At fourteen years of age, Oberst became singer and guitarist of Commander Venus, an indie rock band. The former members of Commander Venus, Tim Kasher of Cursive, Robb Nansel (who now runs Saddle Creek), and Todd Fink of The Faint, would later go on to feature in many Saddle Creek recording groups. Conor was also a member of the band Park Ave, which he joined after terminating the difficult relationship he had with Megan Saienni, due to an affair with Maria Pantin.
Oberst was also guitarist and singer for the band Desaparecidos. The music and lyrics of Desaparecidos differ greatly from Bright Eyes, having more in common with punk rock than folk. The lyrics are generally social and political commentary on the state of affairs in America, the pitfalls of the suburban lifestyle, and America's love of capitalism as opposed to the more introspective lyrics of Bright Eyes.
Oberst is one of the founding members of the independent record label Saddle Creek Records, which hosts and has hosted bands including Cursive, Desaparecidos, The Faint, Rilo Kiley (who left to start their own label Brute/Beaute Records), Bright Eyes, Son Ambulance, Azure Ray, The Good Life, and Sorry About Dresden, among others.
Oberst is currently involved in a boycott of Clear Channel Communications. His broadcast television performances include a spot on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in March 2005, which sparked controversy with his performance of the incendiary "When the President Talks to God", The Late Show with David Letterman, on which he performed "The Trees Get Wheeled Away", and his guitar-smashing performance of "Road to Joy" on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.
Oberst was a member of the Vote for Change tour in 2004 with Bruce Springsteen and REM. He has recently started his own label, Team Love, which is currently hosting bands such as Tilly and the Wall, M. Ward, Jenny Lewis and The Watson Twins, A Weather, Capgun Coup, and David Dondero.
Bands:
Commander Venus from 1995-97
The Magnetas in 1996
Park Ave. from 1996-98
Desaparecidos from 2001-2
Bright Eyes since 1995
Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band since New Year's Weekend 2007
Monsters of Folk since 2009
Better Oblivion Community Center since 2019
Spoiled
Conor Oberst Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can't break a rule that ain't been made
By starlight chasing ponytails through mushroom clouds and black fields
I don't want to feel this entertained
Sitting on a crowded coach staring at the stereo
Watching all the hippies through the haze
From Gentle Soul to Santa Stones no one wants to be alone
So tell me what you are going to do now
You got everything you wanted and you are still let down
Tell me what you are going to do now
You get everything you want and you still feel down
Farmer he is a sentient being sipping on his canteen
Passes it to me but I can't say thanks
Poco she stays clear of me, remembers all those bad scenes
If she'd just sit still I could explain
That every time I f***ed her mind it is cause I thought I was in love
And I woke up with that same thought today
Well it so it goes, the ebb and flo, happiness was never us
If it's all free why would you ever pay?
So tell me what you are going to do now
You get everything you've wanted and you are still let down
Tell me what you are going to do now
You get everything you want and you still feel down
Yeah you do
Yeah you do
So tell me what you are going to do now
You get everything you've wanted and you are still let down
Tell me what you are going to do now
You get everything you want and you still feel down
So tell me what you are going to do now
You got everything you wanted and you are still let down
Tell me what you are going to do now
Cause you get everything you want and you still feel down
The lyrics of Conor Oberst's "Spoiled" explore the theme of dissatisfaction despite having everything one wants. The song uses imagery and personal experiences to express this idea. The first verse describes a person with hurt feelings after singing an old standard, suggesting that they had hoped for a different outcome. The line "You can't break a rule that ain't been made" suggests that this person may have had unrealistic expectations that were not met. The imagery of "starlight chasing ponytails through mushroom clouds and black fields" creates a dreamlike atmosphere, but the line "I don't want to feel this entertained" suggests that this person may be disillusioned with this fantasy.
The second verse refers to a crowded coach with hippies and music playing. The line "no one wants to be alone" suggests a universal desire for companionship, but the following line "but you know you can't always have your way" suggests that this desire may not always be fulfilled. The line "you get everything you want and you still feel down" is repeated multiple times throughout the song, emphasizing the theme of dissatisfaction despite having every material desire fulfilled.
Overall, "Spoiled" explores the idea that material possessions and companionship may not bring true happiness, and that sometimes unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby got his feelings hurt singing that old standard
Despite singing an old song, the singer still feels emotional and hurt.
You can't break a rule that ain't been made
One cannot break a rule that does not exist, implying that the perceived rules of society may not hold true.
By starlight chasing ponytails through mushroom clouds and black fields
In a carefree manner, the singer pursued love and happiness through dangerous or unconventional means, even in a world of darkness and destruction.
I don't want to feel this entertained
Despite the many distractions and amusements in life, the singer is still not satisfied and seeks something deeper and more meaningful.
Sitting on a crowded coach staring at the stereo
Amid the chaos and noise of everyday life, the artist finds solace in music.
Watching all the hippies through the haze
The singer observes the carefree hippies in a state of confusion or haze, possibly suggesting a critique of the hippie counterculture.
From Gentle Soul to Santa Stones no one wants to be alone
Even though everyone wants love and companionship, it may be difficult to find in a world with so much loneliness and isolation.
But you know you can't always have your way
Despite the desire for control and fulfillment, life often does not go as planned and one must learn to accept disappointment.
So tell me what you are going to do now
The artist asks the listener to reflect on their current situation and what actions they will take next.
You got everything you wanted and you are still let down
Despite achieving success and material wealth, one may still feel dissatisfied and searching for something more.
Farmer he is a sentient being sipping on his canteen
The farmer is a living, feeling creature, but the singer feels disconnected and unable to form a relationship with him.
Passes it to me but I can't say thanks
Despite receiving an offering, the artist is emotionally distant and unable to express gratitude.
Poco she stays clear of me, remembers all those bad scenes
The singer's dog is wary of him, remembering traumatic experiences and possibly suggesting a pattern of harmful behavior.
If she'd just sit still I could explain
Despite the difficulty of communication, the singer wishes to make amends and connect with his pet.
That every time I f***ed her mind it is cause I thought I was in love
The singer engaged in harmful behavior towards his dog due to his own misguided belief in love and affection.
And I woke up with that same thought today
Despite past mistakes and regrets, the artist still struggles with the same patterns of thought and behavior.
Well it so it goes, the ebb and flo, happiness was never us
The cycle of life and relationships can be tumultuous, and despite efforts towards happiness, it may have never been attainable for the artist and his pet.
If it's all free why would you ever pay?
In a world of abundance, the singer questions the sense of paying or sacrificing for anything, possibly hinting toward a sense of entitlement or nihilism.
You get everything you've wanted and you are still let down
Despite achieving success and material wealth, one may still feel dissatisfied and searching for something more.
Yeah you do
Reiterating the message of feeling unsatisfied despite material success.
Cause you get everything you want and you still feel down
No matter how much one achieves, they may still struggle with feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BEAU ALEXANDER DOZIER, LAMONT HERBERT DOZIER, JOSS STONE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind