Son Volt formed after the breakup of the band Uncle Tupelo, owing to the simmering creative differences between songwriters Farrar and Jeff Tweedy. The group's members lived in Minneapolis, St Louis, and New Orleans at the time. Son Volt is often considered the closest continuance of Uncle Tupelo's Alt-country/Americana sound and musical legacy. Jeff Tweedy would steer his post-Uncle Tupelo group Wilco towards more adventurous sonic territory - and greater critical and commercial success - in a move that has sharply divided fans.
Farrar has released albums under his own name and the Son Volt nameplate, though there is little continuity in supporting band members. After a strong initial showing with 1995's Trace, the original Son Volt lineup released two more records before going on permanent hiatus in 1999. After the original members were unable to reach an agreement on the terms of a reunion, Farrar put together a new version of Son Volt in 2004. The revived Son Volt has regained its creative footing with 2005's confident Okemah and the Melody of Riot. Son Volt went on to release "The Search" in the Spring of 2007.
Mystifies Me
Son Volt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We got time and we can cast it true
Just give me a sign, I'll take your word
I'll learn anything you want me to
That is all I'm looking to you for
All I'm asking that you simply do
Take it leave it, make things matter
Take it all apart and put it back
I am always left here looking at you
You look so fine true
You look so fine true
I would not lie to you
Let me see you, let me know your dreams
Won't you please give out a sign
Things you say make me look through you
No one mystifies me like you do
This is why I always look at you
And I hold you to it every day
You look so fine true
No one mystifies me like you do
You look so fine true
No one mystifies me like you do
The lyrics to Son Volt's "Mystifies Me" describe a deep yearning for someone. The singer is asking this person to stay with him and help him work through whatever it is that is weighing him down. He is willing to learn and do whatever it takes to make things right, but he needs a sign from this person to let him know what to do. The singer is looking to this person to make him feel alive, and their presence takes his breath away.
The chorus repeats the phrase "You look so fine true," which could be interpreted as the singer admiring the physical appearance of this person. However, the repeated phrase "no one mystifies me like you do" suggests there is something more to this person that draws the singer in. The singer is captivated by this person's words and wants to know their dreams. The final lines of the song convey a sense of dependence on this person, as the singer always looks at them and holds them accountable every day.
Overall, the song seems to express a sense of vulnerability and longing for connection with someone who has a mysterious and captivating quality. The singer is willing to do whatever it takes to be with this person and understand them more deeply.
Line by Line Meaning
Stay awhile and work it out of me
I need your help to overcome something and I want you to stay with me until we work it out
We got time and we can cast it true
We have enough time to make it right and we can make it work if we try
Just give me a sign, I'll take your word
I trust you and I'll do anything you ask if you give me a sign or instruction
I'll learn anything you want me to
I'm willing to learn anything to make things right with you
That is all I'm looking to you for
I only need your help and guidance to make things right
All I'm asking that you simply do
I'm only asking for a simple favor or request from you
Take it leave it, make things matter
Whether we do it or not, it will have an impact and we have to make a choice
Lettin' all my breath away
The decision or situation is overwhelming and causing me to feel breathless
Take it all apart and put it back
Let's examine the situation carefully and try to fix it
I am always left here looking at you
Even when you're not here, I'm still thinking about you and seeking your guidance
You look so fine true
You are very attractive and appealing to me
Let me see you, let me know your dreams
I want to understand you better and know your hopes and aspirations
Won't you please give out a sign
I need some indication from you to know what to do next
Things you say make me look through you
Your words reveal more about you and your thoughts than your actions do
No one mystifies me like you do
You are truly unique and fascinating to me, and I can't quite figure you out
And I hold you to it every day
I keep thinking about you and holding you to your words or promises
Contributed by Vivian P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mary Humston
my husband picked this for our first dance we will be married 17 years - still my favorite
Emily Sartain Leach
This is our first dance song, too :)
absolutelynonameslef
@William Coyne my dentist was named William Coyne.
William Coyne
Happy 20th
Mark Truslow
Lyrically such a great song. Jay just nails it.
William Altizer
this is absolutely my favorite all time love song. And like someone said it earlier in comments ' jay nails it too'.. this whole record is highly contagious, an americana masterpiece
Fritter70
Great cover. This song has great "feel". This is what music should be.
70mjc
Arguably my favorite song ever, well, this or "Blind Hope". Jay continues to amaze me. I would love to see a reunion of the 'Trace' album bandmates.
Blaise Castelli
70mjc blind hope is mine too!!! Great minds!!
Amy Cooper
One of mine & my husband of 23 years songs. Fall in love all over again listening to this song together