You're the start of the summer
Keep me still like a anchor
In a storm you're the cellar
When I'm heavy with worry make me light as a feather
When I'm deafened by anger you're the song I remember
With the grace of a dancer and the strength of a pillar
When I'm starving to suffer you just fill me with laughter
You're a poet
And a saint
You are the only one I choose to imitate
Oh, like the love of a father through the eye of a camera
It's this picture I have seen
We're on a sloping hill of green
And you are walking there beside me
Suh Hee Jun 준서희
im 25 years old and bright eyes has been my favorite band since i was 12. i thought i would never get the chance to hear a bright eyes song for the first time again in my life (after people's key dropped when i was 17)-- but somehow, this song escaped me. i was doing pretty badly today; trauma and melancholy were weighing very heavily on me. i stumbled upon this and am filled with joy with a pleasure i thought i would never experience again: hearing a bright eyes song for the first time. i feel so much lighter. thank you.
Courtney Myers
n i just
i my n to y n yuyhnyyb
you b h to y ynnn
okyou
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Ignatz Tuskcombe
That makes me so happy to hear. I used to listen to this when I was a teenager, probably haven’t heard it in ten years. Just stumbled upon it again and I’m amazed I let myself forget about this gem. I still know most of the words though.
i don't exist anymore
i have a tattoo that says "when I'm heavy with worry, make me light as a feather." it always helps remind me that i'm gonna be alright no matter what happens. this song brings me an enormous amount of comfort.
Rachel Christine
I have a yellow bird tattooed on me from Poison Oak
Chelsea Galloway
i don't exist anymore i have "no lies, just love" :-)
꧁lahfo༒cambria꧂
Its about god who else can take all you worrys away
APOCALYPTO🎵
connor oberst was secretly the greatest poet of all time
Savannah Jackson
Its not secret. Well, at lest not to me.
Sarah Stogner
IS* severely the greatest poet