The Mild High Club is a psychedelic pop group helmed by Alexander Brettin, … Read Full Bio ↴The Mild High Club is a psychedelic pop group helmed by Alexander Brettin, a Los Angeles-based musician who originally hailed from Chicago. The group’s sound is pleasantly woozy and laid-back, but shows a subtle attention to detail without being excessive or indulgent. Brettin began working on Mild High Club material in 2012 by himself, using guitars, keyboards, computers, and a 4-track recorder, and shuttling between Chicago, Baltimore, and Los Angeles. Along the way, he met several musicians across the nation who contributed to his album and backed him up during live gigs. Mild High Club signed to Stones Throw at the end of 2014, and a 7″ single, “Windowpane,” was released in early 2015. The group’s debut album, Timeline, appeared later in the year on the label’s newly formed Circle Star Records imprint. ~ Paul Simpson

Note To Self
Mild High Club Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

am i listening when you tell me baby
"i hate to see you doing like this"
cause these things they take some time to realise
the other ways to exist

but maybe its the time i said
"you're doing just fine, really"
maybe i'm making poor decisions

is this really what you wanted for the kids
a perfect life with success
am i typing in the stereo or am i sick of trying like this

to make a little chime that rings
maybe then you'll take a listen

in your mind
you can't hear the difference

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Mild High Club's song "Note To Self" contemplate the intricacies of human relationships and the impetus for change in them. The singer is confronted by their partner who expresses concern for their behavior as they struggle to find a way to exist in the world. The singer acknowledges that change takes time and that there may be different ways to live. They ponder their own contribution to the relationship and wonder if their behavior is driven by making poor decisions. They question if this is the life they wanted for their children: a life with pressure to succeed and be perfect. The singer reflects on the futility of their efforts to make a change and wonders if their partner is even listening when they try to communicate.

Line by Line Meaning

am i listening when you tell me baby
Am I truly paying attention when you voice your concerns, my dear?

"i hate to see you doing like this"
It hurts me to see you in such a state of distress.

cause these things they take some time to realise
It can take a while for one to truly understand the various struggles of life.

the other ways to exist
There are alternative ways of living that we may not have considered.

but maybe its the time i said
Perhaps it is now my turn to speak.

"you're doing just fine, really"
Despite your doubts, you are actually doing quite well.

maybe i'm making poor decisions
Perhaps I am not making the best choices myself.

is this really what you wanted for the kids
Is this the ideal life that we envisioned for our children?

a perfect life with success
Have we focused on achieving a flawless existence, defined purely by material achievement?

am i typing in the stereo or am i sick of trying like this
Am I simply conforming to society's expectations, or am I genuinely feeling tired of putting in so much effort?

to make a little chime that rings
Am I putting in minimal work just to make some sort of impact or to appear productive?

maybe then you'll take a listen
Perhaps then you will finally hear what I am trying to say and understand my perspective.

in your mind
At least from your perspective.

you can't hear the difference
Perhaps you are not fully comprehending the nuances of my argument, or simply not empathizing with me.

Contributed by Adrian E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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