Recently, Brion experimented Hip-Hop style as producer on Kanye West last album, "Late Registration". The result is brilliant, with real-life instruments mashed up with heavy beats. To complete this mutation, Kanye West did a live recording of his record at the mythic Abbey Road Studio, Jon Brion being the missing link between Hip Hop and The Beatles pop music.
In addition to his prolific studio work, he also has held a long-term position as "the house band" Friday nights at the high-profile Hollywood nightclub Largo. At his live shows, the crowd can expect anything from guest appearances by Aimee Mann, Michael Stipe, Elvis Costello, T-Bone Burnett, or Grant Lee Phillips, and Brion is infamous for making up songs on the spot (often from titles shouted from the audience). He also is beloved for his quirky cover versions of songs by Cheap Trick, the Beatles, and Cole Porter, proudly likening his on-stage antics to "spraying musical Raid on the classics, until each dying song flips on its back and wiggles its little musical legs in surrender." Whatever music he was involved in, his eclectic touch undeniably shaped the sound of many progressive alternative musicians throughout the '90s.
Revolving Door
Jon Brion Lyrics
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You won't be around for long
Though not a dying breed
Cause they'll always be a market for greed
And they'll always be someone to replace you
Though they may not have the courage to face you
Now it's too late to settle scores
Back through the revolving door
You're sick of your skin
Though you act like you're not for now
But the rot has set in and it could be as little as an hour or two
Before it completely devours you
And the ones who should stand up are afraid to
You were smug while you held the floor
You're going back the way you came before
Back through the revolving door
I understand the concessions that you make
I know what it's like to get backed into a corner
I sympathize but I don't take your side
Hey you
You act like no one could tame you
But when it counted you never came through
Well, with one look at what they paid you
Well, most folks would hardly blame you
I'm not surprised that this is what it came to
You're going back the way you came before
Back through the revolving door
And one day you could be back for more
Oh, more, oh, more, oh, no
In Jon Brion's song "Revolving Door," the lyrics tackle the theme of feeling trapped in a cycle of self-destruction due to one's actions and decisions. The opening lines "You slit your own throat, you won't be around for long" metaphorically suggests that the singer has ended their own opportunities and chances for growth. Despite not being a unique situation since "there'll always be a market for greed, and they'll always be someone to replace you," the song emphasizes the feeling of being replaceable and insignificant in the greater scheme of things. Furthermore, the lyrics highlight the cowardice of those who should stand up and take action but instead fear confrontation, leaving the person to succumb to their "rot."
The chorus repeats the phrase "Back through the revolving door," which acts as a metaphor for the cyclical behavior that the person finds themselves in. Regardless of chances or changes made, they end up back where they started. The lines "You were smug while you held the floor" encapsulate the notion of overconfidence and subsequent downfall, leading to the idea that it is better to be humble than to fall from a great height. While the lyrics might appear condemning, the singer acknowledges the context of the situation and the concessions made, indicating understanding despite poor decision-making.
Line by Line Meaning
You slit your own throat
You have caused your own downfall
You won't be around for long
Your time is limited and you will not last much longer
Though not a dying breed
Although you are not unique or special
Cause they'll always be a market for greed
There will always be people willing to satisfy their own wants and needs
And they'll always be someone to replace you
There will always be someone else to fill your void
Though they may not have the courage to face you
Although they may not be brave enough to confront you
Now it's too late to settle scores
You can no longer resolve any conflicts from the past
You're going back the way you came before
You are returning to where you started
You're sick of your skin
You are unhappy with who you are
Though you act like you're not for now
Although you are pretending to be content for the moment
But the rot has set in and it could be as little as an hour or two
You are decaying inside, and it may not be long before you completely break down
Before it completely devours you
Before it consumes you entirely
And the ones who should stand up are afraid to
Those who should speak out are too frightened to do so
You were smug while you held the floor
You were arrogant and self-satisfied when you had an audience
I understand the concessions that you make
I comprehend the compromises you choose to make
I know what it's like to get backed into a corner
I empathize with the feeling of being trapped
I sympathize but I don't take your side
I feel sorry for you, but I do not support your actions
Hey you
A direct address to the subject of the song
You act like no one could tame you
You behave as though you are untameable
But when it counted you never came through
In crucial moments, you failed to deliver
Well, with one look at what they paid you
Upon seeing what you have been compensated
Well, most folks would hardly blame you
Most people would not fault you for your actions
I'm not surprised that this is what it came to
I anticipated this outcome
And one day you could be back for more
Suggesting the possibility of repeating the same mistakes in the future
Oh, more, oh, more, oh, no
Disappointment or displeasure expressed through repetition and intensification
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JON BRION
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind