The band was among the first acts of a renewed wave of shoegazing music, harkening back to the late-1980s and early 1990s heyday of that genre. Although My Bloody Valentine is the most well-known of the shoegazers, Film School tends to hew more closely to the less stridently noisy bands from the original scene--bands such as Slowdive and Blind Mr. Jones. When Film School ups the tempo, their cascading guitars and background harmonies of "ooh" and "aah"--washed-out spins on classic mid-60s pop--they can also sound like Ride, another prominent band in the original shoegazing scene.
Film School today are now based in Los Angeles. Current members are: Greg Bertens, Dave Dupuis, Lorelei Plotczyk, Jason Ruck, James Smith . Previous members have included Nyles Lannon, Justin LaBo, Donny Newenhouse.
Compare
Film School Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Have I surrendered to this all?
If you continually divide us
I can't decide if that's a fault
[Incomprehensible]
Coming from, coming from
I can't believe the things that you'll say
I can't believe the things that you'll say
I can't believe the things that you'll say
To keep me around and here by your side
I can't believe the things that you'll say
I can't believe the things that you'll say
I can't believe the things that you'll say
To keep me around and here by your side
I can't believe the things that you'll say
I can't believe the things that you'll say
I can't believe the things that you'll say
Keep me around and close to your side
The lyrics of Film School's "Compare" seem to revolve around the idea of internal conflict and questioning one's own choices. The singer begins by asking themselves whether their silence is a form of surrender. This may suggest that the silence is indicative of a lack of action, specifically when it comes to a specific situation or relationship, and the singer is questioning whether this is the right course of action.
The theme of relationships is further explored in the following lines, as the singer discusses the idea of being divided. This separation could be caused by someone else or even the inner conflicts of the person themselves. The ambiguity of the fault in this action could suggest that there is no clear right or wrong, but rather that it is a complex issue with no easy answers.
The repeating lines "I can't believe the things that you'll say" add to the confusion and turmoil present within the lyrics. It implies that the person being addressed is saying things that are surprising or unexpected to the singer. The fact that they are repeated throughout the song further emphasizes the idea that these things are causing distress.
Overall, the song seems to be questioning how we make decisions and what drives us to make certain choices. It is a contemplation of the complexity of relationships, both with others and ourselves.
Line by Line Meaning
If I continue in this silence
Am I giving up by staying quiet and not speaking up?
Have I surrendered to this all?
Am I allowing myself to be defeated by everything?
If you continually divide us
If you keep creating a rift between us
I can't decide if that's a fault
I'm not sure whose mistake it is
I can't believe the things that you'll say
I can't accept the hurtful words that come out of your mouth
To keep me around and here by your side
You're using those words to manipulate me into staying with you
Coming from, coming from
This is where the words are coming from
Keep me around and close to your side
You want to keep me near you, even if it means being hurtful
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Greg Bertens
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tessa Rae
If I continue in this silence
Have I surrendered to this all?
If you continually divide us
I can't decide if that's a fault
Coming from, coming from
I can't believe the things that you'll say
I can't believe the things that you'll say
I can't believe the things that you'll say
To keep me around and here by your side
I can't believe the things that you'll say
I can't believe the things that you'll say
I can't believe the things that you'll say
To keep me around and here by your side
I can't believe the things that you'll say
I can't believe the things that you'll say
I can't believe the things that you'll say
Keep me around and close to your side
VodkaMagic
If I continue in this silence
Have I surrendered to this all?
If you continually divide us
I can't decide if that's a fault
Coming from, coming from
Coming from, coming from
I can't believe the things that you'll say
I can't believe the things that you'll say
I can't believe the things that you'll say
To keep me around and here by your side
Stanley Milousis
I'm in love with this song :) They have great tracks but this one is wow.
Jason Jochems
This is really beautiful. I just heard this the first time today. These guys have won over a new fan.
Int'l Voice of Reason
between this song and "two kinds" I never quite understood why this band didn't gain a larger following
Jessica Preston
Amazing band, brilliant song!
Thagy1973
I have yet to hear a song I don't love from this band!
Darryl Scopes
Damn Straight!
Tessa Rae
If I continue in this silence
Have I surrendered to this all?
If you continually divide us
I can't decide if that's a fault
Coming from, coming from
I can't believe the things that you'll say
I can't believe the things that you'll say
I can't believe the things that you'll say
To keep me around and here by your side
I can't believe the things that you'll say
I can't believe the things that you'll say
I can't believe the things that you'll say
To keep me around and here by your side
I can't believe the things that you'll say
I can't believe the things that you'll say
I can't believe the things that you'll say
Keep me around and close to your side
SlothTamer69
I just found out about this song and band last night. Ever since then I've listened to them literally about 100 times. This song really just gets me mellow and allows me to forget about the stress I've had lately for at least a little bit.
Rob Sturney
I'd HIGHLY recommend their self-titled album. Amazing.
Mark Aziz
One of my favorite bands of all time! Reminds me of living in San Francisco in the late 90's and going to Marin up to Mount Tamalpais on the weekend.