Malkmus knew fellow Pavement songwriter Scott Kannberg (aka Spiral Stairs), of the Preston School of Industry, since childhood in Stockton, California. Malkmus attended the University of Virginia, where his father is also an alumnus. While at UVA, he also met Bob Nastanovich, another member of Pavement.
Malkmus currently resides in Portland, Oregon with his partner, artist Jessica Jackson Hutchins. In 2005, Hutchins gave birth to the couple's first child, a daughter named Lottie.
In 2008 Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks released the album, Real Emotional Trash — the group’s first album with new drummer Janet Weiss from Sleater-Kinney. In 2020, Stephen released Traditional Techniques. Reviewing the album for AllMusic, Stephen Thomas Erlewine described the album as "an amiably trippy and decisively mellow psych-folk adventure."
Xian Man
Stephen Malkmus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Open your mind back to the love of a Christian man
The wheels do stop
Midas your neighbor for the love of a Christian man
I'm Miles Davis better than any of you
Leaving no thumbprints for the love of a Christian man
Esquisite features drive you home
Fall into my act
You will never take flack
For my blackjack stacks no more
Backwardization make you amend
Tête-à-tête long math for the love of a Christian man
The wheels, they drop
Midas your neighbor for the love of a Christian man
Fall into my act
You will never take flack
For my blackjack kicks no more
Fall into my act
You will never take flack
For my blackjack stacks no more
The lyrics of "Xian Man" by Stephen Malkmus delve into a complex exploration of identity, spirituality, and self-expression. The opening lines, "You don't need headlights to see / Open your mind back to the love of a Christian man," suggest a call to introspection and a shift towards embracing the teachings and values associated with Christianity. The imagery of not needing headlights to see implies a reliance on inner wisdom or faith rather than external guidance.
The repeated reference to "the love of a Christian man" throughout the song carries connotations of seeking redemption, guidance, or a deeper connection with spirituality. The lines "The wheels do stop / Midas your neighbor for the love of a Christian man" could be interpreted as a metaphor for finding value or transformation in the mundane aspects of life through the influence of a figure embodying Christian virtues.
The mention of Miles Davis in the lyrics, "I'm Miles Davis better than any of you / Leaving no thumbprints for the love of a Christian man," appears to juxtapose the iconic jazz musician's innovative spirit with a desire to transcend limitations and leave a unique mark on the world. The association with Miles Davis could symbolize a quest for artistic excellence or a search for individuality within a larger framework of belief or ideology.
The refrain "Fall into my act / You will never take flack / For my blackjack stacks no more" hints at a sense of liberation or release from judgment or criticism, suggesting that embracing one's true self and beliefs can bring a sense of freedom from societal constraints. The repetition of similar phrases throughout the song reinforces a message of self-assurance and defiance in the face of external pressures. Overall, "Xian Man" appears to weave together themes of faith, creativity, and self-empowerment in a thought-provoking manner.
Line by Line Meaning
You don't need headlights to see
You don't need external guidance to understand
Open your mind back to the love of a Christian man
Embrace the teachings and values of Christianity
The wheels do stop
Life's cycles come to an end
Midas your neighbor for the love of a Christian man
Show generosity and kindness towards others for the sake of Christian love
I'm Miles Davis better than any of you
I excel above others just like Miles Davis in his field
Leaving no thumbprints for the love of a Christian man
Acting without leaving a trace, in service of Christian values
Esquisite features drive you home
Attractive qualities that guide you towards the right path
Keeping my head on the top for the love of a Christian man
Staying grounded and true to Christian values
Fall into my act
Be drawn into my performance or persona
You will never take flack
You won't face criticism or backlash
For my blackjack stacks no more
Referring to risky behavior or choices that will no longer be made
Backwardization make you amend
Reflecting on mistakes and correcting them
Tête-à-tête long math for the love of a Christian man
Engaging in deep conversation or reflection on Christian principles
The wheels, they drop
Facing the consequences of one's actions
Midas your neighbor for the love of a Christian man
Benefiting others through generosity and Christian love
Fall into my act
Be drawn into my performance or persona
You will never take flack
You won't face criticism or backlash
For my blackjack stacks no more
Referring to risky behavior or choices that will no longer be made
Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: Stephen Joseph Malkmus
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jesse Lopes
the most consistently great artist in rock history - Perfect Sound Forever
Cinema Gulp
His latest work has been amazing. I am loving this phase of his creativity. My all time favorite artist.
Wallace 777
His new stuff is brilliant!
D B
crazy being at this stage in his career and just dropping one of the best guitar licks ever
Alex Massa
New guitars of Malkmus have a sound of Tinariwen and the groove of Lou Reed in Velvet Underground, the style is Neil Young
luap ekcol
Sounds like the best stuff he’s done for some time
Joe Francomano
you haven't been paying close enough attention.
King Kook
Wow, another turn in the ever changing musical landscape of S Malkmus. Approve heartily, this is sweet man! : )
John Pearson
The fact that Malkmus isn't universally recognized as the Rock Guitar God he is is a sign of the sick and sad times in which we live.
SpergMedia
I feel like this one is gonna grow on me.
Looking forward to the new album!