While we've become experts in the art of the perfect self-image, Jessi remains fascinated by the accidental beauty revealed in the imperfections; the hopeless romantic who spurns love, the stubborn pride covering a grievous wound, the unshakable faith that no amount of darkness can kill.
These contradictions are faithfully captured in the live performances on "I Came from the War." There's room to roam from a ghostly lullaby croon to a wild banshee wail, supported by the lush instrumentation of band mates Omer Leibovitz (The Courtesy Tier, Dan Abraham), Alex Picca (The Press), and Layton Weedeman (The Courtesy Tier).
I Came From The War is scheduled to be released on December 9th, 2014, with a pre-release party at Union Hall on December 5th featuring performances by Dan Abraham, Jessi Robertson, and Richard Buckner.
Pre-order vinyl, CD, and digital on Bandcamp.
Mayday
Jessi Robertson Lyrics
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I won't get hurt
Walk off with my heart and I'll
Steal the shirt off your back
Look behind and I'll laugh
I'll beat you in the end
Baby, pretend
It's mayday
It's mayday
It's mayday
Baby, pretend
I'm your friend
The jukebox charlatan
A quarter for my dreams
A dollar for my skin
For all these things
That roll into and out of my head
Like it never happened
Baby, say when
It's mayday
It's mayday
It's mayday
It's mayday
Baby, say when
I can stop
Tiptoeing around what I wanna say
Rehearsing the lines to my own play
It might be okay
To soften in the sun a little
Then you'll understand
Baby, take my hand
It's mayday
It's mayday
It's mayday
It's mayday
Baby, take my hand
It's mayday
The lyrics of Jessi Robertson's song "Mayday" convey a complex mix of emotions and themes. The singer seems to display a sense of self-assuredness and strength in the opening lines, stating "I know what I'm doing, I won't get hurt." This declaration sets the tone for a defiant attitude, suggesting a willingness to take risks and assert control in challenging situations. By expressing the intention to "steal the shirt off your back" and confidently asserting "I'll beat you in the end," the singer appears fearless and determined to navigate through difficult circumstances.
As the song progresses, the repetition of the word "mayday" creates a sense of urgency and crisis, hinting at a call for help or acknowledgment of a distressing situation. The line "Baby, pretend I'm your friend" introduces an element of deception or facade, implying a desire to maintain a facade of friendship despite underlying tensions or conflicts. The reference to the singer as a "jukebox charlatan" suggests a sense of performance or facade, with a price placed on dreams and personal integrity.
The lyrics further delve into the complexities of the singer's inner world, as they reflect on thoughts and experiences that seem to swirl in and out of their consciousness. The line "For all these things that roll into and out of my head like it never happened" hints at a sense of detachment or detachment from reality, perhaps alluding to a struggle with processing past events or emotions. The repeated refrain "It's mayday" underscores a sense of chaos or upheaval, signaling a plea for attention or assistance in navigating turbulent waters.
The final verses of the song offer a contemplative note, as the singer considers the possibility of letting down their guard and embracing vulnerability. The lyrics "I can stop tiptoeing around what I wanna say, rehearsing the lines to my own play" suggest a shift towards authenticity and self-expression, hinting at a desire for genuine connection and understanding. The invitation to "soften in the sun a little" and the plea for someone to "take my hand" convey a longing for warmth, acceptance, and companionship in the face of adversity. Ultimately, the repetition of "It's mayday" serves as a poignant refrain, encapsulating a sense of urgency and emotional reckoning within the narrative of the song.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Jessi Robertson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind