Using contrasting melodies and vocal textures, she rehashes the most painful, disappointing, and embarrassing episodes of her past. Sometimes her desperation and anger melt into a sexy slur that could be mistaken for one of Karen O's finer moments. At other times her voice is resonant and inviting, and sure to draw comparisons to Julie Doiron or Mirah. In the end Something About Violins is a portrait of an unsettled heart, isolated and caught in-between worlds.
Violins
Julie Sokolow Lyrics
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Take it in my hand
Found a few friends from nearby concession stand
A fine excuse for entertainment
More than I had planned on
More than I, more than I had planned
They made circles around your legs
I held onto your name
I held onto your name
City's winter, lock me in
Solid gold wrapped through my skin
Start words flying through the air
Something about violins, violins
Goes like this
Something about violins
Something about violins
Traveling softly through the air
You sound familiar
Well have we met before?
I found your words lying on the floor
So I picked them up and swallowed them down
I swallowed them down
I'm trying to find something it would be polite for you to help
Something about violins
Something about violins
Traveling softly through the air
You sound familiar
And have we met before?
The lyrics to Julie Sokolow's song "Violins" narrate an experience of someone who stumbles into an auditorium and encounters unexpected entertainment. They meet friends from a nearby concession stand, and the show becomes an excuse to seek new experiences. Curtains unravel, and the performer's name is held onto tightly. The lyrics speak of winter and being locked in the city, feeling like solid gold wrapped through skin. The words begin to fly through the air, and the focus shifts to the sound of violins traveling softly, sounding familiar, and evoking a sense of déjà vu. The singer searches for a way to avoid impoliteness and enlists the other person's help.
The song's theme centers on the feeling of familiarity and a quest for new experiences. The singer seems to be bored with routine and willing to take risks to escape monotony. The lyrics capture the essence of the thrill of the unknown and the excitement of finding something new. The line "something about violins" seems to represent an instance in the singer's search for novelty that is both familiar and strange, offering hope for discovery and adventure.
Line by Line Meaning
Stumble through auditorium
I clumsily made my way through the auditorium.
Take it in my hand
I picked up something using my hand.
Found a few friends from nearby concession stand
I met some people who were also at the concession stand near me.
A fine excuse for entertainment
This was a good reason for me to be entertained.
More than I had planned on
It was more than I expected.
Curtains unravel
The curtains started to open.
They made circles around your legs
The curtains formed circles around the legs of the performer on stage.
I held onto your name
I remembered your name.
City's winter, lock me in
I felt trapped in the city during winter.
Solid gold wrapped through my skin
I felt like something valuable was a part of me.
Start words flying through the air
Someone started speaking and their words were heard throughout the room.
Something about violins, violins
The words spoken were related to the topic of violins.
Goes like this
This is how it goes.
Traveling softly through the air
The sound of the violins could be heard gently in the room.
You sound familiar
I recognize the sound of the violins.
Well have we met before?
Is it possible that I have encountered these violins before?
I found your words lying on the floor
I heard what you said and it stayed with me.
So I picked them up and swallowed them down
I internalized the words and took them to heart.
I'm trying to find something it would be polite for you to help
I need your help but I don't want to be rude by asking.
Contributed by Jeremiah F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.