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.
Mardi Gras Beads
Parquet Courts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your sad our goodbyes sound nostalgy
Your chords swung me from idolatry
I'm living like a vagabond, I just can't decide
When to leave
But it's roots are in the river to my mood it swings
A vow even is impossible to keep
Still you're standing with me, always carrying
The melody
Smiling all the while, the paint chips off
Of my Mardi Gras beads
It's the images contained not the lens or frames
Recalled to my mind before I fall asleep
A list of regrets is no place to be
I'm coming in late but I'll never modulate us
To a minor key
Smiling all the while, the paint chips off
Of my Mardi Gras beads
In the song "Mardi Gras Beads" by Parquet Courts, the lyrics describe a relationship that is filled with uncertainty and inability to commit. The singer is torn between leaving and staying in the relationship, always second-guessing their choices. The first verse describes the conflict of the singer's mind, as they hear memories and feel nostalgic for past goodbyes. The second verse talks about being rooted in a location or mood but struggling to keep vows or promises. The idea of balance is introduced, with the singer seemingly on a tightrope, unsure of what direction to go in. The chorus refers to the paint chipping off of the singer's Mardi Gras beads, a symbol of the fleetingness and impermanence of life, and how the singer is still able to smile despite the ups and downs of their relationship.
Overall, the lyrics suggest that the relationship is tenuous and filled with doubt, but the singer is determined to keep moving forward despite the uncertainty. The use of imagery and metaphor adds depth and complexity to the lyrics, highlighting the ephemeral nature of life and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Your mind sings some lyrics like we're memory
The singer reflects on past memories that seem like song lyrics in their mind.
Your sad our goodbyes sound nostalgy
The separation from a loved one is bittersweet, with feelings of nostalgia.
Your chords swung me from idolatry
The music of the band helped the singer move away from obsessive admiration or worship of something or someone.
I'm living like a vagabond, I just can't decide When to leave
The singer feels aimless and uncertain about the future, unable to decide when it's time to move on.
But it's roots are in the river to my mood it swings
The music reflects the singer's changing emotions and moods, influenced by the roots of the place where they live.
A vow even is impossible to keep
Making promises or commitments is difficult, as circumstances change and make them impossible to fulfill.
Every day is starting on the balance beam
Every day feels like a precarious balancing act, with uncertain outcomes and risks involved.
Still you're standing with me, always carrying The melody
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, the band and its music remain a constant support and source of inspiration for the singer.
Smiling all the while, the paint chips off Of my Mardi Gras beads
Even in the midst of difficult times, the singer tries to maintain a positive attitude, but things gradually fall apart, symbolized by the chipping paint on their Mardi Gras beads.
It's the images contained not the lens or frames Recalled to my mind before I fall asleep
What matters most are the memories and feelings evoked by images, rather than the technical details of how they were recorded or preserved.
A list of regrets is no place to be
Focusing on past mistakes and regrets is not helpful or productive, and it's better to move on and learn from them.
I'm coming in late but I'll never modulate us To a minor key
The singer may have arrived to the music scene later than others, but they won't let it bring them down or make them feel inferior, and will stay true to themselves and their unique sound.
Smiling all the while, the paint chips off Of my Mardi Gras beads
Despite challenges and setbacks, the singer remains optimistic and upbeat, although things may gradually fall apart, symbolized by the chipping paint on their Mardi Gras beads.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: Andrew Savage, Austin Brown, Sean Yeaton, Max Savage
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@faulsname8869
I love the songs that Austin writes/sings. They are always so clever and melodic. (Andrew’s too of course)
@koberaw8229
I want a range life... 🎶
@seancbowers
Oh wow.... Totally.
@ahatcho2028
within 3 seconds into the song I I thought the same thing
@hippriest9448
Similar chord progression for sure
@cactaceous
Kobe Raw That's the problem I have with this band, they wear their influences way too much on their sleeves to the point they sound like blatant rip off artists. Not an ounce of originality.
@indieguy81
It's 2018. Originality is overrated. Everything's already been done, so just enjoy the tunes. Trying to find an original rock band these days is like trying to find an honest person in the White House.
@bunnyzero0
This is a great turn, opened up into a spacious and majestic sound. I love these guys.
@DukGef
Now this makes me REALLY curious for the new album. That band sure has a hand for style and for surprises.
@lemouq
Your glance sings of lyrics ‘cite from memory It's sad our goodbyes sound nostalgic Your chords swung me from an ol’ holler tree I’m living like a vagabond that just can’t decide When to leave With roots are in the rhythm to my mood it swings I found even is impossible to keep Everyday starting up a balance beam Still you’re steady with me always carrying the melody Smiling all the while the paint chips off of my mala prayer beads It’s the images, contained – not the lens or frames Recalled to my mind before I fall asleep A list of regrets is no place to be I’m coming in late but I’ll never modulate us To the minor key Smiling all the while the paint chips off of my Mardi Gras beads