1. The Canadian band: “Lift me out of this dustbowl and hand me a champagne"
Key Principles, Nathan
What is western music? Is it the sound of the wide open plains or a smoky saloon? Tales of taciturn men and long-suffering ladies who cry tears in their beer? Or has that tradition been replaced by something more complicated, where horses have become fast cars and saloons are now strip malls, but even in the most urban setting, there's the restless, rough-and-tumble feel of a frontier town, and everyone still yearns to get the hell out of Dodge sometimes?
It's that kind of west that Nathan taps into on their third album, Key Principles. The Winnipeg band, singer/guitarist Keri Latimer, singer/accordionist/banjo-ist/guitarist Shelley Marshall, bassist Devin Latimer and drummer Damon Mitchell harness the essence of the Canadian Prairies in the same way songwriter Jim White puts his finger on the idiosyncrasies of the American South. From John Paul's Delivery, a nostalgic ode to sneaking out of the house to "campfire fuelled by some old fence / skies like planetariums," to Trans Am, whose gentle thrum is the sound of small-town restlessness ("This is not a great escape / no miles to go no distance gained / the foreground bends to let me by / it knows I won't leave it behind"), Nathan documents the paradox of places that are somewhere in the middle of nowhere.
It's a sound the band has been honing since the release of their 2001 debut, Stranger,and refined on their sophomore album, the Juno-nominated Jimson Weed, which brought home awards and garnered critical kudos across North America. For Key Principles, however, Nathan wanted to uproot their rootsy sound a bit. To that end, they enlisted producer Howard Redekopp (New Pornographers, Tegan & Sara), who introduced an expansive sonic palette that helped the band navigate the line between their two-steppin' tendencies and their pure pop passion. There's room here for Brill Building melodies, Kurt Weill cabaret and Tex-Mex mariachi. The banjos are balanced with horns; the twang is tempered with a little Theremin and the cantering rhythms are accented by handclaps.
That's not to say Key Principles is slick. In an age of push-button music, Nathan's songs feel endearingly, alluringly homemade (a philosophy that goes farther than just the songwriting -- consider the quilts hand-stitched by Keri and Shelley that decorate the stage at live shows and serve as evocative album art). And the homey feel follows through to Key Principles' subject matter, which often centers on the idea of domestic life.
That's no surprise. Family can't help but influence on the two songwriters, as Shelley is mother to a toddler and Keri was seven months pregnant while recording the album. But in true Nathan fashion, that domesticity has a dark side; in every dream home a haunting. It's a darkness that's belied by the clear, sweet voices twining around each other like ivy, but below all the sun-dappled leaves reaching upward, there's a twisted, gnarled root that burrows into dark places "So heavy-hearted / you've been combing the carpets / turning over the couches / ear and glass to the wall," they sing in Secrets.
But that duality is a big part of what defines the Prairies, after all: darkness and light. And Nathan captures it all, the modern, old-fashioned sound of the lonesome, crowded west.
from the official website: http://www.myspace.com/nathanofficial http://www.nathanmusic.ca
3. the Matt Watson character: Nathan is a fictional character played by Matt Watson, often posted on the SuperMega YouTube channel. He first appeared in the song My Two Lovely Uncles, singing about his two lovely uncles. He is a huge fan of Christmas and posts yearly Christmas albums to spread holiday cheer.
Scarecrow
Nathan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Get in line cause it's my time, I feel a podium under my feet.
Empty crates, encyclopedia, I feel a podium under my feet.
Sound alarms, invite the media, I feel a podium under my feet.
Dance card blank and blemish free, I feel a podium under my feet.
Poker straight and squeaky clean, I feel a podium under my feet.
Jump aboard and ride this roll, I feel a podium under my feet.
Tally up let's take a poll, I feel a podium under my feet.
you're as large as you let on, head up high and arms out long.
Suit of black on yellow string,
wishes for a throat to sing,
shiny beak and feather wings - Scarecrow.
Hush now and know your worries will be healed.
All's well that I stand guard over the fields.
Cut with care and profile strong, I feel a podium under my feet.
Pin me up and shake my palm, I feel a podium under my feet.
Eyes that give but don't take in, I feel a podium under my feet.
Mouth that moves and limbs that bend, I feel a podium under my feet.
In "Scarecrow," Nathan sings about the feeling of empowerment and confidence that arises when one takes on a leadership role or positions oneself in a position of power. The "podium" metaphor captures this feeling of elevation and visibility, as if the singer is literally standing on a pedestal above their peers. The repetition of "I feel a podium under my feet" throughout the song emphasizes this sense of elevation and the singer's growing sense of self-importance.
The lyrics also suggest the performative aspect of leadership, with references to "empty crates, encyclopedia" and "invite the media." The singer seems to be aware of the need to present a certain image and to cultivate a sense of authority and expertise. The line "When upon a podium, you're as large as you let on, head up high and arms out long" reinforces this idea of performance and self-presentation.
Additionally, the final stanza introduces the idea of the "scarecrow" as a symbol of protection and security. The singer seems to be suggesting that their position of power is not just about personal status or ambition, but also about serving a larger purpose and protecting others. The repetition of "All's well that I stand guard over the fields" reinforces this idea of responsibility and watchfulness.
Overall, "Scarecrow" is a song that explores the complexities of power and leadership, with a focus on the emotional and psychological dynamics that come into play when one assumes a position of authority.
Line by Line Meaning
Step up right, squeeze in tight, I feel a podium under my feet.
I am confident and ready to take on the world. I feel like I am standing on a pedestal, and nothing can bring me down.
Get in line cause it's my time, I feel a podium under my feet.
I am ready to take control and make my mark. All eyes are on me because it's my time to shine.
Empty crates, encyclopedia, I feel a podium under my feet.
I have all the knowledge I need to succeed. Even though I may feel like I have nothing, I know that I have everything I need to achieve my goals.
Sound alarms, invite the media, I feel a podium under my feet.
I want to make a statement and be recognized. I feel powerful and in control when people are paying attention to me.
Dance card blank and blemish free, I feel a podium under my feet.
I am starting fresh and ready to make a good impression. I feel like I have a clean slate, and the possibilities are endless.
Poker straight and squeaky clean, I feel a podium under my feet.
I am confident and honest. I feel like I have a good reputation and people trust me.
Jump aboard and ride this roll, I feel a podium under my feet.
I am ready to take risks and live life to the fullest. I feel like I am standing on a platform that can take me anywhere I want to go.
Tally up let's take a poll, I feel a podium under my feet.
I want to know what people think of me. I feel like I am in a position of power, where I can make decisions that will affect others.
When upon a podium, you're as large as you let on, head up high and arms out long.
When you are in the spotlight, you have the ability to be whoever you want to be. You can choose to be confident and powerful, with your head held high and your arms outstretched.
Suit of black on yellow string, wishes for a throat to sing, shiny beak and feather wings - Scarecrow.
The Scarecrow is a representation of the desire to be heard and seen. It is a symbol of the desire to break out of the mold and be recognized for who you truly are.
Hush now and know your worries will be healed. All's well that I stand guard over the fields.
In times of need, the Scarecrow serves as a source of comfort and protection. Knowing that the Scarecrow is looking over you can bring peace and healing to your soul.
Cut with care and profile strong, I feel a podium under my feet.
I am careful and deliberate in everything I do. I feel like I am in a position of power and can make a big impact on the world.
Pin me up and shake my palm, I feel a podium under my feet.
I want people to notice me and listen to what I have to say. I feel like I have something valuable to contribute to the world.
Eyes that give but don't take in, I feel a podium under my feet.
I am generous and empathetic. I feel like I have the power to make a positive impact on the world.
Mouth that moves and limbs that bend, I feel a podium under my feet.
I am always adapting and changing to fit in with my surroundings. I feel like I have the power to control my own destiny.
Writer(s): k. latimer
Contributed by Landon R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.