Richmond, Virginia. Andrew Seymour - d… Read Full Bio ↴https://downhaul.bandcamp.com
Richmond, Virginia. Andrew Seymour - drums, percussion, vocals
Patrick Davis - bass guitar, vocals
Robbie Ludvigsen - electric guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboards, programming, vocals
Gordon Phillips - vocals, baritone guitar
Notched
Downhaul Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm hooked willingly to the hued history of
Your quaint pleasantry and my split memory of
A notched maple tree and what you meant to me
The stark symmetry of the pier next to me was
A frame boundary of where we came to be and
Our feet following it back to the water
And I still see it all ending
As you told me "it's not healthy
To want only when we're lonely"
What you needed I just couldn't be
My hands are dirty
You'd be the first to say so, you always were
It's half-metaphor, it's half-literal
You lined the walls with everything we've said before
Talking across your mouth
A tongue I couldn't taste with words I'd never hear
It's clear to me now
That was my first sin, my only sin
These lyrics from Downhaul's song "Notched" explore the complex emotions and memories associated with a past relationship. The singer reflects on the lingering impact of their connection, symbolized by the "same cartilage" that continues to haunt them. They are willingly drawn to the nostalgic and pleasant aspects of this history but also carry the burden of a fractured memory, represented by the image of a "notched maple tree."
The mention of a pier can be interpreted as a metaphor for the relationship itself, with the symmetry and boundary it represents. Walking along the pier, tracing their steps back to the water, signifies a return to the origins of their partnership. However, the realization that this journey will ultimately lead to their undoing intensifies the pain of the breakup. The singer acknowledges the unhealthy nature of their desire, recognizing that they were unable to fulfill the other person's needs.
The second verse delves deeper into the dynamics of the relationship. The singer's dirty hands symbolize their role in the demise of the partnership, with the other person being the first to point it out. This dirtiness is both metaphorical and literal, representing the mistakes and shortcomings that tainted their connection. The walls being lined with everything they have said before suggests a repetition of past mistakes and unresolved issues. The reference to talking "across your mouth" implies a lack of genuine communication, with words remaining unheard and the singer unable to truly understand the other person. This lack of connection becomes the singer's first and only sin, highlighting their realization of their own shortcomings.
Line by Line Meaning
The same cartilage is half-haunting me as
I am haunted by the familiarity of our past, which lingers in my mind and heart.
I'm hooked willingly to the hued history of
I am willingly attached and deeply invested in the colorful memories we shared.
Your quaint pleasantry and my split memory of
You brought me delightful moments, while my memories of us are divided and conflicting.
A notched maple tree and what you meant to me
Like a marked tree, our relationship holds significance and represents the depth of my emotions for you.
The stark symmetry of the pier next to me was
The precise balance of the pier beside me mirrored the balance we once had in our relationship.
A frame boundary of where we came to be and
It served as a symbolic boundary, marking where our journey together began.
Our feet following it back to the water
Walking along the pier, we retraced our steps toward the uncertain future.
Would make our undoing hit even harder
This would intensify the impact of the eventual end of our relationship.
And I still see it all ending
I can still vividly envision how it all came to an end.
As you told me "it's not healthy
You warned me that it is unhealthy
To want only when we're lonely"
To desire companionship solely out of loneliness."
What you needed I just couldn't be
I couldn't fulfill the role of what you required.
My hands are dirty
I am burdened with guilt or wrongdoing.
You'd be the first to say so, you always were
You would always be the first to point out my flaws or mistakes.
It's half-metaphor, it's half-literal
This statement has both metaphorical and literal interpretations.
You lined the walls with everything we've said before
You surrounded us with reminders of our past conversations.
Talking across your mouth
Speaking without truly expressing your thoughts or emotions.
A tongue I couldn't taste with words I'd never hear
I was unable to fully understand you, as your unspoken words remained unheard and unexpressed.
It's clear to me now
I have gained clarity and understanding.
That was my first sin, my only sin
My failure to comprehend and connect with you was my greatest and sole wrongdoing.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Gordon Phillips
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind