Before recording under the name Phosphorescent, Houck traveled the world playing under the moniker Fillup Shack and, in 2000, self-released a limited pressing of the album "Hipolit". In 2001 Houck changed his recording name to Phosphorescent, and, in 2003, released the full-length album "A Hundred Times or More". Interestingly, in the liner notes of the album, Fillup Shack is credited with the drum recordings. The following year, he released the EP "The Weight of Flight".
Phosphorescent rose to wider critical acclaim after releasing "Aw Come Aw Wry" in August 2005 and "Pride" in October 2007. The latter was named the 12th best album of 2007 by Stylus Magazine and received a 8.0 rating from indie website Pitchfork Media. In 2009, inspired by Willie Nelson's tribute album to Lefty Frizzell entitled "To Lefty From Willie", Houck crafted a tribute album to Nelson himself entitled "To Willie" which was released through Dead Oceans. Phosphorescent released "Here's to Taking It Easy" in 2010 and "Muchacho" in 2013.
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I Am a Full Grown Man
Phosphorescent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dressed in light though it always
It always gets cold
I can sing through my fingers
Though the worth of a singer
Is nothing I'm told
I am a full grown man
In the grass
In the grass
All day
I can freeze in the place that
Gets me free from this taste that
I have in my heart
We can curl in the waters
Naked swirling like otters
(you know how they are)
I am a full grown man
I will be calm calm calm
In the grass
In the grass
In your arms
At its core, "I Am a Full Grown Man" speaks to the desire to embrace life wholeheartedly and without reservation. The opening lines are an expression of the freedom that the singer feels; the ability to move effortlessly through the world and overcome any obstacles. However, this freedom is tempered by a sense of isolation that creeps in. Despite the lightness he feels, the singer acknowledges the persistent chill that lingers just beneath the surface.
The song then shifts to talking about the power of music to transport and uplift us. The singer recognizes that there are those who may dismiss the worth of a performer like him, but he's not deterred by this. He continues to sing through his fingers with a passion that can't be quashed.
This brings us back to the central refrain of the song: "I am a full grown man". Here, there's a sense of the singer owning his individuality and refusing to be bound by anyone else's narrow perceptions of masculinity. He's happy to while away his time laying in the grass, finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. The final lines leave us with the image of the singer finding comfort and safety in another person's embrace. All in all, this is a song about embracing life's ups and downs with an open heart and mind.
Line by Line Meaning
I can fly through these hallways
I am able to effortlessly navigate my surroundings and feel weightless in my movements.
Dressed in light though it always
Regardless of the circumstances, I remain luminous.
It always gets cold
Despite my inner light, I still feel the emotional coldness of the world.
I can sing through my fingers
My creativity flows freely through me and I effortlessly express myself through music.
Though the worth of a singer
While society may not value artistic expression, it is still an essential part of my identity.
Is nothing I'm told
I refuse to let external opinions invalidate the significance of my passions.
I am a full grown man
I am a mature individual who confidently embraces my identity.
I will lay lay lay
I will rest and find peace amidst the chaos of the world.
In the grass
I seek solace in nature and simplicity.
All day
I will take as much time as I need to find my inner calm.
I can freeze in the place that
I have the power to pause and reflect in moments of emotional turmoil.
Gets me free from this taste that
I find freedom when I escape from the negative emotions that consume me.
I have in my heart
My heart holds onto pain and struggles to find peace.
We can curl in the waters
I can find intimacy and connection with those who share similar experiences.
Naked swirling like otters
We can let go of societal norms and judgments and find joy and freedom.
I am a full grown man
My age and gender does not limit my ability to be vulnerable and find comfort.
I will be calm calm calm
I will strive to find inner tranquility and let go of my anxieties.
In the grass
Nature provides a sense of grounding and peace for me.
In your arms
Finding comfort in another person's embrace provides a sense of security and love.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MATTHEW HOUCK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind