In addition to playing in several other projects, including Predator Vision and the Parasails, Mondanile released a split with Dracula Lewis in 2010, before releasing Ducktails III: Arcade Dynamics in 2011. The album took a more bare-bones approach, and marked a notable change in style for Ducktails. By the time 2013's The Flower Lane arrived on Domino Recordings, Mondanile had moved even further away from his bedroom beginnings, recording more traditional mellow pop with a full band. A five-song EP, Wish Hotel, arrived later that year, retaining the same sophisticated style as the album that preceded it, as did 2015's full-length St. Catherine. With producer Rob Schnapf (Elliott Smith, Beck) bringing a touch of warmth and clarity to Mondanile's sincere psychedelic tunes, the album also featured guest appearances by fellow experimental indie artists James Ferraro and Julia Holter.
The lead guitarist parted ways with Real Estate in 2016 before Ducktails' Jersey Devil arrived a year later on Mondanile's own New Images label. Started in Los Angeles but finished after moving back to his hometown of Ridgewood, its collaborators included co-producer John Anderson (Girls, Nick Waterhouse) and Parasol's Chi Yoon Hae, who flew in from South Korea to cover bass.
Biography by Nate Knaebel
Headbanging In The Mirror
Ducktails Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wish I could see so much clearer
Just let me come down from the speeding
Afternoon interior dream
In my life taunting after two am
Born in New Jersey, I traveled the highways
Working my device, where I played I am(?!)
Headbanging In The Mirror
Now I can see so much clearer
Just let me come down from the speeding
Afternoon interior dream
Headbanging In The Mirror
And I can see so much clearer
Don't ever let me come down from this
Afternoon interior dream
The lyrics to Ducktails's song Headbanging In The Mirror convey a sense of internal turmoil and a desire for clarity. The first two lines express a wish to see more clearly, perhaps indicating a feeling of being lost or uncertain. The following line, "Just let me come down from the speeding," could refer to a frenzied lifestyle or a mind racing with thoughts. The phrase "afternoon interior dream" creates an image of being lost in thought, perhaps daydreaming or contemplating one's existence.
The second stanza describes the singer's life "taunting after two am," which could imply a nightlife full of reckless behavior. The reference to being "born in New Jersey" and "traveling the highways" gives a sense of restlessness and a search for something more. The line "Where I played I am" is unclear in meaning but could suggest the singer's search for identity or purpose. The final line, "When you caught my eye, arrow in the sand," could indicate a moment of clarity or feeling grounded.
Overall, the song seems to express a longing for clarity and purpose amid a life of uncertainty and restlessness. The phrase "afternoon interior dream" is repeated throughout the song, perhaps indicating a desire to find meaning in solitude and introspection.
Line by Line Meaning
Headbanging In The Mirror
Intensely reflecting on oneself in the mirror while grooving to music
Wish I could see so much clearer
Expressing the desire to have better clarity of mind and vision
Just let me come down from the speeding
Requesting to slow down and take a break from the fast pace of life
Afternoon interior dream
Fantasizing about being in a peaceful and comfortable indoor space during the day
In my life taunting after two am
Describing the struggles and taunting thoughts that arise late at night
Born in New Jersey, I traveled the highways
Narrating a personal story of growing up in New Jersey and traveling frequently
Working my device, where I played I am(?!)
Referring to the act of working on his music-making and expressing the confidence he feels while doing so
When you caught my eye, arrow in the sand
Recalling a moment of impactful love at first sight
Now I can see so much clearer
Feeling grateful for newfound clarity of thought and vision
Don't ever let me come down from this
Expressing a desire to remain in a state of positivity and clarity
Afternoon interior dream
Still fantasizing about being in a peaceful and comfortable indoor space during the day
Writer(s): Matthew Anthony Mondanile
Contributed by Aria K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Pranav Sinha
113 likes and 0 dislikes. Wow
Update - 149 likes and only one dislike.
Update 2 - 158 likes and one dislike
Update 3 - 174 likes and one dislike
Update 4 - 202 likes and 2 dislikes
update 5 - 302 likes and 7 dislikes
J. Bourdain
used to get high asf during my senior year of highschool to this song, good times
Simetry
This deserves more than 11k view. Vocal harmonies make it worthwhile.
Xerxes Almighty
I’m starting to think Matthew was the genius behind Real Estate. Atlas was amazing. Hit or miss since. Buck Ducktails always sticks the landing. It’s a shame both bands can’t be like this anymore. But that’s his fault. Talented musician for sure. New Jersey in the house!
Peter Campbell
a goddamn masterpiece sue me
Mike Maxwell
This song makes me feel nostalgic and happy. Ethereal to be honest.
Kulsoom Tayyab
I love this song with all my heart 🥺 I started listening to it when I was in the third year of medical college, 2015 to be exact ❤️
Alfred Florin
I remember my last summer in Romania... Use to listen to this every single day.
dmerkin
More proof, if needed, that Matt was the true talent behind Real Estate. I really love Atlas and this one song is better than anything Real Estate has done since he left. Can still hope for some type of reunion...
Mulder
amazong song as usual. I'm starting to get a bit obsessed with your music now
Rogéria Martins
This is the best music video I've even seen! This song gives me peace :3
Keep being amazing, Matt! 💓