Named after a river in vocalist/guitarist Christopher Pearson's home state … Read Full Bio ↴Named after a river in vocalist/guitarist Christopher Pearson's home state of Oregon, New Wave/post-punk revivalists Gran Ronde got their start in 2004. Based in Los Angeles, Pearson, Bryan Hobbs (bass), Fernando Sanchez (drums) and Neil Parek (guitar) performed at SXSW in March 2008 and released their debut album, Secret Rooms, on Filter US Recordings the same year.

Wisdom
Gran Ronde Lyrics

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I wanna get by
Just enough to know your name
I wanna get right
The words'll blacklist all I say (?)

Dancing here since the 70's
That they left androgynous (?)
I've been wishful thinking that you'd take me back

I wanna get by
Just enough to call you friend
I wanna not try
And tell you off like that again

Dancing here since the 70's
That they left androgynous (?)
I've been wishful thinking that you'd take me back

Dancing here since the 70's

That they left androgynous (?)
I've been wishful thinking that you'd take me back

Overall Meaning

These lyrics express a sense of yearning and regret, as the singer reflects on past mistakes in a relationship and hopes to renew a connection with the person they address as "you." The desire to "get by" and "not try" suggests a reluctance to fully invest in the relationship, perhaps stemming from fear of rejection or a lack of confidence in one's ability to contribute positively to the dynamic. At the same time, there is a longing to be close to this person, even if it's just as a friend.

The reference to "dancing here since the 70's" and the line "that they left androgynous" is somewhat cryptic, but could be interpreted as a nod to a bygone era of countercultural movements where gender roles and norms were challenged and subverted. This could be seen as a metaphor for the singer's own desire to break free from societal expectations and conventions that may have limited their ability to express themselves authentically in the past.

Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty, but also a willingness to take a chance and reach out to the person they address, despite the risk of rejection.

Line by Line Meaning

I wanna get by
I want to live a simple and content life without any complications

Just enough to know your name
I desire to establish a minimal relationship with you by just knowing your name

I wanna get right
I aim to rectify my previous wrongdoings

The words'll blacklist all I say (?)
My words may convey negativity that could result in me being avoided

Dancing here since the 70's
I have been living and enjoying life in this place for a long time

That they left androgynous (?)
People from the past were free-spirited and did not conform to societal gender roles

I've been wishful thinking that you'd take me back
I have been longing for another chance to be with you

Just enough to call you friend
I desire to establish a minimal relationship with you by just being friends

I wanna not try
I want to avoid putting in any effort into a difficult situation

And tell you off like that again
I don't want to upset you through my words or actions

Contributed by Makayla O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.