A few months into the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-2020, John Flansburgh suggested to John Linnell that the two create solo releases during lockdown. Roman Songs, a four track EP, released on July 2, 2021.
The Songs of the 50 States
John Linnell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The songs of the 50 states
The time has come for us to sing about a certain place
Where everything is in the control
Of people who are down in a hole
The songs of the 50 states
The songs of the 50 states
I'll try not to forget all the words
And leave that job to those who have heard
State songs
State songs
I can't wait for my favorite one
I'm not gonna say they're great
I ain't gonna say they ain't
But I recall and will relate the words and music of the 50
Songs of the 50 states
The songs of the 50 states
The time is nigh for us to sigh about a certain place
Where everything is in the control
Of people who are under the ground
State songs
State songs
I can't wait for my favorite one
I hear the melody the harmony the pounding rhythm
The ideas, notes and words
Every state a different composition
Keeping me awake
Late at night
Can't get them out of my mind
State songs
State songs
I can't wait for my favorite one
I'm not gonna say they're great
I ain't gonna say they ain't
But I recall and will relate the words and music of the 50
Songs of the 50 states
The songs of the 50 states
The time has come for us to sing about a certain place
Where everything is in the control
Of men who are controlling my mind
State songs
State songs
I can't wait for my favorite one
In the song "The Songs of the 50 States," John Linnell sings about the state songs of the United States. He acknowledges that each state song is unique, but they are all connected by a "golden thread." The lyrics suggest that these songs have a significant impact on the listener, as Linnell states that he can't get them out of his mind, keeping him awake at night. He seems to suggest that these state songs can control people's minds, which is a thought-provoking idea. The repetition of the line "the songs of the 50 states" emphasizes the significance and importance of these songs.
The song also observes the power dynamics present in the United States government that control people's lives. Linnell personifies these controlling forces in the lyrics, stating that they are "down in a hole" or "under the ground." He implies that these forces can easily influence and manipulate the population without them even realizing it.
Line by Line Meaning
The songs of the 50 states
This song is about the state songs of all 50 states.
The time has come for us to sing about a certain place
It is time to sing about the state songs.
Where everything is in the control
Of people who are down in a hole
The state songs are controlled by someone unknown.
No two alike but each connected by a golden thread
I'll try not to forget all the words
And leave that job to those who have heard
Each state song is unique, but all connected. The singer will try to remember all the words, but leave the job to those who know.
State songs
I can't wait for my favorite one
The singer is excited to hear their favorite state song.
I'm not gonna say they're great
I ain't gonna say they ain't
But I recall and will relate the words and music of the 50
The singer is neutral about the quality of the state songs but remembers and will sing them anyway.
The time is nigh for us to sigh about a certain place
Where everything is in the control
Of people who are under the ground
It is time to sing about the state songs that are controlled by someone hidden beneath the ground.
I hear the melody the harmony the pounding rhythm
The ideas, notes and words
Every state a different composition
Keeping me awake
Late at night
Can't get them out of my mind
The singer hears the state songs in their head and cannot stop thinking about them.
State songs
I can't wait for my favorite one
The singer is still excited for their favorite state song.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN LINNELL, JOHN S. LINNELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind