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.

Synthesizer
Shortstraw Lyrics

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I don't play the guitar
I don't play the bass guitar, no
I don't play a saxophone
And I don't play percussive instruments, no

I only play the synthesizer
I only play the synthesizer
I only play the synthesizer

The sizer, check the size of my arms

I don't play the sitar
I don't play the mandolin either, no
I tried playing the flute once
But it wasn't for me, nah ah

I only play the synthesizer
I only play the synthesizer
I only play the synthesizer
The sizer, check the size of my arms

Stop playing the guitar
Stop playing the bass guitar, please
Stop playing the drums now, Oliver
Cause I only want to hear the synthesize

I only play the synthesizer
I only play the synthesizer
I only play the synthesizer

I only play the synthesizer
I only play the synthesizer
I only play the synthesizer

I only play the synthesizer
Sizer, check the size of my guns

Overall Meaning

These lyrics from Shortstraw's song "Synthesizer" can be interpreted as an ode to the power and versatility of electronic music, particularly the synthesizer. The singer lists off various traditional instruments that they do not play, suggesting that they have chosen to focus solely on the synthesizer. By stating "I only play the synthesizer" repeatedly throughout the song and ending with "check the size of my arms" (later changed to "guns"), the singer seems to be asserting their dominance and skill in the realm of electronic music.

The repetition of the phrase "I only play the synthesizer" also speaks to the simplicity and minimalism of electronic music compared to the complexity of traditional instruments. The repeated "sizer" at the end of the line could also be a play on the word "synthesizer" and a nod to the instrument's ability to manipulate and control sound.

Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of pride and rebelliousness in the singer's choice to pursue a less traditional form of music-making.

Line by Line Meaning

I don't play the guitar
I don't have a talent for playing the guitar

I don't play the bass guitar, no
I'm not skilled in playing the bass guitar either

I don't play a saxophone
I'm not a saxophone player

And I don't play percussive instruments, no
Nor do I play any percussive instruments

I only play the synthesizer
The only instrument I am good at playing is the synthesizer

The sizer, check the size of my arms
I'm so good at playing the synthesizer that it's like an extension of my body

I don't play the sitar
Playing the sitar is not my cup of tea

I don't play the mandolin either, no
I'm not skilled at playing the mandolin either

I tried playing the flute once
I gave the flute a try, but it didn't work out for me

But it wasn't for me, nah ah
I realized that playing the flute wasn't for me

Stop playing the guitar
I don't want to hear someone else playing the guitar

Stop playing the bass guitar, please
I'd appreciate it if someone stops playing the bass guitar

Stop playing the drums now, Oliver
Oliver, please stop playing the drums

Cause I only want to hear the synthesize
I only want to hear the synthesizer being played

I only play the synthesizer
The only instrument I am good at playing is the synthesizer

Sizer, check the size of my guns
I'm so good at playing the synthesizer that it's like an extension of my body

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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