The Memo
Father John Misty Lyrics


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I'm gonna steal some bedsheets
From an amputee
I'm gonna mount 'em on a canvas
In the middle of the gallery
I'm gonna tell everybody
It was painted by a chimpanzee
Just between you and me
Here at the cultural low watermark
If it's fraud or art
They'll pay you to believe

I'm gonna take five young dudes
From white families
I'm gonna mount 'em on a billboard
In the middle of the country
I'm gonna tell everybody
They sing like angels with whiter teeth
But just between you and me
They're just like the ones before
With their standards lower
Another concert-goer will pay you to believe

Oh, caffeine in the morning, alcohol at night
Cameras to record you and mirrors to recognize
And as the world is getting smaller, small things take up all your time
Narcissus would have had a field day if he could have got online
And friends it's not self-love that kills you
It's when those who hate you are allowed
To sell you that you're a glorious shit
The entire world revolves around
And that you're the eater, no not the eaten
But that your hunger will only cease
If you come binge on radiant blandness
At the disposable feast

You're enjoying the chill winter playlist
Just quickly how would you rate yourself
Indie Brunch
In terms of sex appeal and cultural significance?
Irony, irony, blo-blo-blo-blo-blo-blo-blo
Do you usually listen to music like this?
Just one more mile, you can do it again
Can we recommend some similar artists?
This is totally the song of my summer
Are you feeling depressed?
This guy just gets me
But your feedback's important to us
Music is my life

Gonna buy myself a sports team
And put 'em in a pit
I'm gonna wage the old crusade
Against consciousness
All I need's a couple winners
To get every loser to fight in it
Keep the golden calf
Just need the bullshit




And they won't just sell themselves into slavery
They'll get on their knees and pay you to believe

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Father John Misty's song "The Memo" are filled with biting social commentary and satirical observations on modern society and the art world. The song criticizes the commodification of art and the manipulation of the public's perception.


In the first verse, Father John Misty sings about stealing bedsheets from an amputee and presenting them as a painting by a chimpanzee in a gallery. This line refers to the absurdity of the art world, where anything can be passed off as art if presented in the right way. The line "Just between you and me, here at the cultural low watermark, if it's fraud or art, they'll pay you to believe" illustrates the idea that people will believe in something simply because they are told it is valuable or meaningful.


The second verse focuses on the music industry and the manufactured nature of popular music. Father John Misty sarcastically talks about taking five young boys and promoting them as singing sensations with white families, emphasizing their physical appearance and marketability over their actual talent. This verse touches on the idea that in our society, image and superficial qualities often take precedence over genuine artistic merit. The line "They're just like the ones before, with their standards lower, another concert-goer will pay you to believe" implies that the audience is easily manipulated and willing to consume music that is formulaic and lacks true substance.


The third verse delves into the obsession with self-image and the influence of technology on our lives. Father John Misty criticizes the superficiality and narcissism of online culture. He compares the constant need for validation through social media, cameras, and mirrors to Narcissus, the mythological figure who fell in love with his own reflection. The line "And that you're the eater, no not the eaten, but that your hunger will only cease if you come binge on radiant blandness at the disposable feast" suggests that society's obsession with self-obsession and shallow trends has resulted in a lack of depth and authenticity.


The final verse continues the satirical tone by alluding to the commodification of everything, including sports. Father John Misty mentions buying a sports team and creating a spectacle to distract people from consciousness. He suggests that people are willing to participate in their own manipulation and enslavement, as long as they are offered distractions and are made to believe certain narratives. The line "they won't just sell themselves into slavery, they'll get on their knees and pay you to believe" highlights the power dynamics at play and how individuals willingly buy into systems that exploit them.


Overall, "The Memo" is a critique of the artificiality and manipulation present in various aspects of society, including art, music, self-image, and commodification. It reveals the way in which people can be easily swayed to believe in things that may have little substance or value, as long as the right narrative is constructed around them.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm gonna steal some bedsheets
I will take something valuable from someone who has already lost something important.


From an amputee
From someone who has experienced loss or hardship.


I'm gonna mount 'em on a canvas
I will display this stolen item in a way that brings attention and focus to it.


In the middle of the gallery
In a prominent and central location where it cannot be ignored.


I'm gonna tell everybody
I will inform everyone about this act of appropriation and display.


It was painted by a chimpanzee
It was created by a being typically considered less intelligent or capable.


Just between you and me
Confidentially, I am sharing this secret with you.


Here at the cultural low watermark
In a time when cultural standards and quality are at their lowest point.


If it's fraud or art
Whether it is deceit or a legitimate artistic expression.


They'll pay you to believe
People will be willing to pay to buy into and accept this narrative.


I'm gonna take five young dudes
I will select a group of young men.


From white families
From privileged backgrounds or racial backgrounds that often hold societal advantage.


I'm gonna mount 'em on a billboard
I will showcase them in a highly visible advertising space.


In the middle of the country
In a location that represents mainstream, middle America.


They sing like angels with whiter teeth
They possess exceptional vocal abilities and physical attractiveness.


But just between you and me
Confidentially, I am revealing the truth to you.


They're just like the ones before
They are not unique or different from previously celebrated individuals.


With their standards lower
Despite their lower quality or talent.


Another concert-goer will pay you to believe
Another person attending their performance will willingly buy into this perception.


Oh, caffeine in the morning, alcohol at night
Engaging in substances that affect your physical and mental state.


Cameras to record you and mirrors to recognize
Constantly being monitored and scrutinized by others and yourself.


And as the world is getting smaller, small things take up all your time
As the world becomes more interconnected, trivial matters monopolize your attention.


Narcissus would have had a field day if he could have got online
If the mythological figure Narcissus had access to the internet, he would have indulged in excessive self-obsession.


And friends, it's not self-love that kills you
Excessive self-love or self-obsession is not the real danger.


It's when those who hate you are allowed
The true harm lies in the influence of those who despise you.


To sell you that you're a glorious shit
To convince you that you possess remarkable qualities, even though it may not be true.


The entire world revolves around
The belief that everything centers around you.


And that you're the eater, no not the eaten
You are the one in control or the predator, rather than being the vulnerable or preyed upon.


But that your hunger will only cease
However, your desire to consume or grasp for more will only be satisfied.


If you come binge on radiant blandness
By indulging in something that appears attractive and popular but lacks any substantial depth or uniqueness.


At the disposable feast
At an event or experience that is easily accessible and can be readily discarded.


You're enjoying the chill winter playlist
You are finding pleasure in a collection of relaxed and soothing songs commonly associated with winter.


Just quickly how would you rate yourself
Promptly, provide a judgement or evaluation of your own worth or value.


Indie Brunch
A trendy brunch gathering associated with independent or alternative culture.


In terms of sex appeal and cultural significance?
Regarding your physical allure and impact on popular culture, how would you rate yourself?


Irony, irony, blo-blo-blo-blo-blo-blo-blo
Sarcastic or comedic expression emphasizing irony and absurdity.


Do you usually listen to music like this?
Is this style of music typical for your preferences?


Just one more mile, you can do it again
Persist a little longer, and you will be able to repeat the same behavior or experience.


Can we recommend some similar artists?
May we suggest other musicians who share a similar style or genre?


This is totally the song of my summer
This particular song perfectly captures the essence of my summer experiences.


Are you feeling depressed?
Do you currently experience feelings of sadness or hopelessness?


This guy just gets me
This individual truly understands me and my perspective.


But your feedback's important to us
Please understand that we value and consider your opinions.


Music is my life
My existence revolves around and is primarily defined by music.


Gonna buy myself a sports team
I will acquire ownership of a professional sports franchise.


And put 'em in a pit
I will place the team in a difficult and disadvantageous situation.


I'm gonna wage the old crusade
I will initiate a campaign or fight using outdated or misguided beliefs.


Against consciousness
Against awareness or a state of being awake.


All I need's a couple winners
I only require a few successful individuals.


To get every loser to fight in it
To compel every person who lacks success to participate in this battle or cause.


Keep the golden calf
Retain the idol or symbol of wealth and materialism.


Just need the bullshit
Only the empty or false promises and rhetoric are necessary.


And they won't just sell themselves into slavery
They will not simply surrender their freedom and autonomy.


They'll get on their knees and pay you to believe
Instead, they will submit and willingly offer their support or money to buy into your narrative.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Joshua Michael Tillman

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@I_am_zavi

The Memo lyrics
I'm gonna steal some bedsheets
From an amputee
I'm gonna mount em on a canvas
In the middle of the gallery
I'm gonna tell everybody
It was painted by a chimpanzee
Just between you and me
Here at the cultural low watermark
If it's fraud or art
They'll pay you to believe
I'm gonna take five young dudes
From white families
I'm gonna mount 'em on a billboard
In the middle of the country
I'm gonna tell everybody
They sing like angels with whiter teeth
But just between you and me
They're just like the ones before
With their standards lower
Another concert-goer will pay you to believe
Oh, caffeine in the morning, alcohol at night
Cameras to record you and mirrors to recognize
And as the world is getting smaller, small things take up all your time
Narcissus would have had a field day if he could have got online
And friends it's not self-love that kills you
It's when those who hate you are allowed
To sell you that you're a glorious shit
The entire world revolves around
And that you're the eater, no not the eaten
But that your hunger will only cease
If you come binge on radiant blandness
At the disposable feast
Just quickly how would you rate yourself
(? Indie Brunch)
In terms of sex appeal and cultural significance?
(Irony, irony
Blo blo blo blo blo blo blo)
Do you usually listen to music like this?
(Just one more mile, you can do it again)
Can we recommend some similar artists?
(This is totally the song of my summer)
Are you feeling depressed?
(This guy just gets me)
But your feedback's important
To us
(Music is my life)
Gonna buy myself a sports team
And put 'em in a pit
I'm gonna wage the old crusade
Against consciousness
All I need's a couple winners
To get every loser to fight in it
Keep the golden calf
Just need the bullshit
And they won't just sell themselves into slavery
They'll get on their knees and pay you to believee
Songwriters: Joshua Michael Tillman



@Rajat_1010

I'm gonna steal some bedsheets
From an amputee
I'm gonna mount em on a canvas
In the middle of the gallery
I'm gonna tell everybody
It was painted by a chimpanzee
Just between you and me
Here at the cultural low watermark
If it's fraud or art
They'll pay you to believe

I'm gonna take five young dudes
From white families
I'm gonna mount 'em on a billboard
In the middle of the country
I'm gonna tell everybody
They sing like angels with whiter teeth
But just between you and me
They're just like the ones before
With their standards lower
Another concert-goer will pay you to believe

Oh, caffeine in the morning, alcohol at night
Cameras to record you and mirrors to recognize
And as the world is getting smaller, small things take up all your time
Narcissus would have had a field day if he could have got online
And friends it's not self-love that kills you
It's when those who hate you are allowed
To sell you that you're a glorious shit
The entire world revolves around
And that you're the eater, no not the eaten
But that your hunger will only cease
If you come binge on radiant blandness
At the disposable feast

(You're enjoying the chill winter playlist)
Just quickly how would you rate yourself
[?]
In terms of sex appeal and cultural significance?
(Irony, irony
Blo blo blo blo blo blo blo)
Do you usually listen to music like this?
(Just one more mile, you can do it again)
Can we recommend some similar artists?
(This is totally the song of my summer)
Are you feeling depressed?
(This guy just gets me)
But your feedback's important
To us
(Music is my life)

Gonna buy myself a sports team
And put 'em in a pit
I'm gonna wage the old crusade
Against consciousness
All I need's a couple winners
To get every loser to fight in it
Keep the golden calf
Just need the bullshit
And they won't just sell themselves into slavery
They'll get on their knees and pay you to believe



All comments from YouTube:

@KhushalB

This is totally the song of my summer

@lalfakzualahnamte2021

this guy just gets me

@andrewkuhar1189

When this song takes off, it is truly one of my favorite moments across FJM's catalogue. I'm so glad this made it to the LP -- when the organ and drums kick in, it's like someone setting off a flare in the middle of the night on this album.

@ethanherring2238

Are you enjoying the chill winter playlist?

@nejc

"It's not self-love that kills you, it's when those who hate you are allowed to sell you that you're a glorious shit the entire world revolves around" This is a great observation and actually the main problem with western society, everyone has been sold that the world revolves around them and everyone feels good about themselves but not because of anything they have actually done...

@cortroxx85

nejc lines like these are why FJ is so fucking amazing.

@Ty-dv9yr

It really is, even while listening to this song youtube tries to recommend other FJM songs in the sidebar that you might like. And that's fine when it's music, albeit restrictive, but when it comes to stuff like the news it's just destructive. No one ever has to question anything because your view is constantly reinforced and you're always right, and everyone loves being right. Honestly one of the best songs I've ever heard, so many big themes tackled and in an artful way in 5 minutes.

@Darmalarm777

that's THE lyric for me. straightforward, brutally true.

@tonyz376

@@slvrstnthb It's always been this way...people are no different than we've ever been. Dona Maria, in Cela's The Hive, said that "we're here to help each other, but we don't because we don't want to". That was during WWII.

@Michael-cv5wk

and then corporations have a perfect opportunity to slip in and be like "hey mister important person, I have this perfect product just for you uwu :3"

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