A longtime pillar in the Chicago underground community and architect of the… Read Full Bio ↴A longtime pillar in the Chicago underground community and architect of the post-rock sound, Sam Prekop first gained renown at the helm of Shrimp Boat before becoming the leader of the Sea and Cake, whose fusion of styles both in and out of rock was both creative and experimental while remaining highly listenable. Prekop holds considerable stature in the Chicago scene, so it isn't surprising that when he released his self-titled debut solo LP in 1999 (on Thrill Jockey Records, itself a cornerstone in the Chicago music scene), it featured an impressive supporting cast, including Chad Taylor of the Chicago Underground Duo, Josh Abrams of Town and Country, Jim O'Rourke, and the Sea and Cake's Archer Prewitt. The album played like a subtler, more organic version of the Sea and Cake, blending elements of African rhythms with soul, jazz, and pop. The Sea and Cake remained an active band after its release, and his follow-up, Who's Your New Professor, didn't arrive until 2005. Prekop's third album, Old Punch Card, took a turn away from his regular fare toward an almost completely electronic palette. The instrumental album was released in 2010 by Thrill Jockey and followed up five years later by The Republic, another collection of electronic instrumentals made with modular synthesizers, drum machines, and other various synthetic elements. Half the pieces on The Republic were initially composed as a score for a show by video installation artist David Hartt.

Practice Twice
Sam Prekop Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Please don't believe it's true
splendid thoughts, lost on you
I had a lovely day,
wasting time, just in case
Don't play the graceful sway,
luck be too, down this way
Please don't believe it's true;
so much time, lost with you

Number one, two
Try to see
Practice twice
Sure looks nice
Try to see

Don't be late, all my time
Don't be late, all my time

Some other time, bet you're gonna be
Some other time, with me
Some other time, bet you're gonna be
Some other time, with me

Some other time, bet you're gonna be
Some other time, with me

Overall Meaning

The song "Practice Twice" by Sam Prekop starts with a plea to someone not to believe something that is supposedly true. The singer seems to be addressing someone who has missed out on some positive thoughts that the singer believes they could benefit from. The singer then talks about spending a lovely day, "wasting time just in case," perhaps a reference to indulging in personal interests or taking time off from work to relax. The next verse warns the person not to be too graceful or too lucky, perhaps alluding to the dangers of complacency or taking success for granted. The refrain "Try to see, practice twice, sure looks nice" is repeated throughout the song, encouraging the listener to take a closer look and to try things more than once. The song ends with a promise that the person in question will be with the singer at some future time.

The lyrics of "Practice Twice" are cryptic and open to interpretation. The song could be interpreted as a plea to someone to be more present in the moment, to seize opportunities, and to not take things for granted. Alternatively, the song could be about the frustration of being misunderstood or feeling that one's efforts are not appreciated. The refrain "Try to see, practice twice, sure looks nice" could be taken as an encouraging message to keep trying and to not give up.

Line by Line Meaning

Please don't believe it's true
Don't buy into false ideas

splendid thoughts, lost on you
Great ideas, unappreciated by you

I had a lovely day, wasting time, just in case
I enjoyed aimlessly passing time, being ready for anything

Don't play the graceful sway, luck be too, down this way
Don't rely on chance, as it may not favor us

so much time, lost with you
Too much time spent in your company

Number one, two
First and second

Try to see
Attempt to understand

Practice twice
Rehearse twice

Sure looks nice
Definitely appears appealing

Don't be late, all my time
Do not waste my time by being tardy

Some other time, bet you're gonna be with me
We'll have a chance to connect in the future