He bears the pop sensibility of the 60's British invasion, the sardonic wit of Elvis Costello, emotional poigniancy of Elliot Smith, and the Townes Van Zant- like turn of phrase. His lyrics are clever and biting, but can, in very few words, shatter the listeners heart
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Splintered Fence
Michael Trent Lyrics
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But your eyes, they are a storm
And though not a word's been spoken
I feel I have been warned
There's a cardinal in the dogwood
There's a raven in the air
But this ballroom is full of vultures
That kind of laughter brings uneasiness
Like teardrops on a summer dress
Like that little lie you won't confess
Left a buzzin in your spine
So forgive me if my head's a mess
Or if my cadence lacks some confidence
I'm just leanin on that splintered fence
Wondrin what's on the other side
So if the trumpets sound like trouble
And the cellos sound like tears
Then why is everybody talkin
With their fingers in their ears?
Because the drums are distant gunfire
And the voices, shattered hearts
But the harmony like honey
Sweetly binds us, at the start
That kind of laughter brings uneasiness
Like teardrops on a summer dress
Like a little lie you won't confess
Left a buzzin in your spine
So forgive me if my head's a mess
Or if I'm just not makin any sense
I'm just climbin up that splintered fence
Tryin to get to the other side
To the other side
The first two lines of Michael Trent's Splintered Fence set the tone for the rest of the song. The mouth being an ocean and the eyes a storm describes the duality of the person before the singer. Although, the person has not said anything directly to the singer, there is something brewing beneath the surface. The contrast between the cardinal and the raven in the next two lines adds to this defining duality. While it seems that there is beauty around, for instance in the form of a cardinal in the dogwood tree, the atmosphere inside the ballroom is menacing.
The next verse focuses on the parting anxiety that comes with a potential encounter with this person. The singer feels that the laughter around them leads to uneasiness like tear drops on a summer dress. The feeling is reminiscent of someone trying to conceal their thoughts or feelings. The singer's hesitation is also felt through the reference to the splintered fence. The metaphor is an imaginary boundary he is trying to cross. The singer is trying to make the decision to cross over while being uncertain what to expect on the other side.
The chorus has a sweet melody that makes the ominous lyrics feel hopeful despite the underlying danger of the situation. It stresses the importance of coming together despite the dangers, chaos and hurt in the world. The line "But the harmony like honey, sweetly binds us at the start" implies that if we can come together and find harmony in the chaos, we might be able to move forward and find a better tomorrow.
Line by Line Meaning
Your mouth, it is an ocean
Your words hold immense power and seem endless
But your eyes, they are a storm
Your eyes hold a tumultuous emotion that contradicts what you say
And though not a word's been spoken
We have not talked, but I can sense something is off
I feel I have been warned
I am prepared for something bad to happen
There's a cardinal in the dogwood
I see a bird in a tree with red leaves
There's a raven in the air
I see a dark bird soaring above
But this ballroom is full of vultures
This place is filled with people who only look out for themselves
Why would I ever meet you there?
Why would I want to come here to be with you?
That kind of laughter brings uneasiness
Your laughter makes me uncomfortable
Like teardrops on a summer dress
Like a sad memory on a seemingly happy occasion
Like that little lie you won't confess
Like a secret you're keeping from me
Left a buzzin in your spine
You're feeling uneasy about something
So forgive me if my head's a mess
Sorry if I'm not thinking clearly
Or if my cadence lacks some confidence
Sorry if I don't sound sure of myself
I'm just leanin on that splintered fence
I'm unsure of which path to take
Wondrin what's on the other side
Wondering what lies ahead
So if the trumpets sound like trouble
If there's a warning sign, like the sound of trumpets
And the cellos sound like tears
If there's a feeling of sadness or sorrow, like the sound of cellos
Then why is everybody talkin
Why is everyone ignoring the signs?
With their fingers in their ears?
Why are they choosing to be ignorant?
Because the drums are distant gunfire
The warning signs are far off, but they're still there
And the voices, shattered hearts
There's heartbreak and pain in what's being said
But the harmony like honey
The music sounds sweet and enjoyable
Sweetly binds us, at the start
The music brings us together for now
So forgive me if my head's a mess
Sorry if I seem confused
Or if I'm just not makin any sense
Sorry if what I'm saying doesn't make sense
I'm just climbin up that splintered fence
I'm still trying to figure things out
Tryin to get to the other side
Trying to find a way to move forward
Contributed by Elena A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.