The bands’ debut release is described as The Fall meets Neil Young- which all makes sense on the band’s debut release, “American Specialties”. The quartet wanders through the American and British underground, picking away their favorite parts with confidence. The lyrics, when intelligible, are bizarre and dramatic. “She looked at me like a fry pan reducing,” moans Savage, from the same lustful subconscious built by the darker moments of psychedelia. Then at times, such as on the 70’s folkish “Square States”, thoughts are more sentimental and transparent. The setting for “American Specialties” ranges from a crusty Brooklyn bodega, to an endless Texas desert. If these sorts of soundscapes appeal to your mind, then you're sure to stumble upon Parquet Courts sooner or later.
Back to Earth
Parquet Courts Lyrics
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Between health and poverty
Looked into a face, all my thoughts they were replaced
I had the nerve to call it soul
Get love where you find it
It's the only fist we have to fight with
And soon, you're headed back to earth
Found myself along a path, traced all my steps back
Found a place to relearn to relax
Rested like an empty cage and where the moon
Starts everyday
And I can dress up like a saint
Get love where you find it
It's the only fist we have to fight with
And soon, you're headed back to earth
Twice I've been around the world and I'm sure
There ain't no one living no more, no choice
But to buy all your own time
Spend all your money at the casket store
Get love where you find it
It's the only fist we have to fight with
And soon, you're headed back to earth
The lyrics of Parquet Courts's song "Back to Earth" explore themes of struggle, finding solace, and the transience of human existence. The singer starts by describing a period of desperation, where they were walking a fine line between health and poverty. They encounter someone who profoundly affects them, causing a shift in their thoughts and calling it their soul. This implies that this encounter brings a deeper meaning or understanding to their life.
The chorus emphasizes the importance of finding love wherever one can, as it is the only means of fighting against the challenges of life. The line "soon, you're headed back to earth" suggests that despite any temporary escapism or enlightenment, the singer knows that ultimately, they will have to face the realities of everyday life.
In the second verse, the singer embarks on a journey to rediscover themselves and find a place where they can truly relax. They compare themselves to an empty cage, possibly indicating a sense of freedom and liberation from their previous struggles. They also mention dressing up like a saint, which could be a metaphor for finding a new sense of purpose or presenting oneself as a better version of themselves.
The bridge of the song reflects a sense of disillusionment and cynicism. The singer states that they have traveled the world twice and are convinced that no one is truly living anymore. This may be a commentary on the superficiality and emptiness they have experienced through their travels. They feel compelled to buy their own time and spend their money at a "casket store," implying that time is fleeting and money is ultimately wasted on material possessions.
Overall, "Back to Earth" explores the search for meaning and connection in a world that often feels uncertain and disheartening. The lyrics suggest that while temporary moments of joy or enlightenment can be found, ultimately, we are all faced with the realities of our existence and the need to fight for love and authenticity.
Line by Line Meaning
Was biding my time, desperately, I walked the line
I was waiting anxiously, navigating carefully
Between health and poverty
Struggling to balance well-being and destitution
Looked into a face, all my thoughts they were replaced
When I gazed upon someone, my mind completely shifted
I had the nerve to call it soul
I daringly labeled it as a soul
Get love where you find it
Find and embrace love wherever it appears
It's the only fist we have to fight with
Love is our only weapon
And soon, you're headed back to earth
And before long, you will return to reality
Found myself along a path, traced all my steps back
I discovered myself on a journey, retracing my every move
Found a place to relearn to relax
Discovered a space to rediscover how to unwind
Rested like an empty cage and where the moon starts everyday
Resting akin to an empty confinement, where every day begins with the moon
And I can dress up like a saint
And I can pretend to be virtuous
Twice I've been around the world and I'm sure
Twice I've traveled the world and I'm certain
There ain't no one living no more, no choice
No one else exists, no alternative
But to buy all your own time
Except to invest in your own time
Spend all your money at the casket store
Expend all your wealth at the funeral shop
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: Andrew Savage, Austin Bradley Brown, Maxwell Savage, Sean Yeaton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind