Grounded
Pavement [1995 - Wowee Zowee] Lyrics
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Got crystal ice picks, no gift for the gab
And in the parking lot, is the sedan he bought
He never, he never complains when it's hot
He foaled a swollen daughter in the sauna playing contract bridge
They're soaking up the fun or doing blotters I don't know which, which, which
Boys are dying on these streets
I know the medical world could knock you out
To sell the coins that you jayed last Thursday, hey
Dine by candlelight, and hold your savings tight
You never, you never know when the bridge falls apart
He spoke of latent causes, sterile gauzes, and the bedside morale
He traipse around the table talking sentences so incomplete, plete, plete
Boys are dying on these streets
The lyrics of Pavement's song 'Grounded' are full of cryptic and surreal imagery, making it difficult to pin down a specific meaning. However, there are a few possible interpretations that can be drawn from the lyrics. The opening lines seem to describe a doctor's departure for the holidays, with no gifts to give and a car waiting outside. The reference to crystal ice picks may indicate drug use, but it's unclear. The line "He never complains when it's hot" may refer to the doctor's ability to remain calm under pressure or his apathy towards the problems of his patients.
The next lines introduce new characters: a swollen daughter and her friends who are either "soaking up the fun" or taking blotters (presumably LSD). The statement "boys are dying on these streets" adds a sudden and ominous note to the song's tone. The singer then reflects on the medical world's ability to knock someone out and questions why someone would sell their coins, using language that is deliberately vague and confusing.
The final lines return to the doctor, who speaks about "latent causes" and "sterile gauzes." His language is incomplete and fragmented, leaving the listener unsure of what he's actually trying to say. The repetition of "plete" further emphasizes the idea of an incomplete thought. Once again, the line "boys are dying on these streets" serves to underline the danger and uncertainty of the world we inhabit.
Overall, 'Grounded' uses surreal and enigmatic language to create a mood of unease and uncertainty. The various characters and images hinted at in the lyrics are not fully fleshed out, leaving the listener to draw their own conclusions about what is happening.
Line by Line Meaning
Doctor's leaving for the holiday season
The physician is taking a break for the festive time
Got crystal ice picks, no gift for the gab
He possesses pick tools but doesn't have fluent speaking ability
And in the parking lot, is the sedan he bought
His car is parked in the lot where he made the purchase
He never, he never complains when it's hot
He doesn't whine about the heat
He foaled a swollen daughter in the sauna playing contract bridge
He fathered a daughter who got swollen while playing bridge game in the sauna
They're soaking up the fun or doing blotters I don't know which, which, which
They are having an enjoyable time or taking psychedelic drugs
Boys are dying on these streets
Males are losing their lives on these roads
I know the medical world could knock you out
I acknowledge that the medical field has the power to make you unconscious
To sell the coins that you jayed last Thursday, hey
To exchange the money you gambled away on Thursday, hey
Dine by candlelight, and hold your savings tight
Have dinner by the light of the candles and don't squander your money
You never, you never know when the bridge falls apart
You can't predict when things will fall apart
He spoke of latent causes, sterile gauzes, and the bedside morale
He talked about hidden reasons, antiseptic dressings, and the emotional state of patients beside their beds
He traipse around the table talking sentences so incomplete, plete, plete
He walks around the table using phrases that are not entirely constructed
Boys are dying on these streets
Males are losing their lives on these roads
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: STEPHEN MALKMUS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind