Robert Pollard (born October 31, 1957) is a Dayton, Ohio singer-songwriter,… Read Full Bio ↴Robert Pollard (born October 31, 1957) is a Dayton, Ohio singer-songwriter, who is the leader and creative force behind indie rock group Guided by Voices. During his high school years, he was a successful basketball and baseball player. Pollard was a fourth grade schoolteacher until 1994, when Guided by Voices first broke into the national consciousness with the release of the album Bee Thousand. With over 1300 songs registered to his name with BMI, Pollard is among the most prolific songwriters of his time. In 2006 Paste Magazine listed him at the 78th greatest living songwriter.

Pollard began releasing solo records in 1996, alongside regular releases from Guided by Voices. These albums were typically recorded with a small group consisting of current or former Guided by Voices members, and they were generally considered to informally be part of the Guided by Voices canon, as that band would regularly perform selections from the solo releases in concert.
After the dissolution of Guided by Voices in 2004, Robert Pollard launched his official solo career with the release of From a Compound Eye in February 2006. Pollard's recent studio work has eschewed the live-band format, instead relying on the multi-instrumental talents of Todd Tobias, who produced several Guided by Voices albums. In 2006, he resumed touring with a new band informally dubbed "The Ascended Masters", which featured Tommy Keene on lead guitar and keyboards, Dave Phillips on guitar, Jon Wurster on drums, and Jason Narducy on bass. After Normal Happiness was released, the band returned to the road but subsequent to the cancellation of some 2006 dates due to a leg injury, Pollard announced his retirement from touring. Pollard, however, has since toured with Boston Spaceships.

Pollard resides just outside of Dayton, OH. with his wife, Sarah.

King of Arthur Avenue
Robert Pollard Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Just after the tin can laughter dies down
I will hoist my vulgar flag
Everywhere you are
Don't blame me
Don't maim me, oh
Like a leopard leaping out
Into your life
Crashing you nerve

Who will protect you?
You'd better stand tall
Always on call
I want a quick taste
Look at your face changing
Ideas exchanging
The world is oblivious so far
And it's timeless around me
And nothing at all

The world will be better when you fall
You will recall...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Robert Pollard's King of Arthur Avenue are quite enigmatic, but they can be interpreted as a call to arms against conformity and mediocrity. In the first verse, Pollard seems to be speaking up for individuality, announcing his intention to fly his "vulgar flag" in defiance of the laughter and derision of others. He urges the listener not to blame or harm him, but to follow his example and "stand tall" against whatever obstacles they may face. The second verse is more confrontational, with Pollard likening himself to a leopard pouncing on his prey, and warning others that they will need protection from the dangers of a conformist society. He wants to quickly taste the thrill of new experiences and ideas, shattering the complacency of a world that remains oblivious to his exploits.

Overall, King of Arthur Avenue is a powerful affirmation of the value of nonconformity and creativity, and a warning about the dangers of complacency and conformity. Pollard's lyrics suggest that the world needs more people who are willing to take risks and challenge the status quo, and that those who do so are likely to be singled out for ridicule and persecution. But by standing tall and flying their own "vulgar flag," they can inspire others to do the same and create a better, more vibrant world.

Line by Line Meaning

Just after the tin can laughter dies down
Right after everyone finishes laughing loudly

I will hoist my vulgar flag
I will proudly display my rough and unrefined personality

Everywhere you are
No matter where you go

Don't blame me
Do not hold me responsible

Don't maim me, oh
Do not cause me harm

Like a leopard leaping out
Suddenly and fiercely, like a wild animal

Into your life
Entering into your personal space

Crashing you nerve
Destroying your confidence

Who will protect you?
Who will safeguard you?

You'd better stand tall
You should be strong and confident

Always on call
Ready to respond at any time