shortstraw play music. music that sounds like puppies being born. music tha… Read Full Bio ↴shortstraw play music. music that sounds like puppies being born. music that sounds like protestors outside an abortion clinic. music that sounds like church bells ringing on a crisp sunday morning. music that sounds like angels playing scrabble. music that sounds like a married couple fighting through the thin wall of your apartment. now doesn't that sound nice?

shortstraw started out in 2007 as a two-piece thrash folk band consisting of the enigma that is oliver nathan and what most would call 'sarcastic', alastair thomas. they played a few shows in and around melville, joburg before bringing in the guitar and keyboard skills of jay hartford and the basswork of the esteemed and handsome phil brierley. now a four-piece, slightly less folky outfit, shortstraw aim to hit the gigging circuit with guns blazing, so look out for a show near you... fuck that's boring. apologies. frankie says go fuck yourself.

Campus Life
Shortstraw Lyrics

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Three divided by three
You're just one more thing that you think you mean to me

I'm blinded by your blondness
Watch while we try this harmony

Oh
Suddenly

You smile
And you're making my brain wild
Suddenly
You smile
And you're making me feel alive

So
You sit beside me
Our fingers interlock and you're looking mean
You say I'm bored by your blandess
What's all this talk of harmony?

Oh
Suddenly
I smile
And I'm making your brain wild
Suddenly
I smile
And I I'm making you feel alive

Oh
Suddenly
You smile
And you making my brain wild
Suddenly
You smile
And you're making me feel alive

All across the university you learn this lesson about campus life
And all along it's all confusing it'll make you wonder if it's wrong or right
And in the end it starts to haunt you and leave you dormant in your dorm room
And all across this university you learn their lesson 'bout campus life

Oh
Suddenly
You smile
And you making my brain wild
Suddenly
You smile
And you making me feel alive
Suddenly
I smile
And I'm making your brain wild
Suddenly

I smile
And I I'm making you feel alive

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Shortstraw's song "Campus Life" reflect the complexities and uncertainties of college life and relationships. The opening phrase, "Three divided by three," suggests a sense of division or confusion within a relationship. The line "You're just one more thing that you think you mean to me" implies that the person being addressed may not hold as much significance as they believe in the singer's life.

The line "I'm blinded by your blondness" can be interpreted metaphorically to mean that the person's physical attributes or charm have captivated the singer. The following line "Watch while we try this harmony" suggests that both individuals are attempting to find a sense of balance or compatibility in their relationship.

The chorus conveys the sudden impact the person's smile has on the singer, causing their brain to go wild and making them feel alive. The repetition of the phrase "Suddenly, you smile" emphasizes the immediate and profound effect this person has on the singer.

The verse "You sit beside me, our fingers interlock" signifies physical closeness and intimacy. The mention of the person looking mean adds a layer of complexity to the relationship, as their actions or words may be contradictory to the emotions shared. The line "What's all this talk of harmony?" suggests that there may be a discrepancy between the idealized concept of harmony and the reality of their relationship.

The following section discusses the confusion and uncertainty experienced by students in campus life. The mention of the university and learning a lesson about campus life implies that these experiences are common among students. The ambiguity of whether it's right or wrong further highlights the confusion faced in relationships and the college environment.

The final repetition of the chorus emphasizes the reciprocal effect of the singer's smile on the person, indicating that their emotions are intertwined. The emphasis on making each other's brains go wild and feel alive reinforces the intense impact they have on one another.

Overall, the lyrics capture the complexity and uncertainties of relationships within the college setting, as well as the profound effects that even a simple smile can have on individuals. It explores the conflicts in ideals, confusion, and emotional turmoil that can arise in the context of campus life.

Line by Line Meaning

Three divided by three
You are just another insignificant factor in my life

You're just one more thing that you think you mean to me
You believe that you hold significance in my life, but in reality, you are just another trivial aspect

I'm blinded by your blondness
Your appearance captivates me and obstructs my judgment

Watch while we try this harmony
Observe as we attempt to establish a sense of compatibility or unity

Suddenly
Unexpectedly

You smile
You display a pleasant expression

And you're making my brain wild
You are stimulating and exciting my thoughts and emotions

And you're making me feel alive
You are revitalizing my sense of existence and enthusiasm

So
Therefore

You sit beside me
You take a position next to me

Our fingers interlock and you're looking mean
Our hands intertwine, and you appear to be spiteful or intimidating

You say I'm bored by your blandness
You claim that my disinterest is due to your lack of excitement or appeal

What's all this talk of harmony?
Why are we discussing the concept of coexistence or agreement?

All across the university you learn this lesson about campus life
Throughout the institution, students acquire knowledge about the realities of life on campus

And all along it's all confusing it'll make you wonder if it's wrong or right
Throughout this journey, it becomes perplexing, causing one to question the morality or correctness of the experiences

And in the end it starts to haunt you and leave you dormant in your dorm room
Ultimately, it begins to torment and immobilize you within the confines of your residence hall

Suddenly
Abruptly

I smile
I exhibit a joyful expression

And I'm making your brain wild
I am provoking intense thoughts and excitement within you

And I'm making you feel alive
I am instilling a sense of vitality and liveliness within you

Suddenly
Unexpectedly

I smile
I display a happy expression

And I I'm making you feel alive
And I am evoking a sensation of being awake and animated within you

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RUSSELL GRANT COWARD, GAD DE COMBES, THOMAS JAMES REVINGTON, JAKE RUBINSTEIN, ALASTAIR LESLIE THOMAS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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