Old 97's have been heralded as a great live band. They included five live songs as a bonus disc on Satellite Rides, and released a live double CD set recorded at historic Gruene Hall in 2005, Alive and Wired. Singer/guitarist Rhett Miller has released three solo albums and singer/bassist Murry Hammond released his first solo effort in April 2008. Ken Bethea plays lead guitar for the band and playing the drums/singing is Philip Peeples.
For photographs and additional information see the official website, www.Old97s.com.
Indefinitely
Old 97's Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We got busted by your mother though you're 29 years old
And the pictures wrapped in cellophane like sandwiches or stamps
Burned holes in my pockets and in the inseam of my pants
And your graduation date was in Absentia today
And you wished you was there with her but you told her not to stay
And the redwoods and the oak trees and the double yellow lines
I don't mean no, I don't mean maybe
I'm indefinitely, I'm indefinitely
I don't mean no, I don't mean maybe
I'm indefinitely, I'm indefinitely
Well the car was Japanese perhaps, Hungarian and blue
And it followed you down highway one, kept almost out of view
And it symbolizes something although you don't know what it is
Like loneliness and longing for a future perfect kiss
I don't mean no, I don't mean maybe
I'm indefinitely, I'm indefinitely
I don't mean no, I don't mean maybe
I'm indefinitely, I'm indefinitely
Well second hand's the first thing that you see when you wake up
And it rolls by in slow motion and you rub it for good luck
Time is gonna tell your little secrets to me
There's a frightened girl inside of you and I'm gonna set her free
I don't mean no, I don't mean maybe
I'm indefinitely, I'm indefinitely
I don't mean no, I don't mean maybe
I'm indefinitely, I'm indefinitely
I don't mean no, I don't mean maybe
I'm indefinitely, I'm indefinitely
The lyrics to "Indefinitely" by Old 97's describe a moment in time between two people, filled with symbolism and longing. The opening line, "Well the room was Mediterranean and the meaning was two-fold," sets the tone for the rest of the song, hinting at the layers of meaning and metaphor that are woven throughout. The next few lines describe the couple being caught by one of their mothers, despite the fact that they are both in their late twenties. The pictures wrapped in cellophane that the singer carries with him like "sandwiches or stamps" suggest a kind of preciousness or nostalgia, as if they are trying to hold onto a moment that is slipping away.
The next verse continues to explore themes of loss and separation, with the singer talking about the "graduation date [that] was in Absentia" and the longing for a future perfect kiss. The line "Although they're in perfect symmetry they keep imperfect time" suggests a sense of unease or dissatisfaction with the status quo, and a search for something more meaningful.
The final verse introduces the idea of time and how it reveals our secrets. The second-hand of the clock becomes a symbol for the slow passage of time, and something the couple touches for good luck. The singer promises to set the "frightened girl" inside his partner free, perhaps suggesting a desire to break free from the constraints of time and the past.
Overall, "Indefinitely" is a poetic and introspective song that explores themes of nostalgia, loss, and the passage of time. The use of vivid imagery and symbolism, as well as the melancholy tone, make it a compelling and memorable track.
Line by Line Meaning
Well the room was Mediterranean and the meaning was two-fold
The setting of the room was Mediterranean, but it also had a deeper, multifaceted significance
We got busted by your mother though you're 29 years old
Despite being an adult, your mother caught us doing something we shouldn't have
And the pictures wrapped in cellophane like sandwiches or stamps
The photos were protected by cellophane, much like one would preserve a sandwich or stamp
Burned holes in my pockets and in the inseam of my pants
The photos caused such intense emotion that they left a physical impact on me
And your graduation date was in Absentia today
You missed your graduation ceremony today
And you wished you was there with her but you told her not to stay
You wanted to be there with someone, but you told them not to stay
And the redwoods and the oak trees and the double yellow lines
The natural beauty of the redwoods and oak trees contrast with the man-made double yellow lines
Although they're in perfect symmetry they keep imperfect time
Despite appearing symmetrical, there are flaws in this system
I don't mean no, I don't mean maybe
I am certain, with no doubt or hesitation
I'm indefinitely, I'm indefinitely
I am without end, without a defined timeline or limit
Well the car was Japanese perhaps, Hungarian and blue
The car was a blend of different cultures and origins, with a blue color perhaps symbolic of something deeper
And it followed you down highway one, kept almost out of view
The car followed you down the highway, staying hidden from sight
And it symbolizes something although you don't know what it is
The car's significance is not immediately clear, but it represents something important
Like loneliness and longing for a future perfect kiss
The car evokes feelings of loneliness and a desire for a perfect romantic moment
Well second hand's the first thing that you see when you wake up
When you wake up, you're confronted with the idea that time is constantly ticking away
And it rolls by in slow motion and you rub it for good luck
Time may seem slow, but you still try to make the most of it and hope for good fortune
Time is gonna tell your little secrets to me
Over time, your secrets will be revealed to me
There's a frightened girl inside of you and I'm gonna set her free
You have hidden fears and worries, but I am going to support and help you overcome them
I don't mean no, I don't mean maybe
I am very certain and resolute
I'm indefinitely, I'm indefinitely
I am without end or limit, with no defined conclusion
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: KENDALL DEWAYNE BETHEA, MURRAY HAMMOND, PHILIP WAYNE PEEPLES, STEWART RANSOM MILLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind