Their full-length album Broom, independently released in 2005, received good reviews from Spin Magazine and they are now signed with Polyvinyl Record Co..
Spin Magazine praised SSLYBY in an October issue, and recently, SSLYBY released a split record with Michael Holt of San Francisco cult band the Mommyheads on Catbird Records.
In February 2006, the band went on tour with Secretly Canadian band Catfish Haven.
The band's second LP, Pershing, was released in April 2008 on Polyvinyl. Its third album, Let It Sway, was released in August 2010 by Polyvinyl. A fourth album, a collection of 26 songs both new and old, is expected to be released in October 2011
The Clod and the Pebble
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nor for itself hath any care
But for another gives its ease
And builds a heaven in hell’s despair."
So sung a little Clod of Clay
Trodden with the cattle’s feet
But a Pebble of the brook
"Love seeketh only Self to please
To bind another to its delight
Joys in another’s loss of ease
And builds a hell in heaven’s despite."
The Clod and the Pebble by Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin is an intriguing song that explores the nature of love. The lyrics begin by suggesting that love is not self-serving, but rather seeks to alleviate the suffering of others. It posits that true love builds a heaven in the midst of despair. The sentiment is poetic and profound. It is as though the Clod is an embodiment of a selfless love, exemplifying the serene nature of love.
On the other hand, the Pebble's lines speak of a kind of selfish love that is interested only in pleasing itself. The Pebble views love as a way to bind someone to its personal delight. It takes pleasure in another's pain in a cruel and twisted manner. The Pebble, therefore, represents the dark side of love, the kind that makes life a living hell. The dichotomy between the Clod and the Pebble sets up a sharp contrast, underscoring the complexity and duality inherent in the ultimate human emotion.
The song's symbolism sheds light on the different ways that love manifests in individuals' lives. Love can be a selfless act of generosity or a selfish act of the ego, making this song an excellent addition to the discourse of love and its many facets.
Line by Line Meaning
Love seeketh not itself to please
Love does not pursue its own selfish satisfaction
Nor for itself hath any care
Love does not concern itself with its own needs or desires
But for another gives its ease
Love seeks to provide comfort and ease to another
And builds a heaven in hell’s despair.
Love creates a place of peace and contentment in even the most difficult circumstances.
So sung a little Clod of Clay
A small, insignificant piece of earth spoke these words
Trodden with the cattle’s feet
Despite being stepped on and ignored by others
But a Pebble of the brook
In contrast with the Clod
Warbled out these metres meet:
Sang a melody in agreement with the opposite view
Love seeketh only Self to please
Selfish love seeks only to please itself
To bind another to its delight
This love tries to control another for its own gratification
Joys in another’s loss of ease
Finding pleasure in another's pain is a source of joy
And builds a hell in heaven’s despite.
This kind of love creates misery and chaos even in the most peaceful of places.
Contributed by Jacob C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.