On January 31st 2012, he released the first single, 'Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings', for his debut album under the Father John Misty moniker, "Fear Fun". The Phil Ek mixed and Jonathan Wilson produced LP was released on May 1st 2012 through Sub Pop (U.S.) and Bella Union (U.K.)
To date, Father John Misty has released 5 studio albums: Fear Fun (2012), I Love You, Honeybear (2015), Pure Comedy (2017), God's Favorite Customer (2018) and Chloë and the Next 20th Century (2022).
Buddy's Rendezvous
Father John Misty Lyrics
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What's the point in being everybody's girl?
Maybe you think that way there's no chance getting hurt
Living for no one cost me way more than it's worth
So you're gonna be a singer?
Well, I'll be goddamn
You're as pretty as a postcard
No thanks to the old man
The night that I went in
I can stay an hour at Canter's
The streets cool off by then
When can I see you again?
Whatever happened to the girl I knew?
In the wasteland come up short and end up on the news
Whatever happened to the girl I knew?
In the wasteland come up short and end up on the news
Everything you want
What's the fun in getting everything you want?
I wouldn't know but, look, baby, you should try
Forget that lefty shit your mom drilled in your mind
Give the world a new savior
Sell his pictures to the press
Buy a place out in the country
Leave this world for someone else
My destruction is an hour late
I'm at Buddy's Rendezvous
Telling the losers and old-timers
How good I did with you
They almost believe me too
Whatever happened to the girl I knew?
In the wasteland come up short and end up on the news
Whatever happened to the girl I knew?
In the wasteland come up short and end up on the news
Whatever happened to the girl I knew?
In the wasteland come up short and end up on the news
Ohh
In "Buddy's Rendezvous," Father John Misty reflects on the complexities and consequences of seeking validation and success in a world that often demands conformity and sacrifices personal identity. The opening lines, "Everybody's girl, what's the point in being everybody's girl?" suggest a sense of emptiness and disillusionment. The singer questions the value of being desired by everyone when it ultimately leads to pain and disappointment. There is a desire to break free from these expectations, as exemplified by the line, "Living for no one cost me way more than it's worth."
As the song progresses, the focus shifts to the pursuit of fame and fortune. The lines, "So you're gonna be a singer? Well, I'll be goddamn. You're as pretty as a postcard, no thanks to the old man" highlight the singer's encounters with someone who is aspiring to be a singer, possibly reminiscent of their own past aspirations. There is a recognition of the destructive nature of the entertainment industry and the sacrifices it demands, symbolized by the line, "It's the same coat I had on the night that I went in."
The chorus reflects a longing for the past and a sense of loss. The singer wonders what happened to the girl they once knew, who may have fallen victim to the harsh realities of life. The wasteland mentioned represents a place of despair and failure, where dreams go unfulfilled.
The second verse explores the irony of seeking everything one desires. The singer acknowledges their inability to understand the appeal of material success while implying that the pursuit of such desires can leave one unfulfilled. They encourage the other person to let go of the ideologies instilled by their mother and explore a different path.
The song concludes with the singer at Buddy's Rendezvous, a gathering place for those who have experienced disappointment and failure. They seek to establish themselves as successful in the eyes of others, even if it means fabricating a narrative. Ultimately, there is a yearning for connection and a sense of longing for what once was.
Overall, "Buddy's Rendezvous" delves into themes of identity, disillusionment, and the pursuit of validation and success. It explores the sacrifices and compromises one may make along the way, questioning the true cost of these aspirations and the potential loss of personal authenticity.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody's girl
Questioning the idea of being everyone's girl and the consequences that may come with it
What's the point in being everybody's girl?
Reflecting on the purpose and value of being desired by everyone
Maybe you think that way there's no chance getting hurt
Suggesting that being everybody's girl may be a defense mechanism to avoid getting hurt
Living for no one cost me way more than it's worth
Expressing regret for prioritizing others over oneself
So you're gonna be a singer?
Surprised by the revelation that the person will pursue a singing career
Well, I'll be goddamn
Expressing astonishment and disbelief
You're as pretty as a postcard
Complimenting the person's looks
No thanks to the old man
Acknowledging that the person's beauty is not attributed to their father
It's the same coat I had on
Noticing that they are wearing the same coat as a specific event from the past
The night that I went in
Referring to a significant event or experience
I can stay an hour at Canter's
Implying that they can only tolerate being in a certain place for a short period of time
The streets cool off by then
Suggesting that the atmosphere becomes more relaxed over time
When can I see you again?
Expressing a desire to meet the person again
Whatever happened to the girl I knew?
Wondering what has become of the person they once knew
In the wasteland come up short and end up on the news
Reflecting on the negative outcomes and struggles faced in a desolate environment
Everything you want
Questioning the satisfaction of obtaining everything one desires
What's the fun in getting everything you want?
Challenging the notion that fulfilling all desires leads to happiness
I wouldn't know but, look, baby, you should try
Acknowledging a lack of personal experience, but encouraging the person to explore their desires
Forget that lefty shit your mom drilled in your mind
Encouraging the person to discard any politically influenced beliefs instilled by their mother
Give the world a new savior
Proposing the idea of introducing a new figure who can save or change the world
Sell his pictures to the press
Suggesting the commercialization and media exposure of this new savior
Buy a place out in the country
Advocating for leaving the hustle and bustle of city life and finding solace in a rural setting
Leave this world for someone else
Urge to escape from the current world and make way for a different individual to take over
My destruction is an hour late
Conveying a delay in their own downfall or ruin
I'm at Buddy's Rendezvous
Being at a place called Buddy's Rendezvous, which may hold significance or serve as a metaphor
Telling the losers and old-timers
Sharing stories or boasting to individuals who have not achieved success or are past their prime
How good I did with you
Bringing up their past relationship and claiming to have done well in that regard
They almost believe me too
Indicating that others are inclined to believe their stories or accomplishments
Ohh
An interjection conveying some form of emotion or reaction
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Drew Erickson, Joshua Tillman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind