Old 97's are an alt-country band originally based in Dallas, Texas, USA. Th… Read Full Bio ↴Old 97's are an alt-country band originally based in Dallas, Texas, USA. The group formed in 1993 and took their name from a song popularized by Johnny Cash, "Wreck of the Old '97". They describe themselves as a rock band with influences as varied as the Kinks, the Beatles, Pixies, David Bowie, X, and Merle Haggard. The band often performs songs made famous by the latter two musicians, and has interspersed a number of these on their eight releases since 1994.

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.

Let the Idiot Speak
Old 97's Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

There was a half a harvest moon up on the hillside
Our love is made almost entirely of downside
Who would have thought it could feel so much better then?

Now there's a half a million things I wanna tell you
They tap the phone line and the speaker at the drive through
Who would have thought it could feel so much different then?

Downtown, so weak
Let the idiot speak
Let the idiot speak
Let the idiot speak

Now there's a strange way and awkward feelings
I'm bouncing off the wall, I'm talking to the ceilings
Who would have thought it could feel so bad sometimes?

Now there's a half a million reasons we can argue
You're right in front of me now, there's no one to talk to
Who would have thought it could feel so bad sometimes?

Downtown, so weak
Let the idiot speak
Let the idiot speak
Let the idiot speak

Let the idiot speak
Let the idiot speak
Let the idiot speak

Downtown, so weak
Let the idiot speak
(Let the idiot speak)
Let the idiot speak
(Let the idiot speak)
Let the idiot speak

Let the idiot speak
(Let the idiot speak)
Let the idiot speak
(Let the idiot speak)
Let the idiot speak

Let the idiot speak
(Let the idiot speak)
Let the idiot speak

(Let the idiot speak)
Let the idiot

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Old 97's's song "Let the Idiot Speak" describe a relationship that is filled with both good and bad moments. The first verse describes the beauty of the moment ("half a harvest moon up on the hillside") and the joy that they feel in each other's company ("Who would have thought it could feel so much better then?"). However, the second verse describes the turmoil in the relationship ("There's a half a million things I wanna tell you," "There's a half a million reasons we can argue") and the feeling of isolation even when in each other's presence ("there's no one to talk to").

The chorus, "Let the idiot speak," is repeated throughout the song and can be interpreted as both a plea for open communication in order to work through their problems and a recognition of their own flaws and imperfections. The final repetition of the chorus with the additions of "Downtown, so weak" emphasizes the feeling of vulnerability within the relationship.

Overall, the song explores the ups and downs of a relationship and the need for open communication in order to work through difficult times.

Line by Line Meaning

There was a half a harvest moon up on the hillside
Under a barely visible moon, we acknowledge that most of our relationship is filled with negativity.

Our love is made almost entirely of downside
The majority of our love is full of problems and difficulties.

Who would have thought it could feel so much better then?
Surprisingly, things can momentarily feel better than expected.

Now there's a half a million things I wanna tell you
There are an overwhelming amount of things I want to say to you.

They tap the phone line and the speaker at the drive through
Our privacy is constantly being invaded, even when we order food at a drive-thru.

Who would have thought it could feel so much different then?
Unexpectedly, things can feel very different from what we imagined.

Downtown, so weak
The city feels powerless and inadequate.

Let the idiot speak
Allow the foolish or misguided person to express themselves.

Now there's a strange way and awkward feelings
Feelings and circumstances have become odd and uncomfortable.

I'm bouncing off the wall, I'm talking to the ceilings
I feel restless and unable to communicate effectively.

Who would have thought it could feel so bad sometimes?
It is surprising how often things can feel negative or unpleasant.

Now there's a half a million reasons we can argue
There are countless reasons we could argue right now.

You're right in front of me now, there's no one to talk to
Despite being face-to-face, there still feels like a lack of communication.

Let the idiot speak
Again, allow the foolish or misguided person to express themselves.

Let the idiot speak
Same as above.

Let the idiot speak
Same as above, repeated for emphasis.

Downtown, so weak
Repeating this line for emphasis.

Let the idiot speak
Repeating this line for emphasis.

(Let the idiot speak)
Repeating this line again.

Let the idiot speak
Again, repeating for emphasis.

(Let the idiot speak)
Repeating this line again.

Let the idiot speak
Again, repeating for emphasis.

(Let the idiot speak)
Repeating this line again.

Let the idiot speak
Again, repeating for emphasis.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: KENDALL DEWAYNE BETHEA, MURRAY HAMMOND, PHILIP WAYNE PEEPLES, STEWART RANSOM MILLER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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