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
Sprinter
Ducktails Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Black Horse is on the radio
You'll never have it this good
Nothing will ever be the same
Do things while you can
Or you'll forget about them forever
Do things while you can
Or you'll forget about them forever
Do things while you can
Or you'll forget about them forever
Do things while you can
Or you'll forget about them forever
Chase after the car????
For you only have one life to live
To live
To live
Don't let it slip away
Black Horse is on the radio
You'll never have it this good
Nothing will be the same
Don't let it slip away
Don't let it slip away
Don't let it slip away
The lyrics in Ducktails' "Sprinter" allude to the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making the most of opportunities. The repeated phrase "Do things while you can or you'll forget about them forever" acts as a reminder to listeners that they have limited time to chase their dreams and pursue their passions. It is a call to action for people to seize the day and not let life pass them by.
The reference to "Black Horse on the radio" is significant in that it represents a moment in time; a moment that will never be experienced in the same way again. The singer is urging the listener not to take this moment for granted and to appreciate it while it lasts. The image of a black horse invokes a sense of speed and movement, further emphasizing the importance of living in the present and not delaying action.
The final line in the chorus "Chase after the car??? For you only have one life to live" suggests that the singer is watching someone else let an opportunity slip by. The line "for you only have one life to live" reaffirms the urgency of the message and the importance of making the most of every moment.
Overall, "Sprinter" is a song that encourages listeners to live in the moment, take chances, and embrace the fleeting nature of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't let it slip away
Don't let this opportunity pass you by
Black Horse is on the radio
There is something special happening right now, seize the moment
You'll never have it this good
This is a unique circumstance that won't happen again
Nothing will ever be the same
This moment will change things permanently
Do things while you can
Take advantage of the situation while it lasts
Or you'll forget about them forever
If you don't act now, you will regret it later
Do things while you can
Take action while you still can
Or you'll forget about them forever
Or you will lose your chance forever
Do things while you can
This is a crucial moment so take action now
Or you'll forget about them forever
Missing out means you may never get another chance
Chase after the car????
Pursue what you desire before it's too late
For you only have one life to live
Life is short so make the most of it
To live
Emphasis on living life to the fullest
Don't let it slip away
Don't miss out on this opportunity
Don't let it slip away
Repeated reminder to seize the moment
Don't let it slip away
Final emphasis on not letting this chance slip away
Contributed by Luke W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.