Clemenceau
Pinback Lyrics

hand me down halo
The singer is repeating this phrase as if describing someone who tries to take on the qualities of a wholesome or pure person, but only because they think it will make them look better and not because they actually embody those qualities.

halo hello
This is a sarcastic greeting, indicating that although someone may project a facade of purity or innocence, the singer sees right through it.

I saw you (I saw you)
The singer is addressing someone directly, letting them know that they have been observed and judged.

asleep In the car (asleep in the car)
The person being addressed is in a state of vulnerability or weakness, caught in the midst of a transitional phase or obstacle.

on the first wave out of a fallen town.
The person being addressed is fleeing from some kind of wreckage or failure, trying to start fresh somewhere else.

they follow to another cell
This line repeats the earlier phrase about the 'hand me down halo', indicating that the person being addressed is still trying to fit into a role that doesn't come naturally to them.

to another cell
This line implies that despite moving on from their previous situation, the person being addressed is still caught in a cycle of self-deception and repetition.

I watched you (I watched you)
The artist continues to address the person directly, emphasizing the scrutiny and judgment that is being applied to them.

from the bars of my room (from the bars of my room)
The artist is revealing that they have been observing the person from a place of confinement or restriction, perhaps indicating a sense of superiority or detachment from the person being addressed.

always got a suntan at the first light of every Sunday.
The person being addressed is portrayed as someone who tries too hard to appear healthy and well-groomed, perhaps to the point of being ridiculous.

and your broken teeth, like a mangled screen
The singer is pointing out a physical flaw in the person being addressed, but also comparing it to a distorted image, suggesting that the flaw is not just superficial but indicative of a deeper issue or insecurity.

and your burnout smile on your ashtray face.
The person being addressed is described as looking tired and worn out, with a smile that is more like a grimace or a mask.

made me sick.
The singer is expressing disgust or disillusionment with the person being addressed, perhaps because they see through their attempt to appear wholesome or because of the person's overall demeanor.

you always made me sick.
This line repeats the sentiment expressed earlier, indicating that the singer is truly repulsed by the person and not just temporarily put off by them.

have a cigarette. have an omelet.
The singer is offering a series of what seem like random items, but which may be intended to suggest that the person being addressed is trying too hard to indulge or comfort themselves in various ways.

a little nasty. a little balloon.
This line further emphasizes the idea that the person being addressed is trying to have their cake and eat it too, indulging themselves in negative or harmful ways while still trying to project a pure or wholesome image.

have a cold sore. have a nightmare.
The artist is suggesting that the person being addressed is not just indulging themselves in hedonistic or negative ways, but is also suffering from physical and/or psychological issues.

a little memory. a little history.
This line may be intended to suggest that the person being addressed is trying to retain some sense of nostalgia or respectability, even though they are indulging themselves in various problematic or self-destructive ways.

have a problem. have a collapse.
The singer is suggesting that the person being addressed is not just struggling with various issues, but is also on the verge of a breakdown or crisis.

a little sympathy. a little sympathy.
This line may indicate that the artist has some empathy or compassion for the person being addressed, even though they are disgusted or disillusioned with them.

have a pager. have a baby.
The artist is once again offering a random assortment of items, but this time they may be intended to suggest that the person being addressed is trying to have both a sense of independence and a sense of responsibility, which may not be compatible.

a little medicine. a little discipline.
The artist is suggesting that the person being addressed needs some kind of intervention or help, either in the form of medication or behavioral change.

have a lie down. have a sugar hand. (20, 40, 68...)
This line seems to indicate a sequence of random or nonsensical actions, perhaps to further emphasize the absurdity or desperation of the person being addressed.

a little hassle. a little enemy. (20, 40, 68...)
This line continues the theme of conflict or struggle that runs through the song, suggesting that the person being addressed is not just struggling with themselves but with others as well.

have a number. have a wallet chain. (20, 40, 68...)
This line may be intended to suggest that the person being addressed is trying to project a certain image, but is doing so in a way that is superficial or inauthentic.

a little nickname. a little self pity. (20, 40, 68...)
This line further emphasizes the idea of the person being addressed as someone who is trying to craft an identity or persona for themselves, but is doing so in a way that is either self-aggrandizing or self-destructive.