Top Notch
Manchester Orchestra Lyrics
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An ungodly decision
They decide which one gets to leave this place
And which one will forsake it, to make it
So, the first kid says in his temporal tone
I don't think there's a way to resolve this
We should wrap up these towels round our blisters and bones
His brother looks him up and down and prophesies
How all of this should end
He said they're buried underneath the yard
And no one ever listens to physics
All that I know, it's no way to fix it
All that I know, it's no way to fix it
All that I know, it's no way to fix it
All that I know, it's no way to fix it
Did it really matter how it happened when it did?
'Cause when it happened, you react to it and I let it win
So she tried to wash it out but that's a stain that won't dissolve
And we all believed in ghosts until you walked into the wall
So devil!
So devil!
So devil!
All that I know, it's no way to fix it
All that I know, it's no way to fix it
All that I know, it's no way to fix it
All that I know, it's no way to fix it
The lyrics to Manchester Orchestra's song "Top Notch" are dark and heavy, exploring themes of death, decision-making, and the aftermath of tragedy. The song begins with a haunting image of two twin deaf kids who have to make an "ungodly decision" - which of them gets to leave this place, and which will have to stay behind. The first kid acknowledges the weight of the situation and the difficulty in finding a resolution, suggesting they "wrap up these towels round our blisters and bones" and "way it out in the closet." His brother, however, seems to have already made up his mind, prophetically declaring that they will both end up buried underneath the yard, and "no one ever listens to physics."
The second half of the song shifts focus to another tragedy - the aftermath of a traumatic event that seems to have resulted in a permanent stain. The singer wonders if it really matters how the event happened, because the reaction to it is what ultimately defines its impact. The line "And we all believed in ghosts until you walked into the wall" is particularly poignant, suggesting that the trauma has shattered illusions of safety and security, leaving only a sense of horror and disbelief. The repeated refrain of "So devil!" seems to be a cry of frustration or despair, a way to give voice to the overwhelming emotions that come with trying to make sense of senseless tragedy.
Overall, "Top Notch" is a powerful and haunting song that delves deep into the complexities of grief, decision-making, and the aftermath of trauma. It's a song that leaves a lasting impression on the listener, forcing them to confront the darker aspects of human experience and the often devastating impact of individual choices.
Line by Line Meaning
There's two twin deaf kids and they've gotta make An ungodly decision
Two deaf children need to make a difficult decision.
They decide which one gets to leave this place And which one will forsake it, to make it
They must decide who will leave and who will stay behind to make the situation work.
So, the first kid says in his temporal tone I don't think there's a way to resolve this We should wrap up these towels round our blisters and bones Way it out in the closet
The first child suggests that they should wrap up their wounds and wait it out in the closet, since they cannot come up with a solution.
His brother looks him up and down and prophesies How all of this should end He said they're buried underneath the yard And no one ever listens to physics
The other child prophesies how they will both end up buried under the yard and no one will listen to the cause of their deaths.
All that I know, it's no way to fix it All that I know, it's no way to fix it All that I know, it's no way to fix it All that I know, it's no way to fix it
The situation has no solution.
Did it really matter how it happened when it did? 'Cause when it happened, you react to it and I let it win So she tried to wash it out but that's a stain that won't dissolve And we all believed in ghosts until you walked into the wall
The singer questions the significance of the events and how they are reacting to it. The attempt to move on from it proves to be futile and reminds them of similar experiences.
So devil! So devil! So devil!
The singer calls out to the devil, perhaps in a moment of frustration or desperation.
All that I know, it's no way to fix it All that I know, it's no way to fix it All that I know, it's no way to fix it All that I know, it's no way to fix it
The situation has no solution.
Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Kia-vh7li
Most underrated band in the world
@SPARKY4944
One of for sure, haven't been this impressed in a while.
@punkz87506
Whoever decided to have the slide effects on the guitar during the chorus is a fucking genius. It cracks through my central nervous system straight to the brain in a good way, big time. Imagery with the fire is quite nice too.
@QuintinSarren
Do you mean the high pitched ones at 3:08?
@TheGummybearChannel
how has this not reached 1,000,000+ views already????
@topscore
I rarely listen to the new bands but Manchester Orchestra is one of them that I listen
@jessicabecause3717
I fuckin love the percussion in this.
@babylonintelligence4810
GREAT SONGÂ
"It didn't really matter how it happened when it did, Cause when it happened, you reacted with an apathetic wince
So you try to wash it out, but that's a stain that won't dissolve. And we all believed in ghosts until you walked into the wall"
@robcampbell9292
Thank you guys for filling the Brand New gap since Jesse Lacey still hasn't written a new album.
@cinemaslut9034
Their official website actually says that they're in the studio right now recording an album for 2015. It's easily my most anticipated album of next year. Brand New is bae.