I Found a Whistle
MGMT Lyrics
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And when my noose is tied I could blow it
And fall down into your arms
15 centuries of dissolution and grief
To return a yellow trickster and a thief
Hey I found a whistle that works every time
That's when the trail escapes to nowhere
Such conviction
To paint all the walls with the blood
Of the young and the faithful and the good
Yeah I found a whistle as thin as a sheet
To split the dumbness of a vision
Between asleep and a sleep
Tiny axes
Repeatedly raising the flag
All ignored, real emotion's such a drag
Hey I've got a pistol that's aimed at your heart
And on dark nights when the moon is right
I could show you
The head attached with a scarf
Aerophane sorceress, at home obeying the fates
When it's gone, has it gone all the way?
This time
Found a whistle
That works every time
Yeah, I found a whistle
That works
Hangs like a charm
Yeah, found a whistle
That works every time
Yeah, I found a whistle
That works
Closes my mind every time
A whistle
I've got it,
I've got it,
This time
The lyrics of MGMT's song "I Found a Whistle" revolve around the theme of finding something that makes life a little better. The first verse talks about finding a whistle that can be blown when feeling stuck or trapped, and the sound of it can be heard by someone who can come to rescue. The second verse discusses the power of the whistle, which can erase the crime and make everything better again. The third verse refers to finding a way to split the silence between being asleep and awake. The final verse talks about finding a pistol that can be used to defend oneself or maybe used as a threat.
The song is open to interpretation, but one common interpretation is that the whistle is a metaphor for hope. It represents the possibility of escape from whatever is holding you back or bringing you down. The pistol could represent an aggressive or violent solution to problems, whereas the whistle is a gentler, less destructive solution.
The lyrics also reference various historical and mythical figures, such as tricksters, sorceresses, and fates. These references add a layer of complexity to the lyrics and suggest that the song is not just about finding hope in the present, but also about connecting with our collective past.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey I found a whistle that hangs like a charm
I discovered a talisman-like item that fills me with hope
And when my noose is tied I could blow it
And fall down into your arms
If ever I'm in a desperate situation, I could use this to call for your help and comfort
15 centuries of dissolution and grief
To return a yellow trickster and a thief
Throughout history we've experienced much disintegration and sorrow, only to be delivered a sly, deceitful character
Hey I found a whistle that works every time
That's when the trail escapes to nowhere
And the flood erases the crime
I've found something that consistently gets me out of trouble, even when there seems to be no way out and the consequences are dire
Such conviction
To paint all the walls with the blood
Of the young and the faithful and the good
People with such ardent beliefs will go to any lengths, even if it includes harming those who are innocent and good-hearted
Yeah I found a whistle as thin as a sheet
To split the dumbness of a vision
Between asleep and a sleep
I've discovered a whistle that is so subtle, it can awaken me from a false dream and bring me back to reality
Tiny axes
Repeatedly raising the flag
All ignored, real emotion's such a drag
Small, persistent reactions are chipping away at a greater problem that goes unnoticed; it's easier to detach from feelings and ignore them
Hey I've got a pistol that's aimed at your heart
And on dark nights when the moon is right
I could show you
The head attached with a scarf
I have the power to hurt you even in the darkest, most intimate moments, and I could easily present you with something horrifying
Aerophane sorceress, at home obeying the fates
When it's gone, has it gone all the way?
A hypnotic sorceress, accepting what fate brings her; when something ends, is it truly gone forever?
This time
Found a whistle
That works every time
Yeah, I found a whistle
That works
Hangs like a charm
Yeah, found a whistle
That works every time
Yeah, I found a whistle
That works
Closes my mind every time
A whistle
I've got it,
I've got it,
This time
Reiterating the discovery of the whistle, which consistently provides comfort and serves as a weapon for the singer.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW WELLS VANWYNGARDEN, BENJAMIN NICHOLAS HUNTER GOLDWASSER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind