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.
Our Simple Minds
Shortstraw Lyrics
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You could cut the tension with a knife
This cutlery
Silver spoons to mock and woo my poor simple mind
Doesn't have the guidance to survive these fruitless fights
Can we just leave it all behind?
But who gave you the right
The doves will fight to pass the time
Evenings sifting through your convoluted mind
You'll never find
You could never see your light
Could you be loved
And is it enough?
And is it ever enough to quench your thirst
Look at you
I can hardly recognise your smile
It's all alright
You've hardly touched your cyanide
This appetite
Isn't even close to satisfied
Your simple mind
Overflow with deathly ill advice
When you cross the line
Destiny's so unkind
Soap will not cleanse
So close your eyes
The lyrics of Shortstraw's song "Our Simple Minds" seem to paint a picture of a strained, tense situation between two individuals. The opening line, "Look at you, you could cut the tension with a knife," suggests a palpable discomfort or unease in the atmosphere. The mention of "cutlery" and "silver spoons" could symbolize a sense of privilege or entitlement that one person possesses over the other, making the situation feel mocking and unbalanced to the singer's "poor simple mind."
The next lines express a feeling of helplessness and uncertainty in dealing with these "fruitless fights" and question whether it's possible to move past them and leave the conflicts behind. The singer seems overwhelmed by the power dynamics at play and the lack of guidance to navigate the situation, expressing a desire to escape from the turmoil.
The reference to "cutting your severed line" and "the doves will fight to pass the time" hints at a severed connection or relationship that is now in conflict and tension. The imagery of doves, typically symbolizing peace and harmony, being engaged in fighting reflects the irony and discord in the situation. The mention of "evenings sifting through your convoluted mind" suggests a struggle to understand the other person and the complexities of their thoughts and actions.
The lyrics delve deeper into themes of self-awareness and self-destructive behavior, with lines like "You've hardly touched your cyanide" and "Your simple mind overflow with deathly ill advice." There's a sense of internal conflict and a struggle with one's own destructive tendencies or thoughts. The mention of destiny being unkind and the inability of simple solutions like soap to cleanse suggest a deep-seated turmoil that cannot be easily resolved. The closing line, "So close your eyes," could signify a desire to escape or ignore the harsh realities that the singer is facing.
Line by Line Meaning
Look at you
Observing your current state
You could cut the tension with a knife
The atmosphere is extremely tense
This cutlery
Reference to silver spoons
Silver spoons to mock and woo my poor simple mind
Privileged upbringing influencing thoughts
Doesn't have the guidance to survive these fruitless fights
Struggling to cope with conflict
Can we just leave it all behind?
Can we move on from this?
But who gave you the right
Questioning authority
Cutting your severed line
Breaking ties
The doves will fight to pass the time
Conflict ensues to fill empty moments
Evenings sifting through your convoluted mind
Attempting to understand your complex thoughts
You'll never find
Will never discover
You could never see your light
Unable to see your own potential
Could you be loved
Could you be accepted?
And is it enough?
Is it sufficient?
And is it ever enough to quench your thirst
Can it ever satisfy your desires
Look at you
Observing your current state again
I can hardly recognise your smile
Your demeanor has changed
It's all alright
Everything is fine
You've hardly touched your cyanide
Not engaging with harmful behavior
This appetite
Desire for something
Isn't even close to satisfied
Still wanting more
Your simple mind
Your uncomplicated thoughts
Overflow with deathly ill advice
Providing harmful guidance
When you cross the line
Overstep boundaries
Destiny's so unkind
Fate is harsh
Soap will not cleanse
Can't wash away mistakes
So close your eyes
Avoid facing the truth
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jesse Henry
this is beautiful❤ no idea how this doesnt get enough attention
Ciaran McNulty
you guys will break through soon, you're gonna influence a lot of people.
Ian Neethling
Awesome song! I didn't realise it was Alistair was singing. He has an awesome range. This song is aces!
Kyra Pope
You boys never cease to amaze me. 💛
Adam Fairall
Very cool, has a "The National" sort of vibe to it!
astrobeans
God damn Shortstraw is amazing.
Warren Kent
great stuff manne!
Sam Perez
Damn...