Founded by Creager in 1992, they have long held true to their mission of enlightening the common man as to the power and versatility of the mighty cello. Historically influenced, and constantly costumed, Rasputina keeps a small legion of incredibly passionate admirers enthralled with their earnest musicianship. Considered to be quite a pioneer and visionary, Melora and her group have inspired countless young people to pick up the cello, and have re-inspired many uninspired string players. Rasputina considers this to be the finest payment for their work.
Professional involvements have included Nirvana, Ultra Vivid Scene, Marilyn Manson, Porno For Pyros, Belle and Sebastian,and Cheap Trick.
Former Members of Rasputina:
Julia Kent (89-99)
Kris Cowperthwaite (00-02)
Zoë Keating (02-06)
Sarah Bowman (06-08)
Jonathon TeBeest (00-08)
Any Old Actress
Rasputina Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It was the finest moment in a long life.
Young boys will tack her pictures over their bed.
They saw her mouth move but couldn't hear what she said.
"You're a souvenir, a darling, dear."
She used to say that kind of thing.
Only her black rainbow meant something.
Don't cry for her now. Oh yeah. Don't cry for her.
I saw the sailor talking with the cops.
I saw the sailor walking with the cops.
First comes the nurse, that just got back from war.
She had a feather in her cap. That's all she wore.
Then comes the mother and she's got a friend.
And they start yelling at you and that's how it all began.
It's one of those things you should not try at home.
What's meant by intentional falls can never be known.
And old actress worth her salt outta know
The higher you are you want to see what's below.
The song "Any Old Actress" by Rasputina is about the life and career of an aging actress. The first verse speaks of a moment in her career where she broke through barriers 40 feet high, which was her finest moment in a long life. However, despite being adored by young boys who put her pictures over their bed, they couldn't hear what she said. This perhaps shows that despite her fame and success, she wasn't truly understood. The second verse reveals that the actress used to say things like "you're a souvenir, a darling, dear", perhaps referring to her fans, but the only thing that truly held meaning for her was her black rainbow. This is somewhat ambiguous, but it could represent a tragic event or story in her life that has been overshadowed by her fame. Despite all of this, the chorus insists that we shouldn't cry for her now.
The third verse speaks of a sailor who is seen talking to cops and walking with them, which is perhaps a reference to a scandal or controversy that the actress was involved in. The next lines describe a nurse who just returned from war with a feather in her cap, a mother with a friend, and how they all start yelling at you (presumably the actress), leading to some kind of conflict. The final line of the verse seems to be a warning to not attempt intentional falls at home, as the meaning can never be truly known. This ties into the final verse, where the actress, who is "worth her salt," knows to look down from a high place in order to see what's below. This perhaps symbolizes the idea of gaining perspective and understanding from looking down on something.
Overall, "Any Old Actress" is a poignant and mysterious song, filled with vivid imagery and evocative lyrics. It portrays the life of an aging actress who has seen both fame and tragedy, and encourages us not to pity her, but to perhaps learn from her experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
They saw her break through barriers 40 feet high.
Witnesses saw her achieve great success despite formidable obstacles.
It was the finest moment in a long life.
This accomplishment was the greatest achievement in her years of living.
Young boys will tack her pictures over their bed.
Her beauty and talent inspire young fans to idolize and admire her.
They saw her mouth move but couldn't hear what she said.
Observers were unable to understand or relate to her words or message.
"You're a souvenir, a darling, dear."
This is a phrase that she frequently used to flatter and charm others.
She used to say that kind of thing.
This statement is a reflection of her past behavior or speech.
"You're a mantlepiece with strong beliefs."
She values someone who is ornamental yet has conviction and resolve.
Only her black rainbow meant something.
Her black-colored sign of hope and promise was the only thing that had significance for her.
Don't cry for her now. Oh yeah. Don't cry for her.
She doesn't want others to pity her or mourn for her present circumstances.
I saw the sailor talking with the cops.
The artist physically witnessed a sailor conversing with law enforcement officers.
I saw the sailor walking with the cops.
The singer observed the same sailor walking in the presence of authorities.
First comes the nurse, that just got back from war.
The first person to appear in this scenario is a recently returned nurse from the military.
She had a feather in her cap. That's all she wore.
This nurse was adorned solely with a feather as a decoration, drawing attention to herself.
Then comes the mother and she's got a friend.
Following the nurse's appearance, a mother accompanied by a friend is introduced.
And they start yelling at you and that's how it all began.
These two individuals begin to loudly criticize or blame someone for an unknown reason, igniting an altercation or argument.
It's one of those things you should not try at home.
The following activity or behavior should not be attempted in one's own residence.
What's meant by intentional falls can never be known.
The true intentions or motivations behind purposefully falling or failing cannot be understood.
And old actress worth her salt outta know
A skilled and experienced actress should understand the risks and rewards of performing daring acts.
The higher you are you want to see what's below.
As one rises in fame or status, they desire to observe or control those below them.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MELORA "RASPUTINA" CREAGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Space Cadet Silver Boots
They saw her break through barriers forty feet highIt was the finest moment in a long life
Young boys will tack her picture over their bed
They saw her mouth move but couldn't hear what she said
You're a souvenir, a darling dear
She used to say that kind of thing
You're a mantlepiece with strong beliefs
Only her black rainbow meant something
Don't cry for her now
Oh yeah
Don't cry for her
Oh yeah
I saw the sailor talkin' with the cops
I saw the sailor walkin' with the cops
First comes the nurse, just got back from war
She had a feather in her cap
That's all she wore
Then comes the mother, and she's got a friend
They start yelling at you and that's how this all began
It's one of those things you should not try at home
What's meant by intentional falls can never be known
Any old actress worth her salt oughtta know
The higher you are you want to see what's below
Any old actress worth her salt oughtta know
The higher you are you want to see what's below
Any old actress worth her salt oughtta know
Space Cadet Silver Boots
They saw her break through barriers forty feet highIt was the finest moment in a long life
Young boys will tack her picture over their bed
They saw her mouth move but couldn't hear what she said
You're a souvenir, a darling dear
She used to say that kind of thing
You're a mantlepiece with strong beliefs
Only her black rainbow meant something
Don't cry for her now
Oh yeah
Don't cry for her
Oh yeah
I saw the sailor talkin' with the cops
I saw the sailor walkin' with the cops
First comes the nurse, just got back from war
She had a feather in her cap
That's all she wore
Then comes the mother, and she's got a friend
They start yelling at you and that's how this all began
It's one of those things you should not try at home
What's meant by intentional falls can never be known
Any old actress worth her salt oughtta know
The higher you are you want to see what's below
Any old actress worth her salt oughtta know
The higher you are you want to see what's below
Any old actress worth her salt oughtta know
frickandfrack
Her voice always gives me the chills. Good chills. :)
damageinc 1985
I think this is the most haunting song off this album
LauraWPrints
Loving it. Hard to find creative lyrics in the mainstream, love you like a love song and such..
Purple Mouse Monster
Amazing song! i cry every time! i just cant help it!
EBrietas
awesome!!!
LauraWPrints
Fashion is an art form.. I'm not uncomfortable with them expressing their own....
ENJ4321
Melora definitely would, she has been sort dressing like that way before she got famous.
OFR
Dark sadness. Rich and beautiful.
Old Cardigan
It's great it's where I looked it up but you know I'm pushing 40 I listen this s*** when I was 18 till it's not my thing now but I still appreciate it