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.
Make Use
Robert Pollard Lyrics
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Expected a burn-hole
Expected the worst
Such shots in the dark I should not risk
I command you to speak to me
And be humble to our works
We have suffered the changes again
And guess what theyve been spreading
Pull up and lighten yr load
Make use of the bold proposition
Make use the vast fashions
The passion is soon to burn out
Make us of the boring young heroes
Their efforts not wasted
Reward them for what they turn out
Of this we are proud
In spurs of majestical will power
Impractical thinkers design the dream
These beast-like invincible machines
100 jags in the road
Do you casually second the exit?
Are you into the easy way out?
A simple gut reaction is not to be found here
So dont come around here
Have a look
Its a Freeway
The lyrics of Robert Pollard's song "Make Use" talk about boldness and risk-taking, with the persona narrating how he wears his new rock shirt with the expectation of a burn-hole. He acknowledges that he should not take such shots in the dark, but he still does. He then suddenly commands someone to speak to him and be humble about their works while suffering the changes that they have been spreading. However, they are not forgetting and will pull up to lighten their load. The song then highlights the need to make use of the bold proposition and vast fashions, including the boring young heroes and their efforts, to prevent passion from burning out. They are proud of what they have made and design the dream through spurs of majestical will power. The song ends with a reminder not to go for the easy way out.
The lyrics are somewhat cryptic and difficult to interpret, but they suggest risk-taking and boldness in the face of changes. The persona acknowledges that it may be impractical thinking but still goes ahead anyway. The line about wanting someone to speak to him while being humble to their works may be a call for collaboration and teamwork. The question about casually seconding the exit could be about the ease of giving up, while the line "A simple gut reaction is not to be found here" suggests a need for more thought and reflection. Overall, the song could be a call to take risks and embrace change while being humble and proud of what is achieved.
Line by Line Meaning
A bold night for my new rock shirt
Last night, I wore my new rock shirt with confidence and bravado
Expected a burn-hole
I expected to burn a hole in my new shirt with a cigarette
Expected the worst
I was prepared for the worst-case scenario
Such shots in the dark I should not risk
I shouldn't take such reckless chances
I command you to speak to me
I demand your attention and response
And be humble to our works
Acknowledge and respect our accomplishments
We have suffered the changes again
We have endured the hardships of change once again
And guess what theyve been spreading
And I know what they've been saying about us
But were not forgetting
But we won't forget who we are and what we stand for
Pull up and lighten yr load
Stop and reduce your burden for a moment
Make use of the bold proposition
Embrace the daring suggestion
Make use the vast fashions
Utilize the abundant fashion options
The passion is soon to burn out
Our enthusiasm will soon diminish
Make us of the boring young heroes
Take advantage of the uninspired but hardworking youth
Their efforts not wasted
They have put forth genuine effort and it should be acknowledged
Reward them for what they turn out
Compensate them for their accomplishments
Of this we are proud
We take great pride in this
In spurs of majestical will power
With sudden bursts of mighty determination
Impractical thinkers design the dream
Idealistic dreamers dream of the fantastical
These beast-like invincible machines
These powerful and unstoppable machines
100 jags in the road
Many obstacles and challenges in the way
Do you casually second the exit?
Are you willingly giving up?
Are you into the easy way out?
Do you prefer the path of least resistance?
A simple gut reaction is not to be found here
This situation requires more than just an instinctive response
So dont come around here
So, don't bother coming here if you're not willing to commit to the challenge
Have a look
Take a look for yourself
Its a Freeway
It's a metaphorical highway, a long and often difficult journey
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ROBERT E. JR. POLLARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind