It is not entirely clear when Songs: Ohia became Magnolia Electric Co. In interviews, Jason Molina has claimed that he considered the tenure of Songs: Ohia over after Didn't It Rain, which would make Magnolia Electric Co. the eponymous debut album of the new band. In fact the name Songs: Ohia appears nowhere on the artwork of the album and only a promotional sticker on the cellophane wrapping connects it with the prior band name. Nevertheless, Secretly Canadian still promotes the album under the Songs: Ohia moniker. On the other hand, the Magnolia Electric Co. live album Trials and Errors was recorded on April 16, 2003 at the Ancienne Belgique club in Brussels, at a time when the band was still touring under the Songs: Ohia name. Pitchfork Media later reported that name change would be made official after the Spain tour in October 2003, although by now it seems the label espouses a name change around July 2003.
On January 13, 2006, Molina told a Chicago newspaper that he had recorded three records which were to be released within a few months. A solo record, titled Let Me Go, was recorded February 2005 in Indiana and features a return to the voice/piano/guitar style that Pyramid Electric Co. was recorded in. A Magnolia Electric Co. album, Nashville Moon, was recorded during July 2005 with Steve Albini at Electrical Audio in Chicago. Molina stated that there was a heavy atmosphere in the studio, due to the fact that three of Albini's close friends had died in a car crash. The third record to be released is a full length collaboration with Camper Van Beethoven front man David Lowery, tentatively named The Black Ram. During the sessions for the album, Molina's mother suffered a stroke, went into a coma and has been on life support since then.
In the article, Molina also commented on his determined work ethic: "Every New Year I throw out songs. I just threw out probably 20 tapes full of demos and I didn't even listen to them... Getting rid of all that old stuff really forces you to write new material."
Though officially Songs: Ohia no longer records or performs, and projects have been either marketed as Magnolia Electric Co. or Jason Molina's solo work, most fans still use the name Songs: Ohia to refer to all projects collectively.
Jason Molina stopped touring and recording in 2009 in order to enter rehab and fight his alcoholism. An EP called Autumn Bird Songs was released in 2012 under Molina's own name, although it consisted of songs recorded before Molina had entered rehab. He died on March 16th, 2013 of organ failure.
An Arrow In The Gale
Magnolia Electric Co. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lightning on our tail, we’d better go Joe
There’s an arrow in the gale and the heartbeat
Oh, which one of us is free (x2)
Josephine
(Run, Run. run, run, run)
The song "An Arrow In The Gale" by Magnolia Electric Co. talks about the need to run and escape the approaching danger represented by the lightning. The lyrics are accompanied by a fast-paced and energetic guitar melody that sets the mood for the urgency of the situation. The image of the lightning serves as a metaphor for the troubles that the person is facing, and they know that they cannot afford to be caught up in it. The urgency is further emphasized by the repetition of the words 'run' in the chorus.
The line "There’s an arrow in the gale and the heartbeat" signifies the confusion and uncertainty that the person is experiencing. They do not know which direction to take or where to find refuge. The arrow could be interpreted as pointing towards a solution, but it is hidden in the chaos of the storm. The mention of the heartbeat suggests that the person is scared, and their heart is racing with fear. The question "Oh, which one of us is free" further emphasizes this uncertainty. It could be interpreted as a cry for help and a plea for guidance.
Overall, "An Arrow In The Gale" is a powerfully emotive song that captures the confusion and fear associated with difficult situations. It is a well-crafted reminder of the importance of persevering through tough times and finding the inner strength needed to push through.
Line by Line Meaning
Lightning on our tail, we gotta run, run, run.
We are being pursued by a dangerous force and we need to flee as fast as we can.
Lightning on our tail, we’d better go Joe
The danger is imminent and urgent, we must escape quickly.
There’s an arrow in the gale and the heartbeat
We are facing a significant and unpredictable challenge that threatens our lives and wellbeing.
Oh, which one of us is free (x2)
We are questioning our situation and wondering if any of us can escape unharmed.
Josephine
This word may refer to a specific person, a symbol of hope or a prayer for deliverance.
(Run, Run. run, run, run)
This refrain emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the need to flee as quickly as possible.
Contributed by Charlie I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.