Pavement, a band started by Malkmus post-Ectoslavia, pre-New York, at this point began to gain attention. This attention resulted in a record deal and a constant inferiority plague placed upon the 'Joos with Berman totally at the forefront of the group. Misinformed music fans now saw the band as a side-project and, even worse, Berman as being not good enough to play with Pavement, many band members being shared between the two bands.
The connection to Malkmus and the now blossoming Pavement was not all negative, however. Drag City, then not the bastion of American folk music it is today, agreed to release the band's debut EPs which has led to a fruitful relationship (the label continues to release the band's records, right up to album number 7 in 2008, (Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea).
The Silver Jews in their later days primarily consisted of David and Cassie Berman who contributed most of the lyrics, and a changing cast of characters. They had numerous indie stars in a rotating line up, including Willie T. of Lambchop, and Brian Kotzer of Tim Chad and Sherry.
David Berman is also a poet and has been published in numerous poetry magazines and journals. He also has a book of poetry and rants entitled "Actual Air," which was released in 1999 and received favorable reviews from The New Yorker and GQ.
On the 22nd of January, 2009, David Berman announced on the Drag City messageboard that their show on the 31st of January in Tennessee would be their last. "Can't be like all the careerists doncha know. I'm forty two and I know what to do. I'm a writer, see? I always said we would stop before we got bad." After 10 years off, Berman reappeared in 2019 as Purple Mountains.
David Berman died from suicide on August 22, 2019 after a long battle with depression.
What Is Not But Could Be If
Silver Jews Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
what could appear in the morning mist
with all associated risk
what is not but could be if
What was not but could have been
was my obsession way back when
now I just remember this
what is not but could be if
we could be crossing
this abridged abyss into beginning
and failure's got you in its grasp
and you're reaching for your very last
vicious beginning
one has lived life carelessly
if he or she has failed to see
that the truth is not alive or dead
the truth is struggling to be said
so how do we get out of this?
family shadows all of this
through what is not but could be if
with all associated risk
what is not but could be if
we could be crossing
this abridged abyss into beginning
and failure's got you in its grasp
and you're reaching for your very last
vicious beginning
The song "What Is Not But Could Be If" by Silver Jews is a contemplative reflection on the nature of truth, possibility, and regret. The lyrics suggest that much of what we experience in life is not what it appears to be, but rather what it could be if we take the risk to cross into the unknown. The song's repeated refrain of "what is not but could be if" emphasizes this sense of possibility, while also acknowledging the risks and failures that come along with pursuing something new and unfamiliar.
The first verse speaks to the idea of something that is not yet present, but could potentially appear out of the mist in the morning - this could be a new opportunity, a new life direction, or a new relationship. The second verse reflects on past obsessions that never came to fruition, highlighting the regret that can come from not seizing these opportunities when they arose. The chorus then returns to the notion of crossing an "abridged abyss" - a metaphor for taking a leap of faith - in order to embrace the potential for new beginnings, even in the face of failure.
The song's final verse introduces the idea of family shadows, suggesting that our past experiences and relationships can weigh heavily on our ability to take risks and embrace possibility. However, the song ultimately encourages the listener to push beyond these limitations and to embrace what could be, even if it is accompanied by risk and failure.
Line by Line Meaning
What is not but could be if
This line serves as a refrain, encapsulating the central theme of the song. It asks the listener to consider what could exist, even if it does not actually exist yet.
what could appear in the morning mist
This line refers to the mysterious and elusive nature of possibility. Just as objects can seem to materialize out of the mist, so too can opportunities present themselves suddenly and without warning.
with all associated risk
This line acknowledges that pursuing possibility is not without its dangers. Taking risks is an integral part of following one's dreams, but it can also lead to failure and disappointment.
What was not but could have been
This line speaks to regret and the sense of missed opportunities. It suggests that the artist has experienced disappointment in the past through failing to act upon potential opportunities.
was my obsession way back when
This line elaborates on the idea of missed opportunities. The artist describes the opportunity as an 'obsession', suggesting that it held particular significance for them.
now I just remember this
The singer has come to terms with the lost opportunity, but still carries it with them in memory. While they may have moved on from this particular possibility, it still holds meaning for them.
we could be crossing
this abridged abyss into beginning
This line speaks to the possibility of transformation and renewal. The 'abridged abyss' suggests a precipice that can be crossed, with the potential for a new beginning waiting on the other side.
and failure's got you in its grasp
This line acknowledges the fear of failure that can hold us back from pursuing our desires.
and you're reaching for your very last
vicious beginning
The concept of a 'vicious beginning' suggests a cycle of repeated failures and re-starts. This line speaks to the sense of desperation that can set in when we feel like we are running out of chances.
one has lived life carelessly
if he or she has failed to see
that the truth is not alive or dead
the truth is struggling to be said
This stanza reflects on the nature of truth, suggesting that it is not something that can be passively observed, but something that must be actively pursued. The line 'the truth is struggling to be said' implies that the search for truth is an ongoing and difficult process.
so how do we get out of this?
This line acknowledges that finding and pursuing possibility is not always an easy task.
family shadows all of this
This line suggests that the artist's family may be a source of tension or conflict in their pursuit of possibility.
what is not but could be if
with all associated risk
This refrain returns, emphasizing the concept of possibility despite the risks involved.
we could be crossing
this abridged abyss into beginning
The idea of transformation and renewal is returned to once again in this line.
and failure's got you in its grasp
The fear of failure is reiterated.
and you're reaching for your very last
vicious beginning
The sense of desperation is similarly restated, emphasizing the stakes involved in pursuing possibility.
Contributed by Riley M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.