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.
Messiahs
Robert Pollard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I'm at home I love you good
When away even more
It's good to care for
Dreams like strings in cold trees
Iceberg heads and alien flavors
This being a giftshop
An electronics tent sale
I like it out there the timeclock kills
Must be the iron wills
Of future kings who ride their ships
Through fast atmospheres
The lyrics to Robert Pollard's song "Messiahs" are a bit abstract and open to interpretation, but they seem to convey a sense of longing and nostalgia for both home and the world beyond. The first verse starts off with a somewhat disconnected thought about liking "it" in "there," which could refer to a specific place or situation that the singer enjoys being in. This is followed by a declaration of love for someone ("I love you good") that seems to be linked to being at home, and the idea that this love only grows stronger when the singer is away. The last line of the verse suggests the importance of caring for one's dreams and desires, as they are fragile and can be easily broken like strings in cold trees.
The second verse goes off in a more surreal direction, with references to "iceberg heads and alien flavors" and a "giftshop" that seems to be selling electronic equipment. The final line of the verse brings things back down to earth and suggests that the singer is currently sitting somewhere cozy and warm. The chorus, which follows both verses, repeats the titular phrase "messiahs," which could be interpreted in a few different ways - either as a reference to religious or spiritual figures, or as a more general idea that there are people in the world who have the power to inspire and lead others.
Overall, the lyrics to "Messiahs" are somewhat enigmatic and require some imagination to fully comprehend. However, they offer a glimpse into the mind of an artist who is clearly fascinated by the world around him, both real and imagined.
Line by Line Meaning
I like it in their it looks good
I enjoy being in this particular place because it is visually appealing to me.
When I'm at home I love you good
I have a deep affection for you when I am present in my own abode.
When away even more
My love for you increases when I am physically distant from you.
It's good to care for
Showing concern and kindness towards others is beneficial for both parties involved.
Dreams like strings in cold trees
Imagery of delicate and intricate dreams that are difficult to grasp, like strings that are caught in bare winter trees.
Iceberg heads and alien flavors
Perhaps a reference to futuristic themes or otherworldly concepts.
This being a giftshop
A comment on the consumer-focused nature of our society where everything seems to be for sale.
An electronics tent sale
Further commentary on consumerism and the rapid advancement of technology.
Over here in seats folded warmly
Refers to being present in a comfortable and cozy location or situation.
I like it out there the timeclock kills
I prefer being in a particular place, even though the strict schedule is somewhat oppressive.
Must be the iron wills
Determination and strong resolve are required to succeed.
Of future kings who ride their ships
Imagery of powerful leaders who are capable of cutting through obstacles with ease.
Through fast atmospheres
Progressing swiftly through challenging environments.
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
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