In 1998, following the breakup of Archers of Loaf, Bachmann started work on a solo project that he named Crooked Fingers. The first outcome of this project, a self-titled release of various songs he had written, was released by WARM in 2000. It was followed shortly after by a second album on WARM, Bring on the Snakes. Reservoir Songs EP, a collection of covers of songs by artists such as Neil Diamond and Queen, was released on the Merge label in 2002. Red Devil Dawn followed in 2003, and Dignity and Shame in 2005.
For more information, see:
http://www.crookedfingers.com/
Andalucia
Crooked Fingers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Such a splendid summer
We were sitting in the shade
But they can tell when you're afraid
I thought I heard an actress say
There's one thing that you should know
They will never let you go, go, go
Antonita, my dear
Don't you cry
I have given all my ears to you
And Andalucia
Andalucia
Oh, Cordoba
Bring the Muiras on
We've been sitting in the sun
You can press your hands on wounded friends
Pray to Veronica
But they can tell when you're afraid
I thought I heard the doctor say
I thought I heard the doctor say
I thought I heard the doctor say
Antonita, my dear
Don't you cry
I have only one year
Until I'm home again in Andalucia
Until I'm home again with you in Andalucia
The lyrics to Crooked Fingers' "Andalucia" paint a vivid picture of a summer day in 1917. The imagery of "sitting in the shade" and "sitting in the sun" give an overall impression of a leisurely, relaxed atmosphere. However, the line "they can tell when you're afraid" hints at an underlying tension, perhaps due to the uncertainty of the time period or the individual circumstances of the characters in the song.
The two verses of the song seem to be spoken by different individuals. The first appears to be an actress, who warns that "they will never let you go." This statement suggests that there is some force or entity exerting control over the situation, and that escape is unlikely. The second verse seems to be spoken by a doctor, who tells someone (presumably a wounded friend) that they can tell when someone is afraid. This could be interpreted as the doctor providing emotional support, or as a warning to stay strong in the face of adversity.
Throughout the song, the singer addresses a woman named Antonita, who is presumably his love interest. He promises to return home to her in Andalucia, and declares that he has given "all my ears" to her. This phrase is an interesting play on the idiom "give an ear," which means to listen attentively. The use of the plural "ears" reinforces the idea of complete devotion and attention.
Line by Line Meaning
Andalucia 1917
This is where and when the events in the song take place - in Andalucia during 1917.
Such a splendid summer
The singer is reflecting on a beautiful summer in Andalucia.
We were sitting in the shade
The singer and someone else were sitting in a shady spot during the aforementioned summer.
But they can tell when you're afraid
The artist warns that others can perceive when someone is fearful.
I thought I heard an actress say
The artist briefly recalls hearing an actress utter a phrase.
There's one thing that you should know
The singer suggests that there is something important to keep in mind.
They will never let you go, go, go
Those in power will not easily relinquish their control over someone or something.
Antonita, my dear
The artist addresses someone named Antonita.
Don't you cry
The artist comforts Antonita, urging her not to weep.
I have given all my ears to you
The artist has devoted all their attention to Antonita.
And Andalucia
Andalucia is another entity to which the singer is devoted.
Oh, Cordoba
The artist now mentions Cordoba, another place in Andalucia.
Bring the Muiras on
The Muira is likely a type of wine from the region that the singer requests to be brought to them.
We've been sitting in the sun
The singer and others have been enjoying the warmth of the sun.
You can press your hands on wounded friends
One can console or comfort injured companions with a hand on their body.
Pray to Veronica
Veronica is potentially a reference to Saint Veronica, to whom one can pray.
I thought I heard the doctor say
The artist recalls hearing a doctor speak.
Antonita, my dear
The singer once again addresses Antonita.
Don't you cry
The singer again urges Antonita not to cry.
I have only one year
The artist has a limited amount of time.
Until I'm home again in Andalucia
The artist anticipates a return to Andalucia.
Until I'm home again with you in Andalucia
The artist looks forward to being back with Antonita in Andalucia.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Eric Emil Bachmann
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind