His music is often placed (perhaps inappropriately) under the genre of "alternative country". Oldham was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He briefly attended Brown University, and now calls Baltimore, Maryland home.
Cat's Blues
Palace Music Lyrics
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while nothing bad can or will befall
the lights welcome me all by myself
and the fires only bronze they do not burn
well do you understand girls where its going
i'll fuck girls, if there's violence to come
why, happiness, ohhhh happiness
See them in the theatre, they're very, very real
Scold them when they come home, dirty, crying
Well, love, is forbidden outwardly
but inside there is no denying, oh
so move love aside, boys, bury their hats
and they suffer while they waste and hurt
they are men who bow before us now
and i do not trust them, no
How many children are there like this?
Yeah, and how many will I serve?
o if i could have a clue what justice is
it would be more than i deserve, oh
o time is passing, come into my house
loot the pantries and muss the sheets
Have you found it useful, thinkin' here?
Your host will be ten miles, on back
The lyrics of Palace Music's song Cat's Blues convey a sense of detachment and disillusionment with society. The first verse talks about turning away from the world and seeking solace in the quietness of solitude. The second verse takes a sharp turn towards promiscuity and violence while questioning the nature of happiness. The third verse brings in the theme of forbidden love and societal norms.
The fourth verse talks about the power dynamics between men and women, with the singer questioning the motives of men who now bow before them. The fifth verse raises questions about justice and the number of children who suffer the same fate. The song ends with a sense of displacement, with the singer inviting someone to loot their house while they are away.
Overall, the song includes a series of thought-provoking phrases that present a bleak picture of society. It is open to interpretation, with each verse raising more questions than answers. The themes addressed include alienation, love, power, disillusionment, and justice. The lyrics create a sense of unease, and the hypnotic melody adds to the haunting feeling.
Line by Line Meaning
i'm gonna turn my back for awhile, down
I'll take a brief break from everything and avoid any trouble.
while nothing bad can or will befall
My short absence will not result in any harm or negative consequences.
the lights welcome me all by myself
I find comfort and solace in the darkness and isolation of my surroundings.
and the fires only bronze they do not burn
The torches nearby only give off a dim and harmless glow, providing little warmth or light.
well do you understand girls where its going
Hey ladies, do you comprehend what's happening here?
i'll fuck girls, if there's violence to come
I'll put myself in danger by having sex with women just before a potential violent situation.
why, happiness, ohhhh happiness
Why do I pursue happiness, even though it eludes me?
they're crying, and their night has come
Those women are crying because they know what's about to happen to them.
See them in the theatre, they're very, very real
Watching women in pornographic films seems so lifelike and genuine.
Scold them when they come home, dirty, crying
I'll blame and criticize those women for what happened to them, even though it was my fault.
Well, love, is forbidden outwardly
I'm not allowed to show affection outwardly or openly.
but inside there is no denying, oh
But my inner feelings of love are undeniable and real.
so move love aside, boys, bury their hats
I'll push my love aside and indulge in macho behavior.
and they suffer while they waste and hurt
As they waste themselves away, they cause themselves harm and pain.
they are men who bow before us now
These men are now subservient and obedient to us women.
and i do not trust them, no
However, I do not trust them and their intentions.
How many children are there like this?
How many kids are affected by this cycle of violence and abuse?
Yeah, and how many will I serve?
And how many more will I have to serve and suffer at the hands of?
o if i could have a clue what justice is
If only I could understand what justice truly is.
it would be more than i deserve, oh
I feel like I don't deserve to know the answer.
o time is passing, come into my house
Oh, time is moving on, but come on in my house anyway.
loot the pantries and muss the sheets
Feel free to ransack my home and cause a mess.
Have you found it useful, thinkin' here?
Did you find these thoughts and ideas helpful while you were here?
Your host will be ten miles, on back
Just know that I won't be around for the consequences of these actions - I'll be far away.
Contributed by Lauren L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@marcserrand4026
Viva last blues, one of the greatest album ever to me
@cornholio812
Me too!
@dulracmck
Great great album. One of my favourites of all time. Unique and keep going back to it. 1995. Long time ago!!
@blackfoliage1
My favourite from this album.
@mrbollocks1979
This is my very favourite Will Oldham / Palace song.
@MrJeffreyromain
This LP was recorded by Steve Albini from Big Black, if I am not mistaken. What a gem.
@palmostositive1
his best albumn. okay, i see a darkness was brilliant.
@Jacob-Laeby
Agree, though "Days in the Wake" is one of his best albums as well, together with those 2. In my opinion "Viva Last Blues" remains his absolute best though.
@giuseppedidomenico76
I manage to listen to this song after 22 years
I lost my tape glad you posted it
@jeffmead2935
result !...eh mate.