Speed Trials
Elliott Smith (album) Lyrics
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In the cathedral with the glass stained black
Singing sweet high notes that echo back
To destroy their master
May be a long time til you get the call-up
But it's sure as fate and hard as your luck
No one'll know where you are
Running speed trials still standing in place
When the socket's not a shock enough
You little child what makes you think you're tough
When all the people you think you're above
They all know what's the matter
You're such a pinball yeah you know it's true
There's always something you come back running to
To follow the path of no resistance
It's just a brief smile crossing your face
Running speed trials standing in place
It's just a brief smile crossing your face
Running speed trials all over the place
In "Speed Trials," Elliott Smith paints a picture of an isolated individual, who finds solace in being alone, but is also acutely aware of his own inner turmoil. The first verse describes this character as hiding "underneath the horse," suggesting he has withdrawn from society and gone into hiding. The "cathedral with the glass stained black" is a metaphor for his own mind - a dark, confusing place full of conflicting emotions. The singer then sings "sweet high notes that echo back, to destroy their master," possibly referring to his own internal conflict, the battle between the societal pressure to succeed and his own desire for solitude.
The second verse explores the theme of the singer feeling disconnected from society, yet also wanting to be accepted by it. The mention of "getting the call-up" could refer to a job interview or audition, highlighting the singer's desperation to fit in, but then acknowledging the harsh realities of life: "it's sure as fate and hard as your luck." The singer struggles with the idea of being above or below others, but ultimately admits that "all the people you think you're above, they all know what's the matter." He feels like a pinball, bouncing back and forth between his own desires and societal expectations.
The chorus, "It's just a brief smile crossing your face, running speed trials standing in place," signifies the singer's fleeting happiness, which is always overshadowed by his internal conflict. He is continually "standing in place," never able to move forward or find true contentment. "Speed Trials" is a haunting depiction of the difficulty of overcoming internal struggles and finding a sense of purpose in life.
Line by Line Meaning
He's pleased to meet you underneath the horse
He greets you happily beneath the weight and burden of life
In the cathedral with the glass stained black
In the holy sanctuary where sin is evident
Singing sweet high notes that echo back
Creating beautiful music that resonates through time
To destroy their master
To break free from the oppressive forces of authority
May be a long time til you get the call-up
The time for your great opportunity may be delayed
But it's sure as fate and hard as your luck
However, it will happen as destiny and fortune dictate
No one'll know where you are
You will be lost and unknown during your journey
It's just a brief smile crossing your face
During brief moments of joy, a flicker of a smile appears
Running speed trials still standing in place
Even though there is forward movement, progress is slow
When the socket's not a shock enough
When the electrical charge is insufficient to jolt you
You little child what makes you think you're tough
Despite your youth and naivety, why do you believe you are strong?
When all the people you think you're above
When those you consider lesser than yourself surpass you
They all know what's the matter
Everyone else realizes the truth of the situation
You're such a pinball yeah you know it's true
You're constantly bouncing around without direction or control
There's always something you come back running to
There is always a vice or addiction pulling you back
To follow the path of no resistance
To give in to temptation and the easy way out
Running speed trials all over the place
Despite the scattered and frenzied attempts, there is still no true progress
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STEVEN P. SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@roiybenkel682
He's pleased to meet you underneath the horse
In the cathedral with the glass stained black
Singing sweet high notes that echo back
To destroy their master
May be a long time till you get the call-up
But it's sure as fate and hard as your luck
No one'll know where you are
It's just a brief smile crossing your face
Running speed trials still standing in place
When the socket's not a shock enough
You little child what makes you think you're tough
When all the people you think you're above
They all know what's the matter
You're such a pinball yeah you know it's true
There's always something you come back running to
To follow the path of no resistance
It's just a brief smile crossing your face
Running speed trials standing in place
It's just a brief smile crossing your face
Running speed trials all over the place
@user-ip9yu7lp1q
he's pleased to meet you underneath the horse
그는 너를 만나 반갑다
in the cathedral with the glass stained black
스테인드글라스가 온통 검은빛인 성당 안 마상 아래에서
singing sweet high notes that echo back
아름다운 고음역의 목소리로 노래하는 그 남자 장차 메아리로 되튕겨나와
to destroy their master
그들의 조물주를 파괴해버릴
may be a long time til you get the call-up
네가 소집 명령을 듣기까진 시간이 오래 걸릴지도 모르지만
but it's sure as fate and hard as your luck
그건 운명처럼 확실히 올 거고 네 운처럼 재수 없을 거야
no one'll know where you are
네가 어디 있는지는 아무도 모를 일이겠지
it's just a brief smile crossing your face
그건 단지 네 얼굴에 스치는 찰나의 미소
running speed trials still standing in place
제자리에 선 채 최고 속도를 시험하는
when the socket's not a shock enough
소켓의 총격도 가소롭다 싶나본데
you little child what makes you think you're tough
이 쪼그만 꼬마, 네가 그렇게 세다고 믿는 근거는 대체 뭐지
when all the people you think you're above
넌 그들 머리 꼭대기 위에서 논다고 생각할지 몰라도
they all know what's the matter
그들은 사실상 뭐가 문제인지 알고 있단다
you're such a pinball yeah you know it's true
넌 진짜 핀볼 같은 놈이야 맞아, 너도 동감할 걸
there's always something you come back running to
어디로 떠나든 항상 네가 허겁지겁 돌아오게 만드는 뭔가가 있어
to follow the path of no resistance
결국은 불가항력의 길을 걸을 수밖에 없단 말이지
@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
@johnnihil1689
You guys need to make a double lp version of Either Or with all the live stuff on a 2nd record. I already have the single edition.
@johnnihil1689
Nevermind. That appears to exist already. Sweet.
@User-jk8wq
Everybody gangsta until Elliott Smith harmonises with himself
@claudiomargheri2087
This is top comment. Cause it's so weirdly funny and true at once❤
@321micks123
scarmonizing until it hrtz
@Grimosaur
He always sings so quiet as if he's a teenager trying not to let his parents hear him
@suckmadicktits
Well he was abused by his stepdad pretty bad so checks out
I know that's why I sing similarly unconfidently and quietly
@hazi1855
@@suckmadicktits sometimes quiet voices speak the loudest
@00bilz
Seems there's a bit of truth to that! I dug up this quote of his from a fan blog:
“I recorded Speed Trials with a snare drum and a cymbal. My girlfriend has a downstairs neighbor so I had to be really quiet. I used a little dictation microphone and that was all that was actually around right then.”