Members of the band included:
- Steve Polcari - Vocals
- Pete Murray - Guitar, Vocals
- Kenny Inouye - Guitar
- Andre Lee - Bass
- Mike Manos - Drums
They released one EP, Identity (Dischord 13), an LP in 1984 called Double Image (Gasatanka/Enigma) and appeared on the compilations, State of the Union and 20 Years of Dischord (Dischord 125).
Marginal Man were known for energetic live performances, with long haired lead singer Polcari leaping into the air, displaying a more "rock" style than many bands in D.C. They were also a precursor to today's "emo" scene, with shows interrupted on occasion by a grief stricken Pete Murray who could break down with thoughts of a friend who'd committed suicide. Unlike the lower class punks of the U.K, or blue collar roots elsewhere, many D.C bands like Marginal Man had family links to solid middle & upper class establishment instituitions, their shows were attended on occasion by guitarist Inouye's father for example, a prominent Senator from Hawaii. Although Marginal Man and many other bands of this era were neither as commercially sucessful, long-lived nor as memorable as such bands as Minor Threat, such lesser-known bands are considered by some to be more representative of the energy, spontaneity, and communal feeling of the time.
Mental Picture
Marginal Man Lyrics
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The more you're away the hazier it gets.
I hope my memory never fails me
Your image is forever burned onto my thoughts.
Your image haunts my dreams.
I'll never forget your face that night
I stood in shadows and you in the light.
I wanted to meet you but I couldn't find the
The lyrics of Marginal Man's song "Mental Picture" paint a vivid portrait of someone trying to remember the image of a loved one who is no longer present. The singer describes how, the longer they are separated, the harder it is to conjure up a clear mental image of the person they are missing. Despite this difficulty, the singer is determined to hold onto their memory of their loved one, hoping that their recollection never fades. The image of this person is so powerful and ingrained in their mind that it haunts their dreams, a constant reminder of what they've lost.
The singer then reflects on a specific moment when they were close enough to see the person clearly, yet still unable to connect with them. They recall standing in the shadows while their loved one basked in the light, making it impossible to approach them. The feeling of helplessness and regret is palpable, as the singer laments their lack of courage in that moment. Yet they remain hopeful that another opportunity will arise to try again.
Overall, "Mental Picture" is a poignant and relatable exploration of the power and fragility of memory, and the complex emotions that come with missing someone deeply.
Line by Line Meaning
Your mental picture I try to recall but
I attempt to remember the image of you in my mind, however,
The more you're away the hazier it gets.
as time goes by and we spend more time apart, my memory becomes increasingly fuzzy.
I hope my memory never fails me
I fervently wish that my recollection of you never fades,
Your image is forever burned onto my thoughts.
your visual representation is engraved in my consciousness permanently.
Your image haunts my dreams.
the sight of you frequently appears in my dreams, causing sensations of fear or anxiety.
I'll never forget your face that night
the memory of your countenance on that evening shall remain with me eternally.
I stood in shadows and you in the light.
I concealed myself in darkness whilst you basked in the radiance of luminance.
I wanted to meet you but I couldn't find the
I had a strong desire to encounter you, however, I was incapable of locating the
Might... I'll just have to wait for another time
means or strength necessary to actualize my aspiration. Therefore, I must bide my time until another opportunity arises.
Contributed by Evelyn M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.