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.
NYC Observation
Parquet Courts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you never learned, you never got it did ya?
How to glide past people sleeping on the sidewalk
Dreaming about stepping over something to bite on
Feeling pretty weak and you need something to rely on
Something you can't find in a store
New York City observation, is it a swan song wildly ahead of itself?
Talk so loud you don't hear other people's problems
Trying not to look, you're not the person to solve them
"Waste it all on booze", we all need something to revolve on
Something that you can't afford
K2 sales are gaining and they ain't gonna drop, no
Big Boy was the scene of the crime
Fenced unfinished condo beats a pissed soak curb
Yeah, smells like burning plastic but it comes from a rock now
Shelter curfew is passed, looks like tonight you got locked out
Good a place as any to lay low and stay clocked out
Some things you just can't ignore
The lyrics of Parquet Courts' song "NYC Observation" delve into the realities of living in New York City, particularly the struggle to stay afloat amidst the fast-paced and often unforgiving nature of the city. The opening lines depict a constant pursuit of success and prosperity, but with the realization that despite one's efforts, it is challenging to stay ahead of the crowd. The singer reflects on their failure to understand how to navigate past the destitute individuals sleeping on sidewalks, symbolizing the social and economic disparities often present in urban environments.
The lyrics also touch upon the need for something to rely on, something that can't be bought in a store. This signifies the search for a sense of purpose or fulfillment that extends beyond material possessions. The song suggests that amidst the chaos and noise of the city, there is a lack of truly listening and understanding others' struggles. The line "waste it all on booze" represents the coping mechanisms people adopt to deal with their own problems, which may serve as a temporary escape but ultimately leave them searching for something more substantial.
The second verse focuses on the changing dynamics of the cityscape. The references to K2 sales, a synthetic drug, and an unfinished condo development being fenced off highlight the dark underbelly and gentrification that often accompany urban growth. The mention of the "piss soak curb" contrasts the glamorized image of New York City with the harsh realities found on its streets. The lyrics imply that even though the city may be pulsating with life and opportunity, there are undeniable issues that cannot be ignored.
Overall, "NYC Observation" provides a realistic and contemplative perspective on living in New York City, shedding light on the struggles, contradictions, and complexities that exist within such an iconic urban environment.
Line by Line Meaning
Living in proximity of a dollar trying to get ahead of the pack
Trying to live in the hustle and bustle of the city, constantly striving to get ahead financially
But you never learned, you never got it did ya?
But you never grasped the true essence of success, did you?
How to glide past people sleeping on the sidewalk
How to navigate through the struggles of those less fortunate, without being affected
Dreaming about stepping over something to bite on
Imagining finding something worthwhile to hold on to or enjoy
Feeling pretty weak and you need something to rely on
Feeling vulnerable and searching for something to depend on
Something you can't find in a store
Something intangible that cannot be bought or acquired from a shop
New York City observation, is it a swan song wildly ahead of itself?
Is this a bleak yet prophetic view of New York City, anticipating its own decline?
But you never listened to the music did ya?
But you never paid attention to the signs or warnings, did you?
Talk so loud you don't hear other people's problems
Being so caught up in your own world that you fail to acknowledge or understand the struggles of others
Trying not to look, you're not the person to solve them
Avoiding confronting the problems because you feel incapable of solving them
"Waste it all on booze", we all need something to revolve on
"Spend it all on alcohol", we all need something to distract ourselves and give our lives purpose
Something that you can't afford
Something that is beyond your means or financial capacity
K2 sales are gaining and they ain't gonna drop, no
Synthetic drug (K2) sales are increasing rapidly and show no signs of slowing down
Big Boy was the scene of the crime
An actual location (presumably a bar or club) where some wrongdoing took place
Fenced unfinished condo beats a pissed soak curb
An incomplete condominium complex with barriers is more appealing than a dirty and wet street corner
Yeah, smells like burning plastic but it comes from a rock now
It may have a strange, unpleasant odor, but it's the result of drug usage
Shelter curfew is passed, looks like tonight you got locked out
The time limit to enter a shelter has expired, and it seems like you're left without a place to go for the night
Good a place as any to lay low and stay clocked out
This seems like a suitable place to hide and avoid responsibilities for a while
Some things you just can't ignore
There are certain issues or problems that cannot be overlooked or disregarded
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: Andrew Savage, Austin Bradley Brown, Maxwell Savage, Sean Yeaton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind