A touring sideman, occasio… Read Full Bio ↴American drummer, percussionist and composer.
A touring sideman, occasional bandmember, and session musician, including regular collaborations with Sufjan Stevens.
Moon
James McAlister Lyrics
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Offering himself on the fire for food
Touched by his virtue, the fortune approved
Outlining ears on the fortress moon
As I'm about to enter your world
As I'm about to enter your world
I give you light
Stretched by the weight as her legs withdrew
Carrying the chariot, the rabbit assumed
Washing her face with the redheaded hubris
As I'm about to enter your world
As I'm about to enter your world
I give you blood
The lyrics to James McAlister's song Moon are very abstract and open to interpretation. The song seems to describe a strange world with its own unique set of rules and characters. The first two lines describe a jackrabbit who offers himself as food, but is deemed virtuous and rewarded by fortune. The mention of the "fortress moon" adds to the surreal and otherworldly atmosphere of the song. The singer then claims to be about to "enter your world," which could refer to a lover, but in the context of the song, it seems more likely to be a metaphor for entering a new and mysterious realm.
The second verse is even more cryptic, describing a crane whose call brings two together. The rabbit once again takes center stage, this time bearing a chariot and "washing her face with the redheaded hubris." It's difficult to discern a clear narrative or storyline from these lyrics, but the overall vibe of the song is dreamlike and mystical. The references to animals and objects that seem to hold symbolic significance add to the sense of mystery and intrigue.
Line by Line Meaning
Jackrabbit jumped with a generous mood
The jackrabbit leaped with a positive attitude towards offering himself as food for the fire
Offering himself on the fire for food
The jackrabbit willingly sacrificed himself as food for the fire
Touched by his virtue, the fortune approved
The noble act of the jackrabbit was recognized and rewarded by good fortune
Outlining ears on the fortress moon
The jackrabbit's ears are visible as an outline on the moon, resembling a fortress
As I'm about to enter your world
The artist is anticipating entering someone else's world
I give you light
The singer will bring illumination or enlightenment to the other person
Some say the crane was the call for two
There is a belief that the crane is a symbol for attracting two people to come together
Stretched by the weight as her legs withdrew
The crane struggled under the weight as it tried to move away
Carrying the chariot, the rabbit assumed
The rabbit took on the role of carrying the chariot
Washing her face with the redheaded hubris
The crane washed its face with confidence and pride
I give you blood
The singer is offering their life force or passion to the other person
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management
Written by: Sufjan Stevens, Nico Muhly, Bryce David Dessner, James Van McAllister
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind