While some might be surprised by the transition, the truth is that Caroline has never stopped evolving. From folky beginnings and an indie rock second album, she has been consistently pushing herself to new heights. With soaring vocals and catchy melodies at the heart of all three albums, Caroline is settling into a sound that feels more like home. “I feel I’ve finally created something that is a nod to some of my favorite records while being able to use my own voice to illustrate my personal transition into woman hood; That time in a woman’s life when her ‘fat butt’ becomes her ‘phat ass’. I wanted to make music to celebrate that and to encourage other women to do the same.” This glimpse of an artist in flux was captured perfectly in the PBS documentary on Caroline, My Way Back Home.
The video for “Magazine“, created by director/editor Dan Huiting (Bon Iver, The National, Local Natives, Andrew Bird) and DP Ryan Thompson, perfectly captures the the theme of a woman actively embracing her femininity and transcending societal expectations. The album, released by United Interests, was produced by Jake Hanson (guitarist- Mason Jennings, Solid Gold), recorded at Near North Studios by Brett Bullion (Dark Dark Dark, Chris Walla) and mixed by Paul Marino (Mint Condition). It includes contributions from long-time bandmates Jesse Schuster and Arlen Peiffer (Cloud Cult) along with several guest musicians including Mike Lewis (Bon Iver, Andrew Bird). The band will be touring through the fall to support the album – starting with an expected sold-out show at First Avenue in their home town of Minneapolis, MN.
In recent years, Smith has transitioned to performing under the name Your Smith.
Magazine
Caroline Smith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Babe, babe, babe
We got your bed made
We got your lemon squeeze
We got everything here
That you could ever need
We got your lemon squeeze
We got everything here
How could you ever leave
I was a woman
I was a woman from a magazine
And when you saw me
All about me on the stage
You said you weren't going back home
'Til you had me
And then the next day came
I was everything you ever wanted
Every piece of me was heaven
You were on it
I know I gave it all away
But a lady's gotta know
When they're playing that game
Baby how could you go?
Believe me
Baby how could you go?
Ooh ohh
We got your bed made
We got your lemon squeeze
We got everything here
That you could ever need
We got your bed made
We got your lemon squeeze
We got everything here
How could you ever leave
I was a woman
I was a woman from a magazine
I was a woman
I was a woman from a magazine
Oooh
Oooh
Babe, babe, babe
Babe, babe, babe
We got your bed made
We got your lemon squeeze
We got everything here
That you could ever need
We got your bed made
We got your lemon squeeze
We got everything here
How could you ever leave?
Caroline Smith's song "Magazine" is an emotional and thought-provoking track about a woman who is objectified and dehumanized by a man who sees her as nothing more than an image in a magazine. The opening lines of the song serve as a direct address to the man, almost as if the woman is saying "I know what you're up to." The repetition of "babe, babe, babe" reinforces the idea that she is being looked at as an object rather than a human being.
The chorus of the song, "We got your bed made, we got your lemon squeeze, we got everything here that you could ever need," paints a picture of a room or space that is set up to cater to the needs and desires of the man. The woman in the song seems almost resigned to the fact that she is being used for her appearance. The lines "I was a woman from a magazine, and when you saw me all about me on the stage, you said you weren't going back home 'til you had me," show just how objectified she is. She is not seen as a real person or somebody that he would want to have a real relationship, but instead, as a prize to be won.
Despite giving herself fully to this man, the singer of the song comes to the realization that she needs to take control of her own narrative. She sings, "I know I gave it all away, but a lady's gotta know when they're playing that game." The song ends on a somewhat ambiguous note, with the repetition of the same lines as the opening, leaving listeners with the impression that the woman is trapped in this cycle of being objectified and exploited.
Line by Line Meaning
Babe, babe, babe
Refrain, calling attention to the lover
We got your bed made
We have prepared or arranged your bed for you
We got your lemon squeeze
We have provided you with lemon, possibly for a drink or for cooking
We got everything here
Our location is stocked with all the necessary items
That you could ever need
You won't find yourself wanting for anything at our location
How could you ever leave
With everything provided, why would you ever depart?
I was a woman
The singer is describing an experience in which she portrayed a woman
I was a woman from a magazine
More specifically, she was probably a model, famous actress, or similar
And when you saw me
Her partner (audience?) saw her in the magazine, perhaps admired her
All about me on the stage
The depiction of her in the magazine was likely an extravagant experience
You said you weren't going back home
The attractiveness of the woman in the magazine motivated the singer to not go home until he had her
Til you had me
He feels the need to possess all of this woman's characteristics as they are displayed in the magazine
And then the next day came
Following his fascination with the woman in the magazine, time passed
I was everything you ever wanted
But now the object of his interest is in his possession
Every piece of me was heaven
Her personality, behavior, and appearance causes him to think (or feel) exalted sensations
You were on it
He does not waste time in continuing to stalk her
I know I gave it all away
The woman in the song has entirely more information than she wanted in the public eye
But a lady's gotta know
It's necessary for someone in the public view to know when too many details have been revealed
When they're playing that game
This situation, and from a more general perspective, the entertainment industry can completely strip you of privacy if you aren't careful
Baby how could you go?
With everything provided, why would you ever depart?
Believe me
The statement is genuine, heartfelt and potentially emotional
Oooh ohh
Refrain, possibly conveying sadness or longing
Contributed by Ian P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Nikki G
They all look like theyre having fun. I love this song. A LOT. Thanks caroline... for being fabulously amazing
Jordan Gossman
I've heard the folk music, and I think this is definitely way more her style. It may be unapologetically Pop Music, but it is innovated with splashes of soul, funk, and 80's music. The new album is perfection. She has found her lane, and it's obvious that its going to lead to an even greater career!
phodder
how does this not have a million views?
Ramboozled
This question could be answered so many ways.
BenSaidScott
Glutinous eating, pretty ladies, milk-soaked musicians... this is my kind of magazine.
Alyssa Lightning
Thank you for everything that is absolutely genuine and relatable and real in this music video. Rock on Caroline !!
lilie anna
Love this song found you by accident, made my freaking day lady! God blessed you and I thank you for sharing your gift!
hyoyeonfighting
I've never hit the reply button so much ever, such a great song
Sam Rodriguez
Saw you in Chicago! Amazing video amazing concert! Keep up what you're doing!
Bearded Gentlemen Music
This song is so addicting!