Fastbacks were a pioneering Seattle band. Formed in 1979 by songwriter/gui… Read Full Bio ↴Fastbacks were a pioneering Seattle band. Formed in 1979 by songwriter/guitarist Kurt Bloch (born August 28, 1960), and friends Lulu Gargiulo (guitar and vocals, born October 12, 1960) and Kim Warnick (bass and vocals, born April 7, 1959), they disbanded in 2001. Their sound mixed a generally punk approach to vocals and sound textures with poppy tunes and strong musicianship. Bloch is also a member of The Young Fresh Fellows as well as Thee Sgt. Major III. The Fastbacks reunited for a show in West Seattle in the summer of 2011.

in the observatory
Fastbacks Lyrics

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Remember on that day
When we were very small
We used to hide sometimes
They'd never guess it was
That's where I am
Back in the observatory again
I've been there thinking
The road was never paved

Trees grew in the way
The car could never make
A trip like that today
I won't call you here
But the phone rings sometimes loud enough to hear it
And they only charge a small fee to call me
And I'll pick it up if I just know it's you
What it really was
An observatory does
I think I'll stay until

I leave I never will
That's where I am

Overall Meaning

The song "In the Observatory" by Fastbacks is a reflection on childhood memories and the escapism that can be found in remembering simpler times. The singer recalls a time when they were young and used to hide in the observatory, a place that represented safety and solace. Even as an adult, the singer finds themselves drawn back to the observatory, where they spend time thinking about their past and the road that has led them to where they are now.

The lyrics highlight the contrast between the present and the past, with the road being described as unpaved and trees blocking the path, highlighting how things have changed. The singer recognises that they can never go back to those simpler times, but finds comfort in the fact that they can still visit the observatory and remember what it was like.

The final lines of the chorus, "I think I'll stay until I leave I never will, that's where I am" highlight how the singer finds peace and comfort in the observatory, and suggests that they may stay there indefinitely.

Overall, the song is a poignant reflection on the power of memory and the importance of finding time to escape from the stresses of everyday life.

Line by Line Meaning

Remember on that day
Recalling a past event

When we were very small
When they were young

We used to hide sometimes
Playing hide and seek

They'd never guess it was
Successfully hiding

That's where I am
Currently at the observatory

Back in the observatory again
Returning to the observatory

I've been there thinking
Reflecting on thoughts

The road was never paved
The journey was difficult

Trees grew in the way
Obstacles were encountered

The car could never make
The vehicle couldn't handle it