Mat Brooke and Jenn Champion formed Carissa's Wierd out of Seattle in 1995, and released three albums before their 2003 breakup. Their plaintive, melancholy, beautiful music won over many who were exposed to it. The band's lineup changed throughout the band's existence. Mainstays in the band included violinist Sarah Standard, drummer (and later bassist) Ben Bridwell, drummer Sera Cahoone, drummer Creighton Barrett, and keyboard/accordian player Jeff Hellis. Their final album, Songs About Leaving, was a modest success in the Northwest, topping many critics charts and leaving fans hungry for more. Sadly, the band decided to go their separate ways in September of 2003. Jenn is now performing under the name S and Brooke and Bridwell went on to create Band of Horses. Brooke has since moved on to become part of Grand Archives and Sera Cahoone has launched her solo career. As of April 2007, both Grand Archives and Sera Cahoone have been signed to Sub Pop Records. In March 2010, Hardly Art announced that it would release a compilation of Carissa's Wierd material, with songs picked by Brooke and Champion, followed by reissues of the group's first three full-length records. The band played a reunion show on July 9, 2010 to support the compilation.
On August 2, 2011, Hardly Art announced pre-orders for a new 7", called 'Tucson,' and would include two new songs, the band's first recordings in over seven years featuring the original lineup. The 7" would include the songs 'Tucson' and 'Meredith & Iris,' and on August 4, 2011, Meredith & Iris was put up for stream on soundcloud. It was also announced that the band would be playing another reunion show in Seattle on September 24, 2011.
Farewell to All These Rotten Teeth
Carissa's Wierd Lyrics
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farewell leave the skin and bones to dry
The lyrics to Carissa's Wierd's song Farewell to All These Rotten Teeth seems to be a metaphorical representation of letting go of the past and moving forward. The phrase "rotten teeth" could be symbolic of things that have gone wrong or memories that are bitter and painful. In saying farewell to these "rotten teeth" and leaving the "skin and bones to dry," the singer seems to be accepting the past and letting go of regrets and sorrows.
The line "leave the skin and bones to dry" could be interpreted as leaving behind the remnants of past experiences or emotions, rather than dwelling on them. By allowing them to dry out, the singer is saying that they are no longer useful or necessary in the present. The finality of this farewell is emphasized by the word "all" in the line "farewell to all these rotten teeth."
Overall, the lyrics to this song suggest a willingness to move on from the past and start anew. The metaphorical use of the phrase "rotten teeth" adds a sense of finality and closure, while the imagery of leaving behind "skin and bones to dry" reinforces the idea that the past is over and done with.
Line by Line Meaning
farewell to all these rotten teeth
Goodbye to all the painful memories and experiences that have caused decay in my life
farewell leave the skin and bones to dry
Leave behind the physical remnants of the past and move forward with a new, stronger sense of self
Contributed by Daniel N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.