Y… Read Full Bio ↴Clothes, videos, toys, cheeseburgers, cars, a functioning economy.
You can still have a functioning economy and preserve open spaces with a little planning.
Yeah.
Socialism.
Complete disaster.
Theodore Roosevelt was a socialist?
And Yeats?
Theodore Roosevelt...
Henry David Thoreau, Robinson Jeffers, the National Geographic Society, all socialists?
You're talking about socialism.
No, I'm not. I'm talking about not covering every square inch of populated America with houses and strip malls until you can't even remember what happens when you stand in a meadow at dusk.
What happens in the meadow at dusk?
Nothing. Everything.
Nothing. Everything.
Nothing. Everything.
This Time Last Year
Maybeshewill Lyrics
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Economy.
You can still have a functioning economy and preserve
Open spaces with a little planning. Yeah.
Socialism. Complete disaster.
Theodore Roosevelt was a socialist? And Yeats? Theodore
Roosevelt...
Henry David Thoreau, Robinson Jeffers, the National
You're talking about socialism. No, I'm not. I'm talking
About not covering every square inch of populated America
With houses and strip malls until you can't even remember
What happens when you stand in a meadow at dusk.
What happens in the meadow at dusk?
Nothing (Everything)
Nothing (Everything)
Nothing (Everything)
The lyrics to Maybeshewill's song "This Time Last Year" have a strong political undertone about the issues with capitalism causing the destruction of open land and natural habitats. The opening lines "Clothes, videos, toys, cheeseburgers, cars, a functioning economy" all represent the consumerist culture that capitalism thrives on. The next line, "You can still have a functioning economy and preserve open spaces with a little planning," suggests that a sustainable economic model is possible without sacrificing the environment.
However, the song then takes a turn with the sarcastic line "Socialism. Complete disaster," which implies that socialism is not a viable alternative to capitalism. The following lines shed light on some influential historical figures who were socialists, such as Theodore Roosevelt, Yeats, and Thoreau. The reference to the "National Geographic Society" is also interesting, as it highlights a non-political organization that has contributed to scientific and cultural knowledge becoming associated with socialism.
The final part of the song is a dialogue between two voices. One defends the preservation of open land, while the other questions what happens in the meadow at dusk. The response of "nothing (everything)" implies that life and beauty are abundant in nature, although they might not be material possessions that capitalism values. Overall, the lyrics of "This Time Last Year" seem to be advocating for more sustainable practices and valuing the beauty of nature over consumerism.
Line by Line Meaning
Clothes, videos, toys, cheeseburgers, cars, a functioning
Economy.
This line is a list of material things that provide comfort and indulgence in the modern world. It also mentions the importance of a well-functioning economy to provide these things to people.
You can still have a functioning economy and preserve
Open spaces with a little planning. Yeah.
This line suggests that preserving open spaces is important, but it can still be achieved without sacrificing a functioning economy.
Socialism. Complete disaster.
This line is a criticism of socialism, arguing that it is a complete disaster.
Theodore Roosevelt was a socialist? And Yeats? Theodore
Roosevelt...
This line questions the idea that historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt and Yeats were socialists, perhaps implying that socialism is not as negative as previously suggested.
Henry David Thoreau, Robinson Jeffers, the National
Geographic Society, all socialists?
This line lists more historical figures and institutions that are associated with socialism, further complicating the idea that socialism is always bad.
You're talking about socialism. No, I'm not. I'm talking
About not covering every square inch of populated America
With houses and strip malls until you can't even remember
What happens when you stand in a meadow at dusk.
This line refutes the accusation of talking about socialism and instead argues for the importance of preserving natural spaces and experiences, rather than solely focusing on urban development.
What happens in the meadow at dusk?
This line is a question that prompts the listener to consider the beauty and significance of natural spaces, even in the midst of urbanization.
Nothing (Everything)
Nothing (Everything)
Nothing (Everything)
This line is a repetition of the word 'nothing' juxtaposed with 'everything', perhaps emphasizing the dichotomy between material possessions and natural experiences.
Contributed by Miles V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.