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.
Waved Out
Robert Pollard Lyrics
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From my old window world
Seemingly like an ancient demon
Waking up and waved out
Class examples of an onioned diagram
Im here to follow footfalls
Of a wasted plan
And next there comes a positive post
The options arent so good
Plus once the intervention begins
Its painful
Forgive me, I must go
Ive been waved out
Ive been waved out
In Robert Pollard's song Waved Out, the lyrics communicate themes of isolation, disillusionment, and bitterness. The lines "Corroded lime I chased from my old window world" suggest that the singer is trying to escape from an old and unhealthy version of themselves. This could be seen as a metaphor for a toxic relationship or a destructive habit that the singer has left behind. The phrase "waving out" is repeated three times throughout the song and could be interpreted as a symbol of being cast aside or rejected.
The lyrics then introduce the idea of following in somebody else's footsteps with the line "I'm here to follow footfalls of a wasted plan." This highlights the singer's sense of aimlessness and their tendency to be influenced by others rather than taking control of their own life. The following line, "I've been waved out," reinforces this idea that the singer feels like they have been pushed to the margins of society and have lost their own sense of agency.
The second half of the song shifts to a more positive tone, with the line "And next there comes a positive post." However, this feeling of hope is quickly extinguished with the lyrics "the options aren't so good" and "once the intervention begins, it's painful." The song ends with the singer saying "Forgive me, I must go, I've been waved out," which suggests a sense of resignation and defeat.
Line by Line Meaning
Corroded lime I chased
I chased after a corroded lime, or something that has been damaged and decayed over time.
From my old window world
This decayed lime was found in my past, in a world that I used to know very well.
Seemingly like an ancient demon
This lime, though decayed, seemed to have a frightening and powerful presence, almost like an ancient demon.
Waking up and waved out
This demon-like lime suddenly came to life and perhaps, in a way, waved goodbye to me.
Class examples of an onioned diagram
I am here to follow examples, like an onioned diagram with multiple layers, that can teach me something important in a complex way.
Im here to follow footfalls
I am here to follow in the footsteps of others who have experienced similar things before me.
Of a wasted plan
These footsteps are in a plan that was ultimately a waste of time and effort.
Ive been waved out
In the end, I have been rejected or dismissed just like the decayed lime and the failed plan.
And next there comes a positive post
Despite this rejection, a positive opportunity or message is on its way.
The options arent so good
However, these options or opportunities are not very appealing.
Plus once the intervention begins
Additionally, once this opportunity starts, it may be a painful process.
Its painful
This opportunity or intervention is expected to be painful, just like the decayed lime and the failed plan before it.
Forgive me, I must go
In light of all of these experiences, it is time for me to move on.
Ive been waved out
Once again, I have been rejected or dismissed, but it is time for me to accept it and move forward.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ROBERT E. JR. POLLARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind