Matt Pond PA has performed with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Nickel Creek, Youth Group, Mae, Keane, Guster, Dios Malos, Neko Case, Straylight Run, and Liz Phair.
The band's music has been included in the soundtrack for the FOX television program The O.C., specifically cover versions of Oasis' "Champagne Supernova" and Neutral Milk Hotel's "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea."
As of late 2007, the lineup consists of Matt Pond on vocals and guitar, Dan Crowell on drums, Steve Jewett on guitar, Matthew Daniel Siskin on bass, and Chris Hansen on keyboards, guitar, and vocals.
Albums
* Deer Apartments (1998)
* Measure (2000)
* The Green Fury (2002)
* The Nature of Maps (2002)
* Emblems (2004)
* Several Arrows Later (2005)
* Last Light (2007)
* The Dark Leaves (2010)
EPs & Singles
* I Thought You Were Sleeping EP (2001)
* This Is Not the Green Fury (2001)
* Four Songs EP (2004)
* Lily Two (Single) (2004)
* Winter Songs EP (2005)
* Snow Day (Single) (2005)
* Halloween (Single) (2006)
* Champagne Supernova EP (2006)
* Several Arrows Later (Single) (2006)
* If You Want Blood (2007)
* People Have A Way (Single) (2007)
* Sunlight (Single) (2007)
* The Freeep (2008)
* The Threeep - Part I - Starting (2009)
Bad Idea
Matt Pond PA Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
the snow fell in for hours
covering up the bruise
of hostile hesitation
shuffle on the phone
it's better off to settle down
but that's bad idea
that's a bad idea
roads are all but through
the fire tower isn't open
stuck alone with you
the cost of conversation
shuffle in the snow
it's better off to settle down
but that's a bad idea, that's a bad idea
being fooled
we're snowed in, we're snowed in
working hard to recognize
the cost of all the clues
but that's a bad idea, that's a bad idea
being fooled
The first verse of Matt Pond PA's song "Bad Idea" provides a picturesque and lyrical depiction of snowfall and the covering up of a bruise, perhaps a metaphor for hiding away some sort of emotional hurt. The line "hostile hesitation" suggests that there may have been some internal resistance to remaining in the current situation, but ultimately the singer settles for what is comfortable and known. The "shuffle on the phone" could be interpreted as avoiding confrontation or running away from a difficult conversation. The singer acknowledges that settling down might be the better option, but considers it a bad idea, implying a fear of commitment or a desire for something more exciting.
The second verse expands on this theme of being stuck in an uncomfortable situation, this time featuring imagery of a closed-off area with limited conversation. The line "the cost of conversation" indicates that interaction with the other person may come at some sort of personal cost, whether it be emotional or psychological. While the singer may feel trapped, they still resist settling down and choosing the "easy" option. The repeated lines "we're snowed in" suggest a sense of entrapment, but also a temporary state that will eventually pass.
The repeated refrain of "that's a bad idea, that's a bad idea, being fooled" underscores the theme of resistance to settling down, perhaps out of fear of being taken for a ride or not fully understanding the situation. The final lines of the song suggest that the singer is trying to piece together the clues of their situation and develop a deeper understanding of the costs of their choices.
Line by Line Meaning
always up for views
Always open to opinions
the snow fell in for hours
The snowfall was prolonged and extensive
covering up the bruise
The snow hid the physical wound but not the emotional one
of hostile hesitation
Torn between conflicting thoughts and feelings
shuffle on the phone
Mulled over thoughts in one's head
it's better off to settle down
Stability is what's needed
but that's bad idea
But doing so is going to be painful
that's a bad idea
It's not going to turn out well
being fooled
Being deceived or misled
roads are all but through
There is no way out
the fire tower isn't open
The escape route is closed off
stuck alone with you
Trapped in a hopeless situation with no way out
the cost of conversation
The damage that talking could inflict
shuffle in the snow
Pondering alone in the cold
we're snowed in, we're snowed in
We're trapped in our own thoughts
working hard to recognize
Trying one's best to understand
the cost of all the clues
The true price of understanding the situation
but that's a bad idea
However, knowing this could be devastating
that's a bad idea
This decision could be detrimental
being fooled
Being taken advantage of
Contributed by Vivian N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.