Pygmy Lush (sometimes spelled as one word) is a band from Sterling, Virgini… Read Full Bio ↴Pygmy Lush (sometimes spelled as one word) is a band from Sterling, Virginia. The band was formed by ex-Pg. 99 members Mike and Chris Taylor and Johnny Ward. Other members include Mike Widman and David Krepinevich, and previous associated acts include City of Caterpillar, Majority Rule and Malady.

In 2007, they released an album of previously and newly recorded material on Robotic Empire entitled Bitter River. The songs alternate between two general styles, hardcore punk and acoustic folk, described by one reviewer as "ramshackle trashy punk rave-ups between beer-soaked bouts of twisted folk."

In June 2008, they released their second album, Mount Hope, which was recorded by Kurt Ballou of Godcity Studio and released on Lovitt Records. This album consisted entirely of quieter, folk style songs. Various reviewers described the album as a "metamorphosis" and that the band "has grown up and into a new sound, leaving hardcore behind" to describe the stylistic evolution of the band.

Their 2009 split LP with Turboslut is available on LP from Exotic Fever Records of Washington, DC.

Asphalt
Pygmy Lush Lyrics

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the asphalt is leaning on me like a mountain.
the pressure is building and i'm exhausted.
i know you know there is nowhere to go.
knowing is trying; its not a secret.
i know you know there is nowhere to go.
i'm sleeping in a basement; it's cold and undusted.
the pictures are hanging all my walls like a guilliotine.
i know you know there is nowhere.

laying down here trying to think of nothing,

i know you know there is nowhere to go.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Pygmy Lush's song Asphalt are a haunting expression of the weight and pressure that life can bring. The singer describes the asphalt, which represents the burdens and responsibilities weighing them down, as leaning on them like a mountain. This image conveys not only the physical heaviness of the situation but also the sense of being trapped and unable to escape. The exhaustion of the singer is palpable, further emphasizing the overwhelming nature of their circumstances. They acknowledge that there is nowhere to go, which suggests a feeling of being trapped or cornered.

The line "knowing is trying; it's not a secret" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the singer is aware of the reality of their situation and has been trying to find a solution. However, despite their efforts, they remain trapped and weighed down. The mention of sleeping in a cold and undusted basement, with pictures hanging on the walls like a guillotine, creates a sense of claustrophobia and impending doom. The final lines of the song convey a sense of resignation to the situation, with the singer laying down and trying to think of nothing. The repetition of the phrase "I know you know there is nowhere to go" underscores the feeling of being trapped and hopeless.

Overall, Pygmy Lush's song Asphalt is a powerful exploration of the psychological and emotional toll of feeling trapped and weighed down by circumstances outside of one's control. The lyrics are rich in imagery that conveys a sense of being trapped and claustrophobic, and the repetition of the phrase "nowhere to go" emphasizes the feeling of hopelessness.

Line by Line Meaning

the asphalt is leaning on me like a mountain.
I feel trapped and weighed down by the never-ending burden of everyday life.

the pressure is building and i'm exhausted.
The constant stress is taking a toll on my mind and body, leaving me drained and fatigued.

i know you know there is nowhere to go.
I understand that you also realize the limitations and constraints we face in life.

knowing is trying; its not a secret.
Acknowledging our struggles and limitations takes effort and energy, and it's not something that can be kept hidden or denied.

i know you know there is nowhere to go.
Once again, I recognize that we are both aware of the situation we are in, with no easy solutions or escape routes.

i'm sleeping in a basement; it's cold and undusted.
My living conditions are less than ideal, with little comfort or warmth, and a sense of neglect or abandonment.

the pictures are hanging all my walls like a guilliotine.
The reminders of past experiences and memories can feel overwhelming and oppressive, like a looming threat.

i know you know there is nowhere.
Once again, I acknowledge that we are both aware of the limitations and boundaries that we must live within.

laying down here trying to think of nothing,
Sometimes the only respite from the pressures of life is to try and clear our minds, to escape from our thoughts and worries.

i know you know there is nowhere to go.
In this final line, I reiterate the sense of helplessness and resignation we both share, as we face the struggles of life with no easy solutions or escape routes.

Contributed by Jayden A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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