In its earlier days, the band had duel vocals performed by De Marrais and Fischer; later, De Marrais would become the lead vocalist in the majority of their songs. The band's many tours and intimate live shows at venues such as Brooklyn's Northsix (now Music Hall of Williamsburg), Washington, D.C.'s The Black Cat, Bowery Ballroom in NYC, and Chapel Hill's Cat's Cradle helped to grow its fan base and fuel album sales.
On November 6, 2006, the band announced, through Pitchfork Media, that the December 16th show at New York City's Bowery Ballroom would be their last. They played one more show on December 17th at Northsix, which De Marrais referred to as "home" because it also served as the band's rehearsal space.
The band reformed in 2014 with a reunion show at Bowery Ballroom on December 31. Additional shows were added for February 14 and April 18, 2015 at Lincoln Hall in Chicago and Union Transfer in Philadelphia, respectively.
In 2017 the band released S/T, their first album in 11 years.
Save My Skin
Rainer Maria Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
that precious way it holds me in
reminds you of holy days you once believed in
please don't stop
there's something new
stirring up the elements under the surface
the first thing i want to do
is to overcome my temperament
there is the eloquence
and there is the difference
between what is said
and what is never said
the first thing i want to do
is to champion the tenderness i once believed in
please don't stop
tried to be a materialist
'til i was treated like simple flesh
tried to mention all my sins
but i didn't know where to begin
should i forget them?
or should i let them begin again?
The lyrics of "Save My Skin" by Rainer Maria seem to speak about a personal journey of self-discovery and growth. The first verse talks about the singer's determination to find a way to "save" their own skin, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for preserving their identity and sense of self-worth. The skin is described as a precious way that holds the singer in, reminding them of "holy days" they once believed in. This could suggest that the person is trying to reconnect with their spiritual or moral roots in order to find strength and meaning in their life.
The second verse contains a mixed message, with the singer asking the listener not to stop ("there's something new stirring up the elements under the surface"), but also admitting that they struggle with their own temperament and need to overcome it. The line "let the arrow find its purpose" could be interpreted as a call to action, urging the listener to trust their instincts and follow their true path. The third verse touches on the power of words and the difference between what is said and what is not said, suggesting that the singer is trying to communicate something important but may struggle to find the right words. Ultimately, the chorus reiterates the central theme of the song, with the singer pledging to "champion the tenderness [they] once believed in" and asking for support and understanding along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
i'll find a way to save my skin
I will find a way to avoid harm or danger.
that precious way it holds me in
The valuable way it protects and secures me.
reminds you of holy days you once believed in
Recalling the sacred memories of the beliefs you once held dear.
please don't stop
A request not to slow down or cease the process.
there's something new
The presence of a novel entity or idea.
stirring up the elements under the surface
Creating movement or commotion in underlying components.
the first thing i want to do
The initial thing that one desires to achieve.
is to overcome my temperament
Mastering or controlling one's nature or disposition.
let the arrow find its purpose
Allowing the intended function or destination of a projectile.
there is the eloquence
The existence of a refined and persuasive speech.
and there is the difference
A contrast or distinction between two things.
between what is said
The spoken words or expressions.
and what is never said
The unuttered or unspoken sentiments or notions.
the first thing i want to do
The primary objective I need to fulfill.
is to champion the tenderness I once believed in
To actively promote or uphold the compassion and gentleness that were once held dear.
please don't stop
An urgent request not to halt or discontinue the activity.
tried to be a materialist
Attempted to approach everything from a perspective of material or physical reality.
til i was treated like simple flesh
Until I was treated as nothing more than mere bodily matter.
tried to mention all my sins
Attempted to enumerate all of my immoral actions.
but i didn't know where to begin
I was uncertain of where to start or what to say.
should I forget them?
Should I erase or disregard these wrongdoings from my mind?
or should I let them begin again?
Or should I permit them to take hold and repeat themselves?
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
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