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.
I Was Just Here
Parquet Courts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This knob don't turn
My eyes feel like
Cigarette burnt
I'll cut my hair
But I don't care
Should I unwind
And go to sleep?
Straight from the source
My mind's worn out
Without a doubt
A cancelled plan
You understand
Just stopping by
Another time
I must have lost
My train of thought
You look so nice
Chinese-fried rice
Wouldn't you know
That place just closed?
I was just here
I was just here
I was just here
I was just here
I was just here
The lyrics to "I Was Just Here" by Parquet Courts convey a sense of disorientation and detachment. The singer seems to be in a state of confusion and exhaustion, struggling with mundane tasks like opening doors and feeling the physical toll of their lifestyle, as indicated by their burnt-out eyes. They contemplate cutting their hair but express a lack of concern. The lyrics express a desire to escape this fatigue, questioning whether they should unwind and go to sleep.
The reference to "creature comforts" suggests the singer seeks solace and comfort, perhaps through indulging in basic pleasures. However, the line "straight from the source" could also imply that these comforts are not providing the desired satisfaction, highlighting a sense of disillusionment.
The second verse adds to the theme of disorientation, as the singer's mind is described as worn out and unable to maintain a cohesive train of thought. They reference a cancelled plan, indicating a feeling of missed opportunities or disappointment. The mention of someone looking nice and the mention of Chinese-fried rice, followed by the realization that the place is closed, adds to the atmosphere of frustration and a sense of things never quite working out as intended.
The repetition of the phrase "I was just here" throughout the song underscores the singer's feeling of being present but disconnected, as if they are physically in a place but mentally elsewhere. The lyrics capture a sense of uncertainty, exhaustion, and a longing for something more fulfilling.
Line by Line Meaning
My keys don't work
I am feeling frustrated and locked out, both physically and metaphorically
This knob don't turn
I am faced with obstacles and resistance, preventing me from moving forward
My eyes feel like
Cigarette burnt
I am exhausted and worn out, resembling the aftermath of a smoke
I'll cut my hair
But I don't care
I am willing to make superficial changes, but deep down, I am indifferent and unmoved
Should I unwind
And go to sleep?
I am questioning whether I should let go and escape through sleep, seeking respite from my current state
Creature comforts
Straight from the source
I long for simple comforts and basic needs, directly from their pure origins
My mind's worn out
Without a doubt
My thoughts and mental state are exhausted, with no uncertainty
A cancelled plan
You understand
A previously arranged activity or intention has been canceled, and I believe you comprehend this
Just stopping by
Another time
I am making a brief visit or passing through, indicating the possibility of encountering again in the future
I must have lost
My train of thought
I have seemingly misplaced or forgotten my chain of reasoning or ideas
You look so nice
Chinese-fried rice
You appear attractive or pleasing to me, akin to the satisfaction of devouring Chinese cuisine
Wouldn't you know
That place just closed?
Coincidentally, the location we were considering has unexpectedly shut down or ceased operation
I was just here
I was present or nearby in the recent past
I was just here
I had been recently occupying this space or position
I was just here
I had just been here moments ago
I was just here
I had been only recently present in this particular place
I was just here
I had been here not long ago
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: SEAN YEATON, AUSTIN BROWN, MAXWELL SAVAGE, ANDREW SAVAGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind