In 2012, Elliott’s former record label, Kill Rock Stars, released an album titled “Alternative Versions From Either/Or”, which included alternative lyrics to many of Smith’s songs off his Either/Or album. This includes “Angeles”.
Angels
Elliott Smith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Angel in the snow
All crushed out on the way you are
Better stop before it goes too far
Don't you know that I love you
Sometimes I feel like only a cold still life
That fell down here to lay beside you
Don't you know that I love you
Only a frozen still life
That fell down here to lay beside you
The song "Angel in the Snow" from Elliott Smith's album is a melancholic yet beautiful song that portrays one's affection for someone as pure and perfect. Elliott describes his love interest as an "angel in the snow," a metaphorical reference to a pure and innocent being who sits amidst the cold winter, bringing warmth to the surroundings. He confesses his feelings and warns himself to stop before his love goes too far.
As the song progresses, Elliott seems to be struggling with his own emotions, feeling as a "cold still life" or "frozen still life" that lays beside the Angel in the Snow. These lyrics suggest the awareness of the complexities of the world and the permanence of past traumas. Despite his struggles, Elliott's love for the Angel in the Snow remains pure and strong. The song manages to convey the tenderness and delicateness of one's affection while feeling real to the listener.
Overall, "Angel in the Snow" is a beautiful, heartfelt song that shows Elliott's lovelorn side. The song's lyrics indicate his inner journey of accepting emotions, understanding their complexities, and ultimately revealing them in their purest form.
Line by Line Meaning
I'd say you make a perfect
You are flawless and impeccable in every way.
Angel in the snow
Like an angel in a white winter landscape, you are pure and lovely.
All crushed out on the way you are
I'm smitten with the way you are, completely smushed by your irresistible charms.
Better stop before it goes too far
I should hold back before my passion for you becomes too intense and leads to trouble.
Don't you know that I love you
You should be aware that I have strong feelings of affection for you.
Sometimes I feel like only a cold still life
Occasionally, I sense that I am only a lifeless, motionless object in comparison to you.
That fell down here to lay beside you
I seem to have fallen into your world, like a statue lying next to you, trying to be closer to you.
Only a frozen still life
I'm nothing but a stiff, cold figure, a shadow of who I truly am in your presence.
That fell down here to lay beside you
I can't resist the urge to be close to you, even if it means being silent and still.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STEVEN P. SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@siddiqislam4035
Lyrics:
Someone's always coming around here trailing some new kill
Says, "I've seen your picture on a hundred-dollar bill"
What's a game of chance to you
To him is one
Of real skill
So glad to meet you, Angeles
Picking up the ticket shows, there's money to be made
Go on, lose the gamble. That's the history of the trade
Did you add up all the cards left to play
To zero
And sign up with evil, Angeles?
Don't start me trying now
Uh huh, uh huh, uh huuuh
'Cause I'm all over it, Angeles
I can make you satisfied in everything you do
All your secret wishes could right now be coming true
And be forever with my poison arms
Around you
No one's gonna fool around with us
No one's gonna fool around with us
So glad to meet you, Angeles
@roiybenkel682
Someone's always coming around here trailing some new kill
Says I seen your picture on a hundred dollar bill
And what's a game of chance to you, to him is one of real skill
So glad to meet you
Angeles
Picking up the ticket shows there's money to be made
Go on and lose the gamble that's the history of the trade
You add up all the cards left to play to zero
And sign up with evil
Angeles
Don't start me trying now
‘Cause I'm all over it
Angeles
I could make you satisfied in everything you do
All your “secret wishes” could right now be coming true
And be forever with my poison arms around you
No one's gonna fool around with us
No one's gonna fool around with us
So glad to meet you
Angeles
@killrockstars
Check out this rare live footage of Elliott's 1999 New Year's Eve performance at The Knitting Factory: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6KwzgIePF4Dy7347Om6Ijcsr4vh6JJjP
@astraIexe
thanks slim moon.
@MrJames-tw3so
I'm always looking for any more interviews he gave that I havnt seen already. Since he didn't give a lot I highly doubt there is any rock I havnt already overturned.
@MrSomethingElse
no. it hurts too much. maybe later ok?
@James925Lee
@@MrSomethingElse okay. soon love.
@hendersongibson2551
Jeez. Being an ex addict of heroin inside have cognitive dissonance by listening to Elliott. But take strength from his failures bro. He should be a warning not a romanticised hero. Still listening by the way. And clean. He gives me strength.
@kamikazechivalry1264
It's been 16 years since he died today. I still listen to his stuff every day. We love and miss you Elliott.
@jeanrogershu
My favorite song with between the bars and condor Ave. These 3 songs are masterpieces. Reminds me 15 years ago, when I was in college.
So sad that he died.
@spencer1531
Nice profile pic. Best party movie.
@donjones5844
He had so much more to say...