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.

Thailand
Shortstraw Lyrics

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Hi, my name's Missed Opportunity
Reflecting on
What's come and gone

I'm just searching for the candle in the wind
That Elton sang
About Diana

I might be on to something here
Hindsight is always crystal clear
I don't need new people
Who speak petite talk
I'm seeking recourse
I'll find myself in Thailand
I'll go to Thailand
Let's stay in Thailand
Just like I'm 21

Hi, my name is a resounding sigh
A nine to five
I'd rather die
Buy another round of your cheapest brew
I made him drill one more and the bill
I might be on to something here
Hindsight is always crystal clear
I gonna need new people
And speak petite talk
I'm seeking recourse
I found myself in Thailand
I've been to Thailand
I taught in Thailand
Like I was 21
Onto Hong Kong
Oh what could go wrong?
Now I'm in Vietnam
And fucking 31

I caught a plane to Thailand
Bury my name under the sand
I think I'll stay in Thailand
Where 50 baht is 20 rand

I might be on to something here
Hindsight is always crystal clear
We gonna meet new people
Let's speak petite talk
We're seeking recourse
And find ourselves in Thailand
We've been to Thailand
We taught in Thailand
Like we were 21
Onto Hong Kong
Oh what could go wrong?

Now we're in Vietnam
And fucking 31

Overall Meaning

The song "Thailand" by Shortstraw explores themes of missed opportunities, longing for a carefree youth, and the desire for escape and reinvention. The lyrics follow a person who reflects on their past and the choices they have made, feeling regretful and searching for something more fulfilling.

In the first verse, the singer introduces themselves as "Missed Opportunity," indicating that they feel like they have missed out on certain chances in life. They reflect on what has passed and are now in search of something meaningful. They reference Elton John's "Candle in the Wind," which was written for Princess Diana, symbolizing their desire to find a guiding light or a sense of purpose.

The chorus emphasizes the singer's longing for change and new experiences. They express a desire to distance themselves from people who engage in superficial conversations and instead seek resolution or solace. They mention their destination of Thailand as a place where they hope to find themselves again and relive the carefree spirit of being 21 years old.

The second verse continues to convey a sense of dissatisfaction with the mundane. The singer describes their daily routine, referred to as a "resounding sigh" and expressing a longing for something different. They mention buying another round of cheap drinks, perhaps as a way to numb their dissatisfaction. The repetition of the line "I might be on to something here" suggests that the singer is starting to realize the need for change and the clarity that comes with hindsight.

The bridge introduces the idea of traveling to different countries like Hong Kong and Vietnam, possibly in search of a fresh start or new experiences. However, the singer still feels trapped in their current situation, emphasizing their frustration by using profanity. The following lines mention catching a plane to Thailand, burying their name under the sand, and intending to stay there, suggesting a desire for escape and a place where they can reinvent themselves.

The final chorus expands the narrative to include others who are also seeking change. The singer suggests that meeting new people and engaging in meaningful conversations in Thailand will provide them and others with the resolution they are seeking. The references to teaching in Thailand and being 21 imply a desire to relive moments of youthful adventure.

Overall, the song "Thailand" captures the restlessness and longing of individuals who feel they have missed out on opportunities and seek a fresh start in an idyllic location. It explores themes of regret, reflection, and the need for reinvention, highlighting the search for meaning and a sense of self.

Line by Line Meaning

Hi, my name's Missed Opportunity
Introducing oneself as the embodiment of missed chances and regrets

Reflecting on What's come and gone
Contemplating the past and the things that have passed

I'm just searching for the candle in the wind That Elton sang About Diana
Yearning for something elusive and transient, like the candle in Elton John's song about Princess Diana

I might be on to something here Hindsight is always crystal clear
Realizing that one may have stumbled upon an important realization, as hindsight often provides clarity

I don't need new people Who speak petite talk I'm seeking recourse
Desiring genuine connections and meaningful conversations, rather than superficial small talk

I'll find myself in Thailand I'll go to Thailand Let's stay in Thailand Just like I'm 21
Seeking solace and rejuvenation in the vibrant and youthful atmosphere of Thailand, as if reliving the carefree days of being 21 years old

Hi, my name is a resounding sigh A nine to five I'd rather die
Introducing oneself as someone burdened by the monotony of a typical 9-to-5 job, expressing a strong desire to escape from that mundane existence

Buy another round of your cheapest brew I made him drill one more and the bill
Ordering inexpensive drinks and encouraging others to do the same, resulting in a larger bill

I gonna need new people And speak petite talk I'm seeking recourse
Realizing the importance of surrounding oneself with new and interesting individuals, engaging in meaningful conversations, and looking for a way to find solace

I found myself in Thailand I've been to Thailand I taught in Thailand Like I was 21
Discovering personal growth and rejuvenation in Thailand, having visited and even worked there, feeling young and carefree once again

Onto Hong Kong Oh what could go wrong? Now I'm in Vietnam And fucking 31
Continuing one's journey to other destinations like Hong Kong and Vietnam, acknowledging the uncertainties and unexpected challenges that may arise, and realizing the passage of time

I caught a plane to Thailand Bury my name under the sand I think I'll stay in Thailand Where 50 baht is 20 rand
Taking a flight to Thailand with hopes of leaving behind one's past and starting fresh, considering the idea of staying in a place where the currency exchange rate is favorable

We gonna meet new people Let's speak petite talk We're seeking recourse And find ourselves in Thailand We've been to Thailand We taught in Thailand Like we were 21
Expressing the plan to meet new people and engage in meaningful conversations, seeking solace and rejuvenation in Thailand together, having already visited, potentially even worked there, and feeling youthful once again

Onto Hong Kong Oh what could go wrong? Now we're in Vietnam And fucking 31
Continuing the journey to Hong Kong and then Vietnam, acknowledging the uncertainties and unexpected challenges that may arise, and realizing the passage of time

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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