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.
breaching the barriers of overindulgence
Shortstraw Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That I can't smell the liquor when its written on your face
And cream colored sheets in plastic sleeves
Whoever thought you'd be so academic in your sleep
But you're still just a girl who smells like sleep
And always feels the need to be in love with me and read
Far too much into what I say
Turnaround, oh
Turnaround, oh
Turnaround, oh
Turnaround, oh
And please stop treating me like a disease
I'm actually quite apposed to the odor of the other breathe
Split out your orifice
When you breach the barrier of overindulgence
Turnaround, oh
Turnaround, oh
Turnaround, oh
Turnaround, oh
Calm down
Calm down
Calm down
Calm down
So consume your beverage of choice
Until you start to get a personality and voice
Yet you still don't deserve the time of day
Although the prospect of a late night rendezvous seems fair
Turnaround, oh
Turnaround, oh
Turnaround, oh
Turnaround, oh
The lyrics of Shortstraw's song "Breaching the Barriers of Overindulgence" depict a complex relationship filled with contradictions and frustrations. The singer starts by addressing someone who is heavily intoxicated, expressing surprise that the smell of alcohol is not noticeable on their breath, even though it's evident on their face. The mention of "cream-colored sheets in plastic sleeves" alludes to a sense of artificiality and detachment from reality. The reference to being "academic in your sleep" suggests that this person may come across as sophisticated or intelligent, even in their intoxicated state.
The singer then shifts to describing the person as "just a girl who smells like sleep," implying that they may be constantly tired or lethargic. This person always feels the need to be in love with the singer and reads too much into their words, always finding something to argue about. The repetition of "Turnaround" might signify the singer's frustration, urging this person to change their behavior and perspective.
The lyrics then take a confrontational tone, as the singer asks this person to stop treating them like a disease, expressing their dislike for the odor of the other person's breath. The phrase "split out your orifice" suggests a need to let go of excessive indulgences and break free from destructive habits.
In the final verse, the singer tells this person to calm down, implying that their behavior is causing tension and unease. The lines about consuming a beverage to develop a personality and voice hint at a reliance on substances for self-expression and a lack of authenticity. The singer concludes by stating that, despite the temptation of a late-night rendezvous, this person does not deserve their attention.
Overall, "Breaching the Barriers of Overindulgence" portrays a complicated relationship affected by intoxication, emotional dependency, and the struggle to maintain authenticity in the face of overindulgence.
Line by Line Meaning
Breathe your breath on me I'm quite amazed
I am fascinated by the fact that I cannot detect the scent of alcohol on your face
That I can't smell the liquor when its written on your face
Despite its obvious presence, I am unable to perceive the smell of alcohol on your face
And cream colored sheets in plastic sleeves
There are sheets of a pale color protected by plastic sleeves
Whoever thought you'd be so academic in your sleep
It is unexpected that you would display scholarly qualities even during your slumber
But you're still just a girl who smells like sleep
Nevertheless, you are just a girl who emits an aroma resembling that of sleep
And always feels the need to be in love with me and read
You constantly have the desire to be infatuated with me and engage in reading
Far too much into what I say
You tend to interpret my words in an excessive manner
And always deems it relevant to argue everyday
Furthermore, you consistently find it appropriate to engage in arguments on a daily basis
Turnaround, oh
Alter your perspective, oh
And please stop treating me like a disease
I kindly request that you cease treating me as if I were a contagious illness
I'm actually quite apposed to the odor of the other breathe
In reality, I strongly dislike the scent of the other person's breath
Split out your orifice
Expel the contents of your mouth
When you breach the barrier of overindulgence
Upon exceeding the limit of excessive indulgence
Calm down
Relax
So consume your beverage of choice
Therefore, proceed to ingest your preferred beverage
Until you start to get a personality and voice
Continue until your behavior and expression exhibit distinct characteristics
Yet you still don't deserve the time of day
However, you remain undeserving of attention or acknowledgement
Although the prospect of a late night rendezvous seems fair
Although the idea of a nighttime meeting seems reasonable
Calm down
Relax
Turnaround, oh
Alter your perspective, oh
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind