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.
Talking Dogs
Robert Pollard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't translate, I know me
Ah, yes, my bitch
Egypt in starlight
And you've nowhere
On our best realization
Shouldn't I be late
Upon shit mountain
The spies, there's an Indian burial mound
Have you looked at what I found
A buried dreamer, a wounded heart
The lyrics of Robert Pollard's song "Talking Dogs" seem to be a stream of consciousness rambling that touches upon themes of love, self-doubt, and discovery. The opening lines, "Star love or cheesy love, can't translate, I know me," suggest that the singer is grappling with the nature of love and how it is expressed. The use of the word "cheesy" suggests that the singer may be skeptical or critical of stereotypical expressions of love. The following line, "Ah, yes, my bitch, Egypt in starlight," is the first reference to an animal in the song, perhaps suggesting a hint of the surreal or the absurd.
The following lines are more obscure, with the use of the phrase "best realization" suggesting a moment of clarity or self-discovery. The line "Shouldn't I be late, at least forever?" seems to convey a sense of missing out or not measuring up to some expectation, perhaps relating to the singer's earlier contemplation of love. The final couplet, "Upon shit mountain, the spies, there's an Indian burial mound. Have you looked at what I found, a buried dreamer, a wounded heart," brings together the themes of discovery and pain. The image of a burial mound and a "wounded heart" suggests a past tragedy or trauma, while the "buried dreamer" may represent the singer's own hopes and aspirations.
Line by Line Meaning
Star love or cheesy love
Romantic love is difficult to articulate, possibly because it can feel clichéd or stereotypical.
Can't translate, I know me
The singer acknowledges that they struggle to express their emotions effectively.
Ah, yes, my bitch
The singer is addressing someone with affection or admiration, likely in a non-literal sense.
Egypt in starlight
This phrase creates an image of a mystical, faraway land illuminated by celestial bodies.
And you've nowhere
The addressee lacks direction or purpose in life.
On our best realization
Even when we are at our most successful or informed, there is still more to learn and discover.
Shouldn't I be late
The singer is questioning whether they should be concerned about missing out on something important.
At least forever?
The artist is pondering whether anything can truly last forever.
Upon shit mountain
The artist describes being in an unpleasant or undesirable location.
The spies, there's an Indian burial mound
This line could be interpreted in various ways, such as suggesting that there is hidden or secret information nearby.
Have you looked at what I found
The singer has made a significant discovery and wants to share it with others.
A buried dreamer, a wounded heart
This phrase introduces the contents of the artist's discovery, which includes elements of unfulfilled ambition and emotional pain.
Contributed by Elliot D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
SpookyApparition
IMO 'we all got out of the army' is the best bob album since GBV's "earthquake glue." it really surprised me.
Andrew Malenda
So amazing!!!!
James Kohler
Imo Bob's newest album is the best since the one before it
Andrew Malenda
@SpookyApparition Elephant Jokes is amazing too!! "Earthquake Glue" rules too. Very under-appreciated. "I'll Replace You With Machines" is one of my most favorites ever.
Matthew Vincent Archer
I really think the pairing of Standard gargoyle decisions and Coast to Coast carpet of love take that but Elephant Jokes and We all got out of the Army are the next 2 most solid.