Describing themselves as “string-rock”, the band started up in 2009 and quickly took hold of New England’s musical imagination. Playing over 100 shows during their first year of touring, the band created a seamless, exhilarating sound at the intersection of rock, classical, and folk music. Their self-produced six-song EP 1 earned high praise for its craftsmanship and originality, and their brand new subscription album Pilot Machines was released in 2012.
Ava
Darlingside Lyrics
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You pull out a photograph of blue
Shutters in the afternoon
And boats on the water
I'm gonna have to think this through:
How could you feel for a man the way a man could feel for you? You're talking in tongues to me and I've got a sudden fear of flying...
Half of the day, half of the night, Ava
Up here you can't feel the world turn
Drinks only come around once, you'd think that they would learn. How's the two thousand and six? Is that the year for merlot?
I've been waiting for something like this
Oh, something like this
Half of the day, half of the night, Ava
Half of the day
Ava, would you like me to be 29 or 23?
With great height comes great ephemerality
Maybe we could acclimate to conditions on the ground
As we get to altitude
You pull out a photograph of blue
Shutters in the afternoon
And boats on the water
Half of the day, half of the night, Ava
Half of the day, half of the night, Ava
The lyrics to Darlingside's "1979" describe a conversation between two people on an airplane as they reach altitude. The first person pulls out a photograph of blue shutters and boats on the water, prompting the second person to ask how they could feel for a man in the same way that a man could feel for them. The second person feels confused and insecure, worrying about the unexpected twists and turns in their relationship.
The song brings together several themes, including the transience of human connection and the sense of isolation and disorientation that can arise from new experiences. The repeated refrain of "Half of the day, half of the night, Ava" underscores the sense of confusion and uncertainty that the second person feels in the face of the unknown.
At the same time, the song also suggests that there is something profound and meaningful in these experiences of emotional complexity and dislocation. The reference to "great height" and "ephemerality" suggests that these moments of turbulence can also offer new perspectives and opportunities for growth.
Overall, "1979" is a poignant and lyrical exploration of love, connection, and the fragility of human relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
As we get to altitude
As we climb higher into the sky
You pull out a photograph of blue
You show me a picture with a blue hue
Shutters in the afternoon
Closed blinds in the afternoon
And boats on the water
And ships sailing on the sea
I'm gonna have to think this through:
I need to ponder this thoroughly
How could you feel for a man the way a man could feel for you?
How could you, a woman, feel the same way towards a man as he would towards you?
You're talking in tongues to me and I've got a sudden fear of flying...
You're speaking in a foreign language and I'm starting to feel anxious about being up in the air.
Half of the day, half of the night, Ava
During both day and night, Ava is always present
Up here you can't feel the world turn
At this altitude, you can't feel the Earth rotating
Drinks only come around once, you'd think that they would learn.
The flight attendants only offer drinks once, but you'd think they would remember to do it again.
How's the two thousand and six? Is that the year for merlot?
How was the year 2006? Was that a good year for merlot wine?
I've been waiting for something like this
I've been anticipating an experience like this
Ava, would you like me to be 29 or 23?
Ava, do you want me to act like I'm 29 years old or 23 years old?
With great height comes great ephemerality
Being up high also means it will be a fleeting moment
Maybe we could acclimate to conditions on the ground
Perhaps we should adapt to the environment on the surface
Half of the day, half of the night, Ava
Day or night, Ava remains a constant presence
Contributed by Aiden B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.