Rasputina is a "cello rock" ensemble composed of singer/cellist Melora Crea… Read Full Bio ↴Rasputina is a "cello rock" ensemble composed of singer/cellist Melora Creager, and various, frequently changing band members. The current lineup includes Creager (cello), Daniel Dejesus (cello), and Dawn Miceli (drums).

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)

Remnants of Percy Bass
Rasputina Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

He scrapes the dirt from his nails with a stick.
He makes a big pile in pail on the sink.
Who was he?
Oh, I'll never tell.
He has not got a thing left to sell.
Oh, the remnants of Percy Bass.

He glued the newspaper to the wall.

Skeleton clostes are down the hall.
Nobody knows him like I do.
I remember when there were things he could do.

Some things are not made to last.
Oh, the remnants of Percy Bass.
Some things are things like this:
He could catch a rabbit with one hand.
He could build a castle out of sand. He was
A handsome man.
He gave a tender kiss.

Nobody knows about the fancy shows you starred in
When you were seventeen. I'll never
Tell about your secret life
To a magazine.

I can remember when you were the shallow hero.
It was so long ago when you were
Everybody's shining star.
You were a daydream.

But now,
He needs someone to hold his hand.
Nothing has quite worked out how he had planned.
I try to help him how I can.
But he has forgotten who I am.

Remember,
Some things in life are not made to last.
Oh, the remnants of Percy Bass.

Some things in life are not made to last.
Oh, the remnants of Percy Bass.

Overall Meaning

The song "Remnants of Percy Bass" by Rasputina is a melancholic reflection on the life of an aging man named Percy Bass. The lyrics describe his physical and emotional deterioration, as well as the memories and accomplishments that are left behind. The song is characterized by a sense of sadness and nostalgia, with a focus on the idea that some things in life are not meant to last.

The first verse describes Percy as a man who is no longer able to provide for himself, and who has resorted to scraping dirt from his nails with a stick. The pile of dirt on the sink symbolizes his lack of purpose and utility in the world. The second verse references Percy's past achievements, such as building a sandcastle and catching a rabbit with one hand. These accomplishments are juxtaposed with more recent images of newspaper glued to the wall and skeleton clothes on the hallway, suggesting that Percy's life has spiraled downward.

The third verse is addressed to Percy directly, with the singer reminiscing about his "fancy shows" as a young man and his secret life. The chorus repeats the idea that some things in life are not meant to last, and that all that remains of Percy Bass is his remnants. The song ends with a sense of resignation, as the singer tries to help Percy in whatever way she can, even though he no longer recognizes her.

Overall, "Remnants of Percy Bass" is a poignant tribute to human fragility and the passage of time. It highlights the way that people can be forgotten over time, and the importance of cherishing the memories and accomplishments of those who have come before us.

Line by Line Meaning

He scrapes the dirt from his nails with a stick.
He cleans under his nails with a stick.

He makes a big pile in pail on the sink.
He puts the dirt in a bucket on the sink.

Who was he?
I refuse to say who he was.

Oh, I'll never tell.
I am not going to share his identity.

He has not got a thing left to sell.
He has nothing left to offer anyone.

Oh, the remnants of Percy Bass.
These are the remains of Percy Bass.

He glued the newspaper to the wall.
He attached the newspaper to the wall using glue.

Skeleton clothes are down the hall.
The hallway has clothes that no longer fit anyone.

Nobody knows him like I do.
I am the only one who truly understands him.

I remember when there were things he could do.
I recall a time when he was more capable.

Some things are not made to last.
Certain things are not built to endure.

Oh, the remnants of Percy Bass.
Again, these are the leftovers of Percy Bass.

Some things are things like this:
Examples of such things are:

He could catch a rabbit with one hand.
He was able to easily trap rabbits using one hand.

He could build a castle out of sand.
He had the ability to construct a sand castle.

He was a handsome man.
He was an attractive man.

He gave a tender kiss.
He was a gentle and loving kisser.

Nobody knows about the fancy shows you starred in When you were seventeen.
I am keeping secret the fancy events where he was the main attraction at age 17.

I'll never Tell about your secret life To a magazine.
I will never share secrets about his personal life with a magazine.

I can remember when you were the shallow hero.
I recall when he was the popular, but superficial hero.

It was so long ago when you were Everybody's shining star.
His fame as everyone's bright shining star was a long time ago.

You were a daydream.
He used to be a fantasy or an impossible dream.

But now,
Currently,

He needs someone to hold his hand.
He requires someone to be there for him.

Nothing has quite worked out how he had planned.
Things haven't gone as he originally intended.

I try to help him how I can.
I do what I can to aid him.

But he has forgotten who I am.
Unfortunately, he no longer remembers who I am.

Remember,
Keep in mind,

Some things in life are not made to last.
Certain things that happen in life cannot be sustained forever.

Oh, the remnants of Percy Bass.
These are the lasting effects of Percy Bass.