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.
Town of Mirrors
Robert Pollard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know this crown
I believe the study of ratings
Will bring the honest man down
Bring the honest man down
In the town of mirrors
I'll try to put on
My proper playing clothes
You are the first one I chose
In the town of mirrors
Put your hands & feet together
Heads, hearts & nebula
The good god is breathing
Oh, alright (mutilation)
The lyrics to Robert Pollard's song "Town of Mirrors" seem to reflect on the idea of perception and self-reflection. The title itself suggests a place where nothing is quite what it seems, where everything is distorted and warped. The first few lines hint at a sense of familiarity and recognition - the singer seems to know the party hat and crown - but then the lyrics take a darker turn. The singer suggests that the study of ratings, or the way we judge and evaluate others, will ultimately bring down "the honest man". This suggests a sense of disillusionment with society's standards and expectations, and the idea that even those who try to do the right thing will inevitably face criticism and judgment.
As the song continues, the singer seems to be looking for guidance and support from someone else. They want to "see the magic", and they have chosen the other person as the "first one" to help them do so. This suggests a sense of vulnerability and a desire for connection, as if the singer is struggling to navigate the confusing and distorted world of the town of mirrors. The final lines of the song are cryptic and somewhat disturbing. The reference to "mutilation" suggests violence or harm, and the repetition of "oh, alright" seems almost resigned or apathetic.
Overall, "Town of Mirrors" seems to be a meditation on the challenges of living in a world full of deception and self-doubt. The town of mirrors represents a place where reality is distorted and nothing is quite what it seems. The singer is trying to find a way to navigate this world, seeking guidance and connection from others but also recognizing that the very act of trying to be honest and true to oneself can have negative consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
I know this party hat
I am familiar with the superficial and insincere nature of festivities.
I know this crown
I am aware of the false sense of superiority and entitlement that comes with power.
I believe the study of ratings
I think that the act of constantly evaluating and judging others based on arbitrary standards will inevitably lead to the downfall of honest and genuine individuals.
Will bring the honest man down
The practice of rating and critiquing individuals will ultimately cause them to lose their sense of authenticity and sincerity.
Bring the honest man down
The process of evaluating and critiquing others will lead to the destruction of genuine and authentic individuals.
In the town of mirrors
In this environment of constant reflection, where individuals are judged based on superficial standards, it can be difficult to maintain one's sense of self.
I'll try to put on
I will attempt to present myself in a way that is deemed acceptable by society, despite the inherent superficiality of this act.
My proper playing clothes
The attire and façade that I display to the world in order to fit in and be accepted by society.
I wanna see the magic
I desire to witness the true beauty and wonder of the world, unencumbered by the superficial standards of society.
You are the first one I chose
You are the first person with whom I feel comfortable being my genuine self, unencumbered by the pressures of society.
Put your hands & feet together
Unite your mind, body, and soul in order to fully experience the present moment.
Heads, hearts & nebula
Our thoughts, emotions, and the vast and mysterious universe that surrounds us are all interlinked and influence one another.
The good god is breathing
There is a benevolent force that governs the universe and guides each of our journeys.
Oh, alright (mutilation)
Despite the challenges and difficulties we may encounter, we must accept and embrace each moment in its entirety, including its imperfections and flaws.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind