Though born in Dayton, Ohio, Barlow was raised in Jackson, Michigan and then Westfield, Massachusetts. He is widely considered to be among the most prolific and ground-breaking indie musicians of the 1990's. He's best known for his work with Sebadoh, The Folk Implosion and Dinosaur Jr.'s original and current lineup. Many labels have been applied to his unique brand of acoustic rock, including lo-fi, folk-pop and folkcore. Barlow's latest album, his second official solo effort under his own name, is titled Goodnight unknown.
Don't Apologize
Lou Barlow Lyrics
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Drag uneven, fly
Good things come much quicker
When you don't desperately try
Lie back, attack, a whisper
Praise all they deny
Lift one holy finger
Where's my magic, where's my drug?
One more reassuring cup
Hot like fortune
Cold like fame
Never more and more, again
Give me what I don't know
Corner every eye
Bottom over elbow
Don't apologize
Where's my magic, you're my drug
One more reassuring hug
Warm like fortune
Hold my frame
Nevermore and more, again
The lyrics of Lou Barlow's song "Don't Apologize" explore themes of time, success, and self-acceptance. The opening lines suggest that time can be uneven, but that good things come quickly when we don't force them. This could be interpreted as a call to let go of expectations and allow things to happen naturally. The following lines encourage the listener to embrace their authentic self, even if it goes against what others may believe or deny. The repetition of the phrase "don't apologize" throughout the song reinforces this message of self-acceptance and self-love.
The chorus of the song shifts the focus to the singer's personal struggles. They ask for their "magic" and "drug," possibly referencing something that has given them a temporary escape from their problems. They also mention wanting a "reassuring cup" or "hug," which could indicate a desire for comfort or support. The juxtaposition of "hot like fortune" and "cold like fame" suggest that success can be fleeting and not what it seems. The chorus ends with the phrase "never more and more, again," which could be interpreted as a desire to break free from unhealthy patterns.
Line by Line Meaning
Time's been known to flicker
Time is unpredictable
Drag uneven, fly
Time seems to go slow and fast at different times
Good things come much quicker
Good things happen faster when you aren't trying too hard
When you don't desperately try
When you don't force things to happen, they come naturally
Lie back, attack, a whisper
Relax and be patient, things will come to you
Praise all they deny
Value the things that others overlook
Lift one holy finger
Make a gesture of appreciation or gratitude
Don't apologize
Don't feel guilty for enjoying the good things in life
Where's my magic, where's my drug?
What is the thing that makes life feel special and exciting?
One more reassuring cup
One more comforting thing or experience to make life feel better
Hot like fortune
Things that feel good, exciting, or lucky
Cold like fame
Things that feel distant, fake, or unimportant
Never more and more, again
Don't keep chasing something that doesn't truly make you happy
Give me what I don't know
I want to experience something new and unexpected
Corner every eye
Get people's attention and impress them
Bottom over elbow
Effortlessly move or flow through life
Where's my magic, you're my drug
You are the thing that makes life feel special and exciting
One more reassuring hug
One more moment of comfort and love
Warm like fortune
Things that feel good, comforting, or lucky
Hold my frame
Stay strong and grounded, even when things are uncertain
Nevermore and more, again
Don't keep chasing something that doesn't truly make you happy
Contributed by Maya M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@seanelliott2145
A true rock legend in my eyes. If you are unfamiliar also check Sebadoh. If still unconvinced check Dinosaur jr. If you still can't see the light, I am truly sorry.
@C-Stanz
hawsum
@StragonRage
mhmm ... not bad :L