Preview
Built to Spill Lyrics


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Phil Ek here, with a preview of the next Built To Spill record

Kick you in the head and then I'll
Kick you in the head now
Kick you in the head and then I'll
Kick you in the head

I feel so lost inside
Where can I hide?
This seems so real to me
This angst inside of me (Woah)
Take a look around
Tell me what you find inside
Is it what you wanna be?

A man needs lovin'
A woman needs a man to love
And I'll hold on to you
My midnight star
'Cause baby you know that I'm a rebel
I'm a rambler

That was a sneak preview of the next Built to Spill album,
At your record store August 5, 1995





Look for the record with me on the cover!

Overall Meaning

The song “Preview” by Built to Spill contains a seething, angsty quality which is evident right from the opening lines. The song appears to be a commentary on the state of modern society and the confusion and disorientation that can arise from trying to navigate its complexities. This is illustrated most vividly in the lines “I feel so lost inside, where can I hide? This seems so real to me, this angst inside of me”. From these lines, it is clear that the singer is struggling with feelings of isolation and unbelonging.


The chorus of the song, with its repetition of the phrase “Kick you in the head”, can be interpreted in a number of ways. On one level, it speaks to the sense of frustration and helplessness that the singer feels in the face of a difficult and oppressive world. On another level, it is a call to action – a rallying cry for others to rise up and fight against the forces that seek to keep them down.


The final verse of the song introduces a more positive, uplifting note. The lines “A man needs lovin’, a woman needs a man to love, and I’ll hold on to you, my midnight star” paint a picture of love and devotion in the face of the world’s troubles. The singer is a “rebel” and a “rambler” – someone who refuses to be boxed in or controlled – but they have found solace in the arms of another. It is a hopeful note to end the song on, suggesting that even in difficult times, there is still love and connection to be found.


Line by Line Meaning

Phil Ek here, with a preview of the next Built To Spill record
I, Phil Ek, am introducing to you a sneak peek of the upcoming Built To Spill album.


Kick you in the head and then I'll
I am aggressively taking control of this situation.


Kick you in the head now
I am showing my strength and power over you in this moment.


I feel so lost inside
I am experiencing a deep sense of confusion and uncertainty.


Where can I hide?
I am searching for some sort of refuge or escape from this overwhelming feeling.


This seems so real to me
This feeling of angst and confusion is palpable and undeniable to me.


This angst inside of me (Woah)
The feeling of anxiety and unease is consuming and intense within me.


Take a look around
I am suggesting that others examine their surroundings and circumstances.


Tell me what you find inside
I am urging others to take a deeper look within themselves.


Is it what you wanna be?
I am questioning whether or not others are satisfied with their current state of being.


A man needs lovin'
Men require love and affection just as much as anyone else.


A woman needs a man to love
Women also desire a romantic partner to love and be loved by.


And I'll hold on to you
I will be there for you and support you through thick and thin.


My midnight star
You are my shining light in the darkness of night.


'Cause baby you know that I'm a rebel
I am a non-conformist and don't like to follow the status quo.


I'm a rambler
I enjoy traveling and exploring new places and experiences.


That was a sneak preview of the next Built to Spill album,
What you just heard was a teaser of what's to come on the next Built to Spill record.


At your record store August 5, 1995
The album will be available for purchase at your local record store on August 5th, 1995.


Look for the record with me on the cover!
The album cover will feature an image of myself, Phil Ek, so keep an eye out for it!




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DOUG MARTSCH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@dougwaxon7183

The song snippet from 0:20-0:40 really captures what all pop punk in the 90's sounded like to me.  Love the friendly dig/nod.  

@sweatpants1212

"A man needs lovin.. A woman needs a man to love.." That one's topped the Billboard Country charts a few times over

@taylorbortnerathing

CUZ BABY YOU KNOW THAT I'M A REBEL

@jessf7341

I always knew it was satire and thought it was funny but also I would totally listen to all of these unironically lmao

@esimcp

I love how people are actually taking these songs seriously

@BennSimonn

Look for the record with me on the cover!

@averagebusinessmen2

i choked on my own spit at 1:20

@Gigizhvania

whats more funny is that they didn't even release an album in 1995

@taylorbortnerathing

and i'll hold on to you......my midnight star

@CliveGulch

When people ask me why the 90’s was such a great decade for music I pop in a particular CD and head on over to a certain hidden track. Only wish they had made a video for it.

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