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.
Pluto
James McAlister Lyrics
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You know my arms ache
And I've organized my face
Sweet sun sister, moon
Seasons have shown
How your providence takes shape
Bruised by the moon's paddle
Lipstick eyeliner replaced
Charon, the fog lifted
Messenger dwarfism
Let's leave evidence to rest
Pluto, silly goose
Why did you hide
Behind covenants of shame?
Smooth and splendid abuse
Won't you tell me
How to deal with my own?
Sworn by Persephone
How melancholy
She waits forever in your kiss
Loneliest passageway
Orbiting castaway
Beat your beauty at your breast
Don't surprise me
You monster, you mastery
Make your very last request
The lyrics to James McAlister's song "Pluto" are poetic and filled with metaphors that are open to multiple interpretations. The song starts by invoking Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, and alludes to a bad June. This could represent a difficult time or situation that the singer is trying to move past. They talk about their arms aching, which could be a physical manifestation of stress or a metaphor for the work they've put in to organize their face, meaning their outward appearance. The lyrics then shift to address the sun and moon as siblings and the way their influence shapes the world through changing seasons.
The singer then refers to their "little eye shadow" being bruised by the moon's paddle, which could represent emotional turmoil affecting their physical appearance. The lipstick eyeliner being replaced could signal a desire for change or a new start. Charon, one of Pluto's moons, is referenced as the fog clears, and the singer mentions "Messenger dwarfism," possibly alluding to the idea of small, yet potent messages or feelings. The lyrics ask to "leave evidence to rest," perhaps indicating a desire to move on from something and start fresh.
Pluto, once considered the ninth planet in our solar system, is then addressed as a "silly goose" who hid "behind covenants of shame." This could represent a person who feels ashamed or guilty and tries to hide their true self. The line "smooth and splendid abuse" could indicate a situation where someone is being mistreated but is unable to escape. The singer asks Pluto to tell them "how to deal with my own," perhaps seeking advice on how to handle a similar situation.
The song references Persephone, the Greek goddess of spring who was also the wife of Hades, the god of the underworld. She is mentioned as being "sworn" to Pluto and waiting "forever in your kiss," possibly referring to the idea of being trapped or bound to someone or something against their will. The lyrics describe Pluto as a "loneliest passageway" and an "orbiting castaway," painting a picture of isolation and disconnection. The song ends with the line "Don't surprise me, you monster, you mastery. Make your very last request," leaving the listener with a sense of uncertainty about what the singer is referring to.
Line by Line Meaning
Jupiter, bad June
During a bad month of June, the presence of Jupiter in the sky is particularly notable.
You know my arms ache
I am physically exhausted and fatigued beyond normal.
And I've organized my face
I have put on a facade, presenting myself in the best way possible despite my internal struggles.
Sweet sun sister, moon
The sun and moon are personified as siblings, providing light and guidance through the changing seasons.
Seasons have shown / How your providence takes shape
The cyclical nature of the seasons allows us to see how the sun and moon's influence shapes the world.
My little eye shadow / Bruised by the moon's paddle / Lipstick eyeliner replaced
The physical toll of trying to present oneself in a certain way is taking a toll, with makeup needing to be reapplied and possibly smudging.
Charon, the fog lifted / Messenger dwarfism / Let's leave evidence to rest
Charon, Pluto's largest moon, is now clearer and the discovery of dwarf planets has changed our understanding of the solar system. Let's accept these new discoveries and move forward rather than dwelling on the past.
Pluto, silly goose / Why did you hide / Behind covenants of shame?
Pluto has been downgraded to a dwarf planet and the lyrics question why there was a need to hide or feel ashamed despite this setback.
Smooth and splendid abuse / Won't you tell me / How to deal with my own?
The beauty and majesty of the universe can be overwhelming, and the lyrics express a desire for guidance in dealing with personal struggles.
Sworn by Persephone / How melancholy / She waits forever in your kiss
Persephone, the Greek goddess of the underworld, is associated with Pluto. The lyrics express a melancholic and somewhat romantic view of the underworld and the mysteries of life and death.
Loneliest passageway / Orbiting castaway / Beat your beauty at your breast
The loneliness and isolation of space is acknowledged, but the beauty and wonder of the universe is still valued and appreciated.
Don't surprise me / You monster, you mastery / Make your very last request
The power and unpredictability of the universe is recognized, while also expressing a willingness to accept its finality and any requests it may make.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management
Written by: Nico Muhly, Sufjan Stevens, Bryce David Dessner, James Van McAllister
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind