Michael Todd Berland and Christian Novelli have been releasing music together as Fox Academy since 2012. Their sound is characterized by drowsy and adventurous indie rock, appealing to fans of American Pleasure Club, Alex G, Strange Ranger and Oso Oso. Their approach to bedroom pop carries a distinct woodsy quality, often interweaving pop culture references and subtle humor amidst the prevailing melancholic vibes. Notably, their album Angel Hair, released in July 2019, features tracks titled "NASCAR" and "Property Brothers," with an opening line that humorously states, "I got metal in my headphones, metal in my face, I put metal in the microwave."
The duo released their first full album, "Luxury Beverage," in January 2015, followed by their second album, "Saint Molly," in April 2017. In 2020, Fox Academy presented their full-length documentary film titled "Late Nite Saints." The movie captures their exploration of the Pacific Northwest, seeking beauty and miracles in unexpected places. With a hypnotic ambient quality reminiscent of their music, this film provides a glimpse into the duo's lives.
In September 2020, Fox Academy released their fourth album "rabbit." The collection comprises hazy guitar tracks brimming with emotion and musical ingenuity. While an underlying emo sentiment is present, expressed through lyrics like "Nothing hurts like growing up" and "I hope that I see you tomorrow" in the final songs, the overall aesthetic leans toward a homemade, lo-fi slowcore sound. While guest appearances, including Jordana on the mellow electronic slow jam "Luck," are sprinkled throughout the album, "rabbit" primarily provides a window into the shared mindset of two friends who have embraced the subdued spirit of the times while upholding a longstanding DIY tradition.
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Fox Academy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
please make things cleaner
fill me with dirt
whatever makes you worse
lavender is always running through my blood
ive had enough im cold and it is dusk
turn into dust its dripping from my gums
its not enough
you need to help me
learn how to carry myself
place something on the top shelf
lavender is always running through my blood
ive had enough im cold and it is dusk
turn into dust its dripping from my gums
its not enough
The lyrics of Fox Academy’s “Lavender Blood” tell a story about a person struggling with their own imperfections and insecurities. The first verse refers to the nervous disposition of the person, asking for someone’s help to make things “cleaner”. This person is willing to accept any negative influence, asking to be filled with dirt, just to make the other feel better. The chorus is where the “lavender” part becomes relevant. It’s a metaphor for anxiety or stress that is constantly a part of the person’s life, something that’s always “running through their blood”. The person has had enough, feeling cold and almost like they’re dying, saying they’ll turn into dust, meaning they’ll die or fade away. The last verse picks up where the first left off, asking for help again to “stay neat and healthy” but the impetus is on the other person to “teach me how to carry myself”. By “place something on the top shelf” you get the impression they’re either trying to make themselves better, or that someone else, society maybe, is demanding they be someone they’re not.
The song can be interpreted as a cry for help or an internal struggle of a person who’s trying to live up to someone’s expectations, but failing. The sense of helplessness is prevalent in the lyrics, describing how the anxiety is always present, that the person can’t take it anymore and is willing to compromise their own mental health just to make someone else feel better. The repetition of “its not enough” is indicative of the person’s feelings of never quite being good enough.
Line by Line Meaning
nervous demeanor
My anxious mannerisms and body language reveal my inner turmoil.
please make things cleaner
I implore you to tidy up my surroundings in an effort to assuage my anxiety.
fill me with dirt
I crave a sense of grounding and connection to the earth.
whatever makes you worse
I am willing to sacrifice my own well-being if it means bringing someone else down with me.
lavender is always running through my blood
I am inherently drawn to beauty and elegance, even in the midst of my inner chaos.
ive had enough im cold and it is dusk
I am exhausted from fighting my demons and the end of the day draws near.
turn into dust its dripping from my gums
My stress and anxiety are physically taking a toll on my body.
its not enough
Despite my efforts and the efforts of others, my anxiety lingers and overwhelms me.
stay neat and healthy
I encourage others to prioritize self-care and maintain a sense of order in their lives, even though I struggle to do so myself.
you need to help me
I recognize that I cannot overcome my anxiety alone and am in need of assistance.
learn how to carry myself
I desire to present a confident and self-assured demeanor, even though I struggle to do so.
place something on the top shelf
I aspire to achieve great things and reach new heights, even though my anxiety threatens to hold me back.
lavender is always running through my blood
My appreciation for beauty and elegance persists, even as I grapple with inner turmoil.
ive had enough im cold and it is dusk
My exhaustion and struggles with anxiety continue, as the day draws to a close.
turn into dust its dripping from my gums
The physical toll of my anxiety remains evident and distressing.
its not enough
Despite any progress I may have made, my anxiety lingers and proves to be a constant challenge.
Contributed by Dominic C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.