In scientific terms, the line “Polar opposites don’t push away” is accurate, as a negative charge cannot combine with another negative charge, but a positive charge can with a negative charge.
Polar Opposites
Modest Mouse Lyrics
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It's the same on the weekends as the rest of the days
And I know I should go but I'll probably stay
And that's all you can do about some things
I'm trying to drink away the part of the day
That I cannot sleep away
Two one eyed dogs, they're looking at stereos
Hi-fi Gods try so hard to make their cars low to the ground
Primer gray is the color when you're done dying
I'm trying to drink away the part of the day
That I cannot sleep away
In Modest Mouse's "Polar Opposites", Isaac Brock sings about his inability to escape certain aspects of his life, even though he knows he should. Despite recognizing the need to move on, he resigns himself to staying where he is. The title of the song suggests that his struggle embodies a larger theme of conflicting emotions or ideas. He talks about trying to drink away his pain instead of sleeping it off, indicating the depths of his despair.
The second half of the song is more abstract. Brock describes two one-eyed dogs looking at stereos, which could be a metaphor for senseless consumerism or something more personal to him. He then talks about "hi-fi Gods" and their low cars, which could be a commentary on the excess and showiness of wealth. He describes the vibrations of these cars as experimental or groundbreaking, but the teeth of the car are "oiled," implying that the car is less functional than it appears. Finally, Brock sings that "primer gray is the color when you're done dying," which could be a reference to a car color or an allusion to death.
Overall, "Polar Opposites" conveys a bleak but honest perspective on life's struggles. It suggests that sometimes we must accept our circumstances, despite the pain they may bring, and that our attempts to escape them may only make things worse.
Line by Line Meaning
Polar opposites don't push away
Even when people are completely different, they can still get along and form a connection.
It's the same on the weekends as the rest of the days
Life is monotonous and repetitive, regardless of what day it is.
And I know I should go but I'll probably stay
Despite being aware that it's probably time to move on, some people have difficulty letting go and moving forward.
And that's all you can do about some things
In certain situations, you have to accept that you can't change anything and move on.
I'm trying to drink away the part of the day that I cannot sleep away
Sometimes people use alcohol to escape their problems and troubles, but it doesn't always solve them.
Two one eyed dogs, they're looking at stereos
Even dogs can be fascinated by technology and gadgets.
Hi-fi Gods try so hard to make their cars low to the ground
Car enthusiasts often strive for the perfect modification, no matter how silly it may seem to others.
These vibrations oil its teeth
Cars and their parts can sometimes be finicky and require careful maintenance.
Primer gray is the color when you're done dying
This line may suggest that people, like cars, eventually become worn out and become a blank, lifeless slate when they pass away.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ERIC JUDY, ISAAC BROCK, JEREMIAH GREEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Polar opposites don't push away
It's the same on the weekends as the rest of the days
And I know I should go but I'll probably stay
And that's all you can do about some things
I'm trying to drink away the part of the day
That I cannot sleep away
Two one eyed dogs, they're looking at stereos
Hi-fi Gods try so hard to make their cars low to the ground
These vibrations oil its teeth
Primer gray is the color when you're done dying
I'm trying to drink away the part of the day
That I cannot sleep away
White Shadow
Listening to this song at 20 years old and listening to this song at 30 are two very different songs
threevisionsgodpark
Holy shit you cannot have spoken more truth!
Internet Guy
It gets deeper.
Bert Hansen
god damn here I am. Favorite song for 10 years and thats some wisdom
Owen Conenna
Jesus dude. That's a comment that really makes you stop and think for a moment.
Nick Anderson
Troof
Aaron Berg
I’m 53. A younger friend of mine turned me onto Modest Mouse a couple years ago. I love their music!
Matthew
Reading comments of a dope ass modest mouse song always cheers me up, everyone listing to this shit has something in common, I love u all
Jill Ashley Graham
We love you too
BenjamenVince
Love you dude