Black And White
Parquet Courts Lyrics


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Nothing makes my heart so wild as being
In possession of a potent night
Racing down the stairs in a nude descension
Shedding and discarding my hide
But the bold strokes crack so quickly
And it′s often that I wonder why
Dripping at the slow-motion rate of surrender
Hanging to my bones as they dry
How can I want something more than a new hell in which to fry
When I see in only black and white?

There's a sinful sort of side of being
So contained, a bit like being lost
Stumbling through the background like a small town loner
Quietly a-whisperin′ my thoughts into my cupped hands
Folded and monk-like, at least that's what I've always said
How does writing letters from the lonely margins feel
When there is no hair on my head?
Is the solitude I seek a trap where I′ve been blindly led?
Tell me, where then do I go instead?

When atonement comes in distant waves
I might wait until the next to break
Choking through forgiveness at a sunfly prompter
Staring through the back of my face
Its a vulgar, hidden part of being tethered to the world right now;
Spending all my dollars to remain a member
Nothing in my eyes but a scowl




Do I bother to define myself beyond what they allow?
Have I already forgotten how?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Parquet Courts' song "Black And White" delve into themes of inner struggles, self-doubt, and the search for meaning. The singer describes the exhilaration and liberation they feel when indulging in self-destructive behavior, symbolized by the line "Nothing makes my heart so wild as being in possession of a potent night." However, they also recognize the fleeting nature of these experiences, as indicated by the line "But the bold strokes crack so quickly." The singer questions their desires and motivations, wondering why they yearn for something more than the constant cycle of destruction and rebirth, represented by the metaphor of wanting "something more than a new hell in which to fry."


The second stanza delves into the complex emotions that accompany a sense of isolation and the search for identity. The singer portrays themselves as a loner, quietly whispering their thoughts into their cupped hands. They question the significance of their actions, such as writing letters from the margins of society, when they feel so disconnected and invisible. The question of solitude arises, where the singer wonders if their pursuit of solitude has become a trap. They seek guidance and ask where they should go instead, suggesting a longing for purpose and direction.


Overall, the lyrics to "Black And White" reflect the internal conflicts and uncertainties that arise from a search for authenticity and fulfillment. The song explores the tension between the desire for freedom and self-expression and the fear of being trapped in destructive patterns or societal expectations.


Line by Line Meaning

Nothing makes my heart so wild as being
There is nothing that excites me more than being alive and experiencing life to the fullest


In possession of a potent night
Embracing the intensity and possibilities of the night


Racing down the stairs in a nude descension
Moving swiftly and fearlessly, shedding all inhibitions


Shedding and discarding my hide
Letting go of my past self and embracing change


But the bold strokes crack so quickly
Bold actions or decisions often lead to undesirable consequences


And it's often that I wonder why
Reflecting on the reasons behind these questionable choices


Dripping at the slow-motion rate of surrender
Slowly succumbing to the consequences and accepting defeat


Hanging to my bones as they dry
Feeling the weight of my mistakes and regrets as they become permanent


How can I want something more than a new hell in which to fry
Questioning why I sometimes desire self-destructive situations


When I see in only black and white?
Viewing the world in a simplistic and limited manner


There's a sinful sort of side of being
Being human entails having a capacity for sin and temptation


So contained, a bit like being lost
Feeling trapped and aimless, like a lost soul


Stumbling through the background like a small town loner
Navigating through life unnoticed, feeling isolated and detached


Quietly a-whisperin' my thoughts into my cupped hands
Reflecting on my innermost thoughts in solitude


Folded and monk-like, at least that's what I've always said
Taking on a contemplative and disciplined demeanor, or so I claimed


How does writing letters from the lonely margins feel
Expressing my feelings of loneliness and being on the outskirts


When there is no hair on my head?
Feeling exposed and vulnerable, stripped of outward appearances


Is the solitude I seek a trap where I've been blindly led?
Questioning whether my desire for solitude is actually imprisoning me


Tell me, where then do I go instead?
Seeking guidance on finding an alternative path


When atonement comes in distant waves
Apologies and forgiveness are delayed and infrequent


I might wait until the next to break
I may endure until the next opportunity for relief presents itself


Choking through forgiveness at a sunfly prompter
Struggling to forgive, overwhelmed by insignificant triggers


Staring through the back of my face
Feeling detached and disconnected from my own identity


It's a vulgar, hidden part of being tethered to the world right now
Feeling disgusted and burdened by the societal constraints and obligations


Spending all my dollars to remain a member
Investing significant resources to conform and belong


Nothing in my eyes but a scowl
Experiencing a constant state of displeasure and dissatisfaction


Do I bother to define myself beyond what they allow?
Questioning if I should break free from societal expectations and define myself on my own terms


Have I already forgotten how?
Doubting my ability to rediscover my true self




Writer(s): Andrew Christopher Savage, Sean Yeaton, Austin Brown, Max Savage

Contributed by Charlie G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@theneedledrop

That face. 0___0

@beckmichul864

Woo! Do dat review imafanthony mandingo!

@MaxBrilhart

Anthony, I'm a huge fan, but how do you get so many thumbs up on everything you comment on?!? This track is superb, but you didn't even like this album, and you're commenting on the video!

@jackv6227

theneedledrop oh hey Anthony

@miguelramos48017

Oh shit, 69 likes. Nice.

@saulandreaguirrevega305

The busiest internet nerd

@gloriamudany5115

Anyone else hear from the Riot Episode of 13 reasons why season 4??
That's what brought me here

@mikaylak1575

Same here haha

@Hernandez616FTW

Same and I also found it across YouTube lol

@meerkatski

Love it, don't care if it's been 'done before'. Great energy.

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