After a dispute with early label Steve Records over the rights to the album Redo the Stacks in 1997 in which the label wouldn't let them re-release it, Centro-matic began releasing a slew of recordings from the late 90s to the beginning of the millennium. They received a boost when the album Love You Just The Same was mentioned in mainsteam musical media outlets. Eventually the dispute over their early album was settled when the contract over its rights ran out. The album is now available on other labels.
Old Blue
Centro-matic Lyrics
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Not going out unless I can dress down, unless I can dress down.
Dorian gray and barry black
I'm not going out 'cause you're not coming back.
You're not coming back.
I know you're not coming back.
In Centro-matic's song Old Blue, the lyrics give a glimpse into the refuge someone finds after a breakup. The singer of the song has selected Old Blue and Sweet George Brown, Dorian Gray and Barry Black as companions, suggesting that these are probably inanimate objects, perhaps favorite trinkets or garments that bring him comfort. The singer also expresses a reluctance to go out unless he can dress down, which could signify a withdrawal from social life or alternatively an internalization of emotions that he does not want to express through extravagant attire. The reason for this reclusion is that he knows that the object of his affection is not coming back, which hints that he is trying to cope with the end of a relationship.
The song's lyrics might capture an everyday experience that listeners can relate to. The use of color names in the lyrics, for instance, paints a picture that captures the sadness and melancholy that comes with a breakup. The mention of Dorian Gray and Barry Black, both fictional characters, also indicates the internalization of feelings that the singer is going through; Gray's portrait is a reflection his soul, while Barry Black is a symbol of darkness. Thus, the use of these characters further illustrates the internalization of melancholy and despair that the singer experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Old blue and sweet george brown
The past and memories of a simpler time.
Not going out unless I can dress down, unless I can dress down.
I won't leave the house unless I can be comfortable.
Dorian gray and barry black
The contrast between aging and darkness.
I'm not going out 'cause you're not coming back.
I can't bear to face the reality of your absence.
You're not coming back.
Acceptance of the painful truth.
I know you're not coming back.
The emotional weight of closure.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ROGER MC GUINN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Coveney
Greatness. Thanks for posting.
A Brian
Go back to this! Love Vermont and centromatic. Like the former first. But I love centrimatic for its intricacy and rockiness too.
t.eurosafe buitendijk
Only 1194 times listened? ! bet at liest 100 are mine.