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.
Soul Singer In The Session Band
Bright Eyes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shredded to ribbons beneath a microphone stand
Felt the quickness of pity like a flash in a pan
For the soul singer in the session band
A red carpet bagger makes a Blackberry call
To the plastic piranhas in the city of salt
Wasted wheat paste campaign post no bills on the wall
See the soul singer in the session band
Shredded to ribbons beneath a microphone stand
Felt the quickness of pity like a flash in a pan
For the soul singer in the session band
I had a lengthy discussion about The Power of Myth
With a post-modern author who didn't exist
In this fictitious world all reality twists
I was a hopeless romantic, now I'm just turning tricks
Just like that soul singer in the session band
Shredded confetti beneath a microphone stand
Saw the Conflict of Interest slipping cash in the hand
For the soul singer in the session band
His room is on fire since he painted it red
There are a stranger's silk sequins at the foot of the bed
He has been weddings and funerals but still never wept
Now sorrow is pleasure when you want it instead
Just like the soul singer in the session band
Wailed like an infant atop a white baby grand
We'll need every sand bag and every man
To save the soul singer in the session band
Headlights or taillights, it's a flip of a coin
I have been coming and going since the day I was born
And I followed the breadcrumbs but I never got home
I grew old in an instant, now I am all on my own
Just like that soul singer in the session band
Shredded to nothing beneath a microphone stand
Saw the wave of the future through the crack in the dam
Drown the soul singer in the session band
Bless the soul singer in the session band
The song "Soul Singer in a Session Band" by Bright Eyes is a poignant commentary on the music industry and the harsh reality of fame. The soul singer in the session band is depicted as a doomed figure, shredded to ribbons beneath the microphone stand, with his talent and humanity reduced to nothing. The opening line of the song sets the tone, with the soul singer being seen in the context of the session band, a collective of musicians who perform anonymously and are largely forgotten.
The second verse of the song speaks of the corrupt industry that the soul singer is a part of, with a red carpet bagger making a Blackberry call to the plastic piranhas in the city of salt. The soul singer is insignificant to these people, and the wheat paste campaign post no bills on the wall is a reminder of his fleeting presence. The third verse about the non-existent author and the twisted reality of the fictitious world reinforces the idea that the soul singer is trapped in a system that will never value his talent.
The chorus is repeated after each verse, emphasizing the soul singer's tragic fate. The final verse is a somber reflection on life, with the headlights or taillights metaphorically representing the choices we make. The breadcrumbs lead nowhere, and the soul singer is ultimately drowned by the wave of the future.
Line by Line Meaning
See the soul singer in the session band
There is a soul singer in a session band that the singer is observing.
Shredded to ribbons beneath a microphone stand
The soul singer appears to be emotionally destroyed, as if torn apart by a microphone stand.
Felt the quickness of pity like a flash in a pan
The singer experiences a sudden feeling of pity towards the soul singer, which quickly fades away like a flash in a pan.
For the soul singer in the session band
This line repeats the same sentiment as the first line, emphasizing the artist's focus on the soul singer.
A red carpet bagger makes a Blackberry call
Someone of importance, likely from the entertainment industry, is making a phone call with a high-end device.
To the plastic piranhas in the city of salt
The person on the phone is speaking to shallow and greedy people in a city that is metaphorically lacking in life.
Wasted wheat paste campaign post no bills on the wall
There are advertisements on the wall that are of no consequence or value.
You mean nothing to no one but that is nobody's fault
The artist emphasizes that everyone is insignificant to some extent, but there is no blame to be placed for this.
I had a lengthy discussion about The Power of Myth
The artist is referencing a discussion they recently had about the concept of myths and their influence.
With a post-modern author who didn't exist
The author they spoke with is not a concrete person, but rather an idea or philosophy that is considered post-modern.
In this fictitious world all reality twists
The singer is suggesting that in this world of post-modern ideas, nothing is truly concrete or real.
I was a hopeless romantic, now I'm just turning tricks
The artist used to be a believer in romanticism or ideal love, but has now resorted to living a less dignified lifestyle.
Just like that soul singer in the session band
The singer makes a comparison between the soul singer and themselves, potentially suggesting that they too feel emotionally destroyed.
Shredded confetti beneath a microphone stand
The soul singer is further described as being torn apart, with confetti being a metaphor for the remnants of their emotional state.
Saw the Conflict of Interest slipping cash in the hand
The singer has observed an instance of corruption, where money is being given under questionable circumstances.
For the soul singer in the session band
This line remains the same as the previous instances where it appeared, emphasizing the focus on the soul singer.
His room is on fire since he painted it red
The soul singer's living space is depicted as being in chaos, potentially due to their emotional state.
There are a stranger's silk sequins at the foot of the bed
In addition to the chaos, there are unfamiliar and unexpected elements in the soul singer's space.
He has been weddings and funerals but still never wept
The soul singer has experienced emotional events, but has not outwardly expressed their emotions.
Now sorrow is pleasure when you want it instead
The artist suggests that emotions can be intentionally sought out and enjoyed, potentially suggesting a cynical viewpoint.
Just like the soul singer in the session band
This line serves as a continuation of the comparison between the artist and the soul singer.
Wailed like an infant atop a white baby grand
The soul singer is depicted as being emotionally expressive and possibly even childlike in their behavior.
We'll need every sand bag and every man
The singer implies that the situation is dire and requires a lot of resources to remedy.
To save the soul singer in the session band
This line reinforces the focus on the soul singer, who is still in need of saving.
Headlights or taillights, it's a flip of a coin
The singer reflects on the randomness of life, suggesting that outcomes are determined by chance.
I have been coming and going since the day I was born
The singer has led a life of transience, always moving and never truly settling down.
And I followed the breadcrumbs but I never got home
The singer has pursued various paths and leads, but has never found a place where they feel they belong.
I grew old in an instant, now I am all on my own
The artist has suddenly become old and is now alone with their thoughts and experiences.
Shredded to nothing beneath a microphone stand
The artist revisits the metaphor of being torn apart, this time implying that they themselves have been destroyed.
Saw the wave of the future through the crack in the dam
The singer has had a moment of foresight, recognizing an impending change or shift.
Drown the soul singer in the session band
This line takes a dark turn, suggesting that the soul singer may be beyond saving or should be allowed to meet their end.
Bless the soul singer in the session band
This final line serves as a reminder of the soul singer's presence and the artist's investment in their story.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CONOR OBERST
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
KRATOSLIVES22 !
"I had a lengthy discussion about The Power of Myth
With a post-modern author who didn't exist."
My mind has been blown and my sentience, now decaying, from such an epic series of syntax ravaging what is left...WOAH!!!
klkool1
KRATOSLIVES22 ! Conor is a word smith
A little Nothing
How does this not have more views or likes it’s such a beautiful song
Deuce Decker
I heard this song by chance, so I googled it. Lo and behold! The CD happened to be in the CD player of a car I had recently bought. Obviously, I was on a life-changing lucky streak, so I invested my life savings in Zimbabwean dollars. I have a good feeling about this.
Prayers To God
that fiddle solo !
space buns
my goodness this is so intense
cpt Drakkar
Love this tune, great band,, reminds of the Levellers,, the boatman,.
Joel Eklund
Great songwriter. I heard he was sick. May he get better!
Naturals By Nattie
Never heard this one. Thanks a bunch.
Caomhan l
Beautiful..