Barnett puts a lot of effort into sounding effortless. Her songs are wild and wooly and wordy, her lyrics plainspoken and delivered like she’s making them up on the spot.
Barnett was originally a part of several bands, including Immigrant Union and The Olivettes before focusing on her solo work. In 2012, Barnett started her own record label, Milk! Records, and recorded her debut EP I've Got A Friend Called Emily Ferris in a friend's lounge room and released it later that year. Late 2012 also saw the release of a new single, "History Eraser," which was backed with Jen Cloher's "Mount Beauty" for a split seven-inch release.
In 2013, Barnett released her second EP, How to Carve a Carrot Into a Rose. Along with "History Eraser," the EP spawned a second single, "Avant Gardener." Her second EP received international acclaim, taking her and the band, Dave Mudie (drums), Bones Sloane (bass) and Dan Luscombe (guitar) all around the world.
Barnett would later combine those two EP releases into one for The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas, which was released internationally on 20 May 2013 via House Anxiety/Marathon Artists. It was named the album of the week by Stereogum.
Barnett's debut LP, Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit, was released in 2015 to widespread acclaim. At the 2015 ARIA Music Awards, she won four awards from eight nominations. She was nominated for Best New Artist at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards and International Female Solo Artist at the 2016 Brit Awards.
In 2017, she released Lotta Sea Lice, a collaborative album with Kurt Vile.
Barnett's second album, Tell Me How You Really Feel, was released in 2018.
Lance Jr.
Courtney Barnett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Resuscitated all of my hopes
It felt wrong but it didn't take too long
Much appreciated are your songs
Doesn't mean I like you, man
It just helps me get to sleep
And it's cheaper than temazepam
Ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah
I underestimated your intelligence
A little bit of weed mixed with some sentiment
Overrated films marked XXX
Come on, play it with some tenderness
The lyrics to Courtney Barnett's song "Lance Jr." touch upon themes of admiration, loneliness, and escapism. The opening lines, "I masturbated to the songs you wrote, resuscitated all of my hopes," reveal a deep admiration for the songwriter or musician named Lance Jr. The act of masturbation here symbolizes a personal connection to Lance Jr.'s music, which has the power to bring hope and revive the listener's spirit. While it may feel unconventional or even uncomfortable, the lyrics emphasize the value and appreciation for Lance Jr.'s songs.
The next lines, "Doesn't mean I like you, man, it just helps me get to sleep, and it's cheaper than temazepam," suggest that the singer's fondness for Lance Jr.'s music does not necessarily translate into personal attachment or affection towards Lance Jr. himself. The music serves as a means of finding solace and tranquility, acting as a sleep aid that is more affordable than the sedative drug temazepam. This highlights the therapeutic role music can play in someone's life and its ability to provide a sense of comfort and escape from the struggles of daily existence.
The following lines, "I underestimated your intelligence, a little bit of weed mixed with some sentiment, overrated films marked XXX, come on, play it with some tenderness," delve into how the singer initially misjudged Lance Jr.'s intellectual abilities. The mention of weed and sentiment suggests a blending of emotional vulnerability and altered states of consciousness. The reference to overrated films marked XXX could be seen as a commentary on society's fascination with explicit content, encouraging Lance Jr. to approach his music with a gentler touch and emotional sensitivity.
Overall, "Lance Jr." explores the impact of music on an individual's emotional and mental well-being, emphasizing the power of art to provide solace, escape, and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
I masturbated to the songs you wrote
I found solace and pleasure in the emotions conveyed through the lyrics you composed
Resuscitated all of my hopes
Your music revived and reignited my aspirations and desires
It felt wrong but it didn't take too long
Although indulging in such thoughts seemed unconventional, it didn't consume much time or energy
Much appreciated are your songs
Your songs hold great value and are highly regarded
Doesn't mean I like you, man
However, it's important to note that my admiration for your music doesn't necessarily translate to personal affection or affinity
It just helps me get to sleep
Rather, your songs serve as a tranquilizing soundtrack, aiding my journey into slumber
And it's cheaper than temazepam
Moreover, it is a cost-effective alternative to medication like temazepam, assisting in achieving a state of relaxation
Ah-ah-ah-ah
This vocalization emphasizes a sense of pleasure or satisfaction gained from the aforementioned experiences
I underestimated your intelligence
I previously undervalued and misjudged the depth and intellect showcased in your work
A little bit of weed mixed with some sentiment
The combination of marijuana and emotional resonance within your songs creates an enticing blend
Overrated films marked XXX
In contrast, explicit and overhyped films fail to evoke the same level of impact or connection
Come on, play it with some tenderness
Encouragement is given to perform the music with gentle care and delicacy, enhancing its emotional delivery
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Courtney Barnett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@EMC2Scotia
These are great lyrics. They, uhh...resonate in a surprising way
@EMC2Scotia
@ 2:30 onwards showing why CB is also one helluva guitarist
@ksdds1
She’s great. Lyrics that cut to the chase, funny as hell that bring out thoughts we all experience. What’s more when she sings the lyrics are clear and not drowned out by the instruments. The music is simple,rhythmic and catchy. Good things lie ahead for her and that’s coming from an old fart.
@MrThedonhead
I haven’t really got excited and interested in a musician in along long time so normally end up listening to the same old stuff, but I’m really liking this Courtney gal! People keep saying they love it it’s so simple, but it ain’t simple to be that melodic and sound cool and normally I don’t really care bout the lyrics as much as sound but it’s easy to listen along to hers, and she looks good as well!! Love it if someone like her became massive and gets the kids into a bit of rock n roll! 🕺🕺🕺
@carlospires7411
Sem dúvida Luana Pinheiro! Nirvana'sound!
@aarongiazzon5141
Somebody says "Polly"?
@e.d.r1546
About a Girl?
@creekalmighty
good vibe but stop playing cha-cha
@nakar8792
Cha-cha?