Palehound is the latest project from Yonkers, NY based singer/songwriter ex… Read Full Bio ↴Palehound is the latest project from Yonkers, NY based singer/songwriter extraordinaire Ellen Kempner (they/them). Writing and performing their own songs since they were 10 years old, Kempner has played in bands (Cheerleader) and solo (Kempa), developing an amazing knack for songwriting in the process. Kempa’s self-recorded Dog on Crutches was released early 2012, a stunning collection of smart lo-fi indie rock that sticks in your head. Late last year during their freshman year of college, Kempner decided to create a revolving band, and Palehound was born. Wasting no time, Kempner began recording Palehound’s debut at Brooklyn’s Gravesend Recordings with Ava Luna’s Julian Fader and Carlos Hernandez. The results are simply stunning. Palehound’s Bent Nail EP is due out on October 22nd through Exploding In Sound Records on limited edition cassette and digital. When asked about the record, Kempner shared, “this collection of songs definitely exhibits my uncomfortable shift from teenage-hood to “adulthood” and the fact that regardless of what I felt like I should be as an adult, I still felt the same as I did when I was fifteen.”

Pet Carrot
Palehound Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

i've got a pet carrot
my best friend is a parrot
and i say things that he don't mind
so he say things that he don't mind
tattooed and on merit
my best friend is a parrot
and i say things that he don't mind
yeah he say things that he don't mind

set some knuckle space away from this
said some knuckle said away from this
my heart a beginner
true love was a sinner
and she say things that she don't mind
yeah i said things that she don't mind
and bundled up in summer
true love was a bummer
and he said things that he don't mind
yeah i said things that he don't mind
set some knuckle space away from this

said some knuckle said away from this
from this, from this, from this

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Palehound's song "Pet Carrot" explore themes of loneliness, friendship, and communication. The first lines of the song introduce the idea of a "pet carrot," which becomes a metaphor for a relationship that is uncomplicated and reliable. The singer's "best friend is a parrot," which suggests that even though they are animals, they communicate with each other in a way that is meaningful and fulfilling. The repetition of the phrase "and I say things that he don't mind, so he say things that he don't mind" reinforces this idea of mutual understanding.

The lines "tattooed and on merit / my best friend is a parrot" suggest that the singer has found a deep connection with someone (or in this case, something) that is based on shared experiences or values. The metaphor of the parrot as a best friend implies that the singer has grown accustomed to being alone or has struggled to make meaningful connections with people. The repetition of the line "set some knuckle space away from this / said some knuckle said away from this" might suggest that the singer is protecting their friendship with the parrot from outside interference or criticism.

Later in the song, the singer reflects on a past romantic relationship that was "a beginner" but ended up being "a bummer." The phrase "true love was a sinner" suggests that the relationship was flawed or ultimately led to negative consequences. The repetition of "and she say things that she don't mind, yeah I said things that she don't mind" implies that even though the relationship wasn't perfect, there was a certain ease or comfort in being with that person.

Overall, "Pet Carrot" is a song that explores the complexities of friendship and love. The singer finds solace in their relationship with the parrot, which represents a kind of unconditional love that is hard to find in humans. The repetition of certain key phrases creates a dreamlike quality to the lyrics, suggesting that the singer is reflecting on past experiences that are both difficult and comforting.

Line by Line Meaning

i've got a pet carrot
I have a deep emotional attachment to something that most people would consider insignificant and unimportant.

my best friend is a parrot
The parrot, in this case, is a metaphor for a person who offers emotional support and companionship.

and i say things that he don't mind
I have a close relationship with this 'parrot' and feel comfortable to speak my mind without fear of judgement or ridicule.

so he say things that he don't mind
This 'parrot' reciprocates my comfort in our relationship and shares their own thoughts freely as well.

tattooed and on merit
My body is marked with tattoos that hold significant meaning to me, earned through experiences and personal growth.

yeah he say things that he don't mind
The 'parrot' continues to engage in open and honest dialogue with me, without any negative repercussions affecting our relationship.

set some knuckle space away from this
I need some physical distance from a situation that is causing me discomfort or emotional pain.

my heart a beginner
I am emotionally inexperienced and may struggle to understand or cope with intense feelings.

true love was a sinner
A past relationship that held great promise and passion ended in heartache and betrayal.

and she say things that she don't mind
The other person in this past relationship also felt comfortable to express themselves to me, even if it ultimately led to our separation.

and bundled up in summer
I am emotionally guarded and have built up defenses to protect myself from further hurt or vulnerability.

true love was a bummer
Despite my best efforts to protect my heart, my feelings of affection and love were ultimately unreciprocated or disregarded.

and he said things that he don't mind
The other person in this past relationship also shared their own thoughts and feelings with me, even if it contributed to our eventual downfall.

from this, from this, from this
Despite the emotional hardships I've faced, I am trying to distance myself and move on from these past experiences.

Contributed by Adrian G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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