Jeffrey Lewis is an American singer/songwriter and comic-book artist, part of the Anti-folk movement. Several of his musical influences have been acknowledged in his songs such as The Chelsea Hotel Oral Sex Song, concerning the song by Leonard Cohen, and The History of The Fall. Like Cohen, Lewis' lyrics are complex and literate, often combining a depressing world-view with a hopeful message and sharp wit. Born in New York City and growing up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan Island his songs are also highly informed by his home surroundings, with songs namechecking places such as Williamsburg, the FDR Drive and the East River.
Jeffrey Lewis was born in New York in November 1975. He attended State University of New York at Purchase College and graduated in 1997; his final thesis was on the Alan Moore graphic novel "Watchmen".
After being signed by the British record label Rough Trade in 2001, Lewis released his first official album The Last Time I Did Acid I Went Insane, and in 2003 he released the album It's the Ones Who've Cracked That the Light Shines Through. Lewis later released the album City & Eastern Songs, in the U.K. in November 2005. All three albums also include his brother, Jack Lewis, who wrote and sang a number of the songs. He has also performed and collaborated with fellow New York Anti-folk singers Kimya Dawson and Diane Cluck.
His latest album, 12 Crass Songs was released on Rough Trade in Europe in September of 2007. As the title suggests, it is 12 covers of the British anarchist punk band Crass. It features vocals, keyboard and recorder from Helen Shriner, bass by both John Kessel and brother Jack Lewis, drums by David Beachamp (live drummer/The Bloodugars) and Raphi Gottesman (who often plays with Jack Lewis). Shwervon's Nan Turner also contributes vocals to various tracks.
Jeffrey Lewis is a Welsh composer. After graduating from University College, Cardiff, he studied composition with Stockhausen, Ligeti, and Boguslaw Schaffer, and electronic composition with Don Banks. His early career was spent as a pianist with the Paris Chamber Ensemble; after his return to the U.K, in 1973 he joined the Department of Music at the University College of North Wales, Bangor.
Alphabet
Jeffrey Lewis Lyrics
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And the chair, where I once sat, someone new is there,
And he'll stare at that wall, and we're all
Parts of an alphabet
Spell new words in new spots we're at
And the big blue boat drifts around in the dark
When you feel like a jerk does it make you confused?
When you feel ugly and petty
All quirked and unsteady
Just try not to forget there's so many people who've liked you
I hope that the art school enjoys your big drawing of ruins
We've all got good things to do and it's good when we do them
From Austin to Brooklyn
They're all smart and good lookin'
We're all parts of an alphabet
Spell new words with new folks we met
And the big blue boat drifts around in the dark
And the big blue boat drifts around in the dark
And they say that we'll drift for a while
'Till we die and the sun it's a spiral it's a combination lock
And I'm just hoping that I'll get it all in
And that these joys and frustrations are just turns in the combination
In Jeffrey Lewis's song Alphabet, the lyrics paint a picture of reflection and introspection late at night in an old house. The imagery suggests a sense of nostalgia and longing for old memories that are no longer the same, as a new person now occupies the chair where the singer once sat. The line "Parts of an alphabet, spell new words in new spots we're at" reflects the idea that life is an ever-evolving journey, where we encounter new experiences and meet new people who become a part of our personal "alphabet."
The chorus speaks to the existential question of purpose and worth, asking if feeling like a "jerk" and a "loser" despite one's accomplishments is confusing. It suggests that we all have moments of feeling "ugly and petty" before reminding listeners not to forget the people who have liked and appreciated them. This refrain then transitions to a tribute to the people in different cities, from Austin to Brooklyn, who are each a part of the larger alphabet, contributing to the complexity of the story that life tells.
The final verse ties together the themes of the song, returning to the image of the "big blue boat" drifting around in the dark. The singer highlights the idea that life is like a "combination lock," where joys and frustrations are just turns in the sequence. The final lines suggest a hope that the singer will be able to "get it all in," emphasizing the importance of experiencing all that life has to offer, both good and bad.
Line by Line Meaning
Late at night cloudy light will creep over my old house
During the night, a faint illumination falls over my previous residence.
And the chair, where I once sat, someone new is there,
The seat that was formerly mine is now occupied by another person.
And he'll stare at that wall, and we're all
The new owner gazes at the wall, while we, humans, all share a common trait.
Parts of an alphabet
We are all pieces of the English letters and symbols, making up a bigger picture together.
Spell new words in new spots we're at
We can create new words in new places we're at, featuring different letters and combinations.
And the big blue boat drifts around in the dark
Amidst the darkness, the large, blue ship embarks on its aimless journey.
When you feel like a jerk does it make you confused?
If you experience a feeling of foolishness, do you find yourself perplexed and unclear?
Like how could you become as awesome as you are and still feel like a loser?
You may wonder how it is possible to be amazing but still have moments of inferiority.
When you feel ugly and petty
During the times of feeling unattractive and trivial
All quirked and unsteady
Feeling odd or whimsical with moral unsteadiness
Just try not to forget there's so many people who've liked you
It's important to remember that many individuals appreciated you in some way.
I hope that the art school enjoys your big drawing of ruins
I desire for the school of art to relish your enormous illustration of the demolition.
We've all got good things to do and it's good when we do them
There are noteworthy tasks for each one of us, and it’s commendable to perform them.
From Austin to Brooklyn
From the Lone Star State to the City of Dreams
They're all smart and good lookin'
All individuals are clever and attractive in their unique way
We're all parts of an alphabet
Every human is a portion of the English alphabets
Spell new words with new folks we met
We can construct new words by utilizing the letters from new folks we have met.
And they say that we'll drift for a while 'Till we die and the sun it's a spiral it's a combination lock
It's believed that we'll drift for some time till death comes, and then the sun is akin to a spiral resembling a lock.
And I'm just hoping that I'll get it all in
I'm optimistic that I will be able to comprehend everything completely.
And that these joys and frustrations are just turns in the combination
The pleasure and vexation are merely turns in the combination lock of life.
Lyrics © TETRA MUSIC CORPORATION
Written by: W.A. MOZART, WALTER EHRET
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind