On 26 September 2006, Haines released the album Knives Don't Have Your Back on Last Gang Records. The album was written and recorded in Los Angeles, Montreal, Toronto, and New York over the previous four years, and features contributors including Sparklehorse's Scott Minor, Broken Social Scene's Justin Peroff, Stars' Evan Cranley, and Metric's Jimmy Shaw.
Though it took Haines four years to complete the album, the singer says she'd been plotting this for years. "When I was a little kid," she said in a statement, "I would creep downstairs to the piano and write rudimentary songs about imaginary places. I'm told the first song I ever wrote was a love song to a cranberry tree. I always used the mute pedal. I hated the idea of anybody hearing me.
"Everywhere I've lived while working with Metric, I've written songs on the piano and played them for no one," she continued. "On the advice of a friend, I decided I'd better start recording them before they were forgotten."
Among those songs are a track that was written while Haines was studying electroacoustics in Montreal while some were recorded in Toronto, Canada in the winter of 2002, shortly after the death of Haines' father.
Official site: http://www.emilyhaines.com
Irish Exit
Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton Lyrics
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It ends an assassination
Or it doesn't end in a way
That anyone remembers
You're the guy that always brings the drugs
When nobody wants drugs
That twinkle in your eye, I know it so well
You return, girls flock to see
How you fail to age between lies
We once were pals
We wish to be with more than mouths and watery eyes
When everybody's got love
(Love)
When everybody's got love
(Love)
You're the guy that always brings the drugs
When nobody wants drugs
That twinkle in your eye, I know it so well
That twinkle in your eye, I know it so well
You're the guy that always brings the drugs
The song "Irish Exit" by Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton delves into themes of nostalgia, self-destruction, and the complexities of relationships. The opening lines, "It ends an assassination, Or it doesn't end in a way That anyone remembers," set a somber and mysterious tone, suggesting that a significant event or relationship has either concluded in a dramatic manner or simply faded into obscurity without leaving a lasting impact.
The recurring motif of a character who always brings drugs despite nobody wanting them adds a layer of melancholy and detachment to the narrative. This character is described as having a familiar twinkle in their eye, implying a sense of recognition and intimacy with their habits and mannerisms. The repetition of this description emphasizes the inevitability and cyclical nature of their behavior.
The lyrics continue to explore the complexities of human connections, particularly focusing on the singer's past friendship with someone who seems ageless in their ability to deceive and manipulate. The reference to "pal" suggests a sense of camaraderie that has been tainted by dishonesty and unfulfilled desires. The desire for a deeper connection beyond superficial interactions is palpable, as expressed through the longing for more meaningful engagement with each other.
The chorus, with its repeated assertion that "everybody's got love," hints at a shared desire for connection and understanding, even amidst the turmoil and disillusionment depicted in the verses. The repetition of "love" underscores the universality of this longing, emphasizing the common human experience of seeking emotional fulfillment and meaningful relationships. Overall, "Irish Exit" paints a poignant portrait of emotional complexity, nostalgia for the past, and the enduring search for genuine connection in a world marked by transience and superficiality.
Line by Line Meaning
It ends an assassination
It brings closure to a harmful situation
Or it doesn't end in a way
Or it may not have any resolution at all
That anyone remembers
That is truly memorable
You're the guy that always brings the drugs
You are the person who introduces undesirable things
When nobody wants drugs
Even when no one is interested
That twinkle in your eye, I know it so well
That expression of mischief is familiar to me
You return, girls flock to see
As you come back, people are eager to see you
How you fail to age between lies
Despite your deceit, you do not seem to grow older
We once were pals
We used to be close friends
We wish to be with more than mouths and watery eyes
We desire a deeper connection beyond just words and tears
When everybody's got love
In a world where love is abundant
You're the guy that always brings the drugs
You continue to bring negativity despite the circumstances
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: Emily Haines
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind