Parquet Courts is a band from New York City. The band is fronted by Andrew… Read Full Bio ↴Parquet Courts is a band from New York City. The band is fronted by Andrew Savage, who is known for his collaborations with projects like Fergus & Geronimo, Teenage Cool Kids and Wiccans. Savage is joined by Austin Brown (Guitar), Sean Yeaton (Bass) and Max Savage (Drums).

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.

Dear Ramona
Parquet Courts Lyrics

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An air of self delusion that no two arms could ever contain
This lady is a hypnosis poet and when she speaks her words weep like rain
She tiptoes through the side streets in the morning and wears dark sunshades at night
However she might be spending her time I don't know you'd have to ask her neighbors

But she ain't ever gonna open up (no)
She ain't ever gonna open up (no)
Not to no one

My dear ramona

Born in some unnatural state that no one father would claim
This daughter saving up commissions from acting but no one's ever seen her play
She fixes breakfast for two in the morning and drinks dark coffee at night
Whoever she might be going to bed with, you can read about that in her moleskin

But she ain't ever gonna open up (no)
She ain't ever gonna open up (no)

Not to no one
My dear ramona

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Parquet Courts' song Dear Ramona are about a mysterious and elusive woman named Ramona. The singer describes her as having an "air of self delusion" that no one can contain, suggesting that she has a complex and possibly troubled persona. Ramona is referred to as a "hypnosis poet" whose words have the power to move people to tears like rain. Despite her enigmatic nature, the singer describes her routines such as tiptoeing through the side streets in the morning and wearing dark sunglasses at night. However, the singer admits that he doesn't really know what Ramona does when she's not in public and suggests that you would have to ask her neighbors to find out more about her.

The second verse adds more detail about Ramona's background. She was born in an unnatural state that no one would claim as their own, further emphasizing her otherworldly or mysterious nature. The singer mentions that she saves up commissions from acting, although nobody has ever seen her perform, adding to the enigma surrounding her. Despite her seeming detachment, the singer also notes that she fixes breakfast for two in the morning and drinks dark coffee at night, suggesting that there may be someone in her life, but the singer offers no further insight. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of fascination and frustration with Ramona, a woman who is at once alluring and distant, spellbinding and mysterious.

Line by Line Meaning

An air of self delusion that no two arms could ever contain
Ramona exudes a strong sense of self-deception that cannot be tamed or controlled by anyone, no matter how hard they try.

This lady is a hypnosis poet and when she speaks her words weep like rain
Ramona is a skilled wordsmith who can captivate her listeners with hypnotic, emotionally charged language that often elicits tears.

She tiptoes through the side streets in the morning and wears dark sunshades at night
Ramona is a secretive figure who prefers to move about quietly, under the radar of the general public. She wears dark glasses to disguise herself when out in the evening.

However she might be spending her time I don't know you'd have to ask her neighbors
It is unclear how Ramona spends her free time, as she keeps to herself and her neighbors are the only ones who may have any insight into her private life.

But she ain't ever gonna open up (no)
Despite her actions and words, Ramona is not likely to reveal her true emotions or inner thoughts to anyone.

Not to no one
Ramona is not going to open up to anyone, under any circumstances.

Born in some unnatural state that no one father would claim
Ramona was likely born out of wedlock, as no man has claimed responsibility or paternity for her.

This daughter saving up commissions from acting but no one's ever seen her play
Ramona is known to work in the entertainment industry, possibly as an actress, but no one has ever actually seen her perform.

She fixes breakfast for two in the morning and drinks dark coffee at night
Ramona routines include preparing breakfast for two people in the morning, regardless of whether she has a companion or not, and drinking strong coffee at night.

Whoever she might be going to bed with, you can read about that in her moleskin
Ramona keeps a diary, in which she may reveal more about the people she spends time with, including intimate partners.

Contributed by William S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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