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.
Television Prison
Robert Pollard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Carry on children in the firecracker store
W/ two men gone & the other one missing
Yours are the lips that I'll be kissing
TV prison
TV passion
TV action
TV wisdom
The lyrics to Robert Pollard's song "Television Prison" seem to be addressing the negative consequences of becoming overly consumed by television. The first line, "Cigarette burnholes in the forest floor," could be interpreted as a metaphor for the damage done to our natural world and mental health when we spend too much time sitting in front of the TV. The following line, "Carry on children in the firecracker store," could be interpreted as a commentary on how the youth are often left to their own devices and can become easily addicted to the instant gratification of the TV.
The next few lines, "W/ two men gone & the other one missing, Yours are the lips that I'll be kissing," seem to be addressing the loneliness and emptiness that can come from relying on TV for entertainment and companionship instead of seeking out real human connection. The repetition of "TV" in the following lines ("TV prison, TV passion, TV action, TV wisdom") further highlights the all-consuming nature of television and how it can be both a source of comfort and a means of entrapment.
Overall, the lyrics of "Television Prison" invite listeners to reflect on their own relationship with television and consider how it may be impacting their mental health and sense of connection to the world around them.
Line by Line Meaning
Cigarette burnholes in the forest floor
Traces left behind by past actions, perhaps destructive or careless, that have scarred and altered the natural environment.
Carry on children in the firecracker store
Despite potential dangers, young and innocent individuals continue to engage in activities that bring excitement and joy.
W/ two men gone & the other one missing
A sense of loss and absence, with only one individual left as a potential source of comfort or support.
Yours are the lips that I'll be kissing
Expressing a deep sense of love and devotion for a specific person, whose affection is reciprocated and cherished.
TV prison
The idea that television can create a sense of confinement or restriction, limiting our experiences and perspectives.
TV passion
The intense emotions and dedication that can stem from a deep engagement with television shows or characters.
TV action
The excitement and drama that comes from action-oriented television programs, where characters face various challenges and obstacles.
TV wisdom
The idea that television can provide guidance or knowledge, teaching valuable lessons or sharing important information.
Television prison
Reiterating the concept of confinement or imprisonment that can result from excessive television consumption or reliance.
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