Monk's most recent album was released in 2002.
Evidence
T.S. Monk Lyrics
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Picking through books that you won't read again
Keeping your promises vague
Lost in the crowd in the circus parade
Keeping your Polaroids dry
Delirious fevers burn night after night
The cryptic malaise that you're in
To focus attention on books you might write
Ripped off from diaries, kept out of sight
The evidence you hide
Keeping your bed warm at night
It's not an illusion it glows very bright
With the young coal the fire is fed
Who you keep with you is best left unsaid
On finding particular friends
Remember that all moral fiber will bend
To put them in letters you burn as you write
Seen in reflections and not with your eyes
Cultivating lies
The lyrics of T.S. Monk's song Evidence can be interpreted as a reflection of the struggles and complexities that come with chasing artistic expression. The first stanza describes the process of sifting through the remnants of past experiences and ideas, searching for inspiration. However, it seems that the singer is experiencing a sense of confusion and vagueness in regards to their own creative goals. The metaphor of a "circus parade" suggests a feeling of being swept up in a chaotic environment where one is just another face in the crowd.
The second stanza delves deeper into the creative process, describing the feverish obsession that can come with trying to bring a piece of art to fruition. The line "The cryptic malaise that you're in, the art that may come of it I'd recommend" suggests that sometimes the creative struggle is the only way to achieve a truly meaningful work. However, the singer is warned against "cultivating lies" and keeping secrets in order to make their art more exciting or sensational.
The final stanza is perhaps the most personal, touching on the idea that the people we choose to keep close to us can have a profound impact on our creative output. The singer seems to be grappling with the notion that their own morals may be compromised in the pursuit of artistic success. Ultimately, Evidence is a song that explores the complexities of the creative process, and the personal sacrifices that artists make in order to achieve their goals.
Line by Line Meaning
Lost in a paperback rain
Feeling lost and disjointed, surrounded by things that are viewed as worthless or of little value
Picking through books that you won't read again
Going through experiences or memories that do not provide any value or joy in life
Keeping your promises vague
Not committing fully to anything, always keeping things open-ended in order to avoid commitments or definitive decisions
Lost in the crowd in the circus parade
Feeling lost and lonely in a world that seems to be getting crazier by the day, with too many distractions to keep up with
Keeping your Polaroids dry
Holding onto memories, but keeping them at a distance so as not to get too emotional
Delirious fevers burn night after night
Being consumed by an emotional or mental struggle that doesn't seem to let up, without any relief or hope for improvement
The cryptic malaise that you're in
Being consumed by feelings of sadness or depression that are hard to articulate or describe
The art that may come of it I'd recommend
Turning negative experiences into creative inspiration that can be channeled into something positive and meaningful
To focus attention on books you might write
Channelling one's energy into writing, which can be therapeutic and help one make sense of their emotions and experiences
Ripped off from diaries, kept out of sight
Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and memories that are not typically shared with others
The evidence you hide
The personal evidence or experiences that one keeps hidden from others, whether out of shame, pain, or privacy concerns
Keeping your bed warm at night
Seeking comfort and solace in the familiar, especially during difficult times
It's not an illusion it glows very bright
Finding hope and positivity even in the darkest of times, holding onto things that bring joy and light into one's life
With the young coal the fire is fed
Finding strength and inspiration in young or new ideas, viewpoints, or perspectives that can ignite passion and drive
Who you keep with you is best left unsaid
Choosing to keep certain aspects of one's personal life private, especially when it comes to relationships or companionship
On finding particular friends
Being discerning when choosing friends, recognizing that not all relationships are healthy or beneficial
Remember that all moral fiber will bend
Recognizing that even those with the greatest moral fortitude can falter or be swayed under certain circumstances
To put them in letters you burn as you write
Pouring out one's emotions and struggles into writing, which can be cathartic but also painful
Seen in reflections and not with your eyes
Gaining a new perspective on one's experiences or emotions through reflection and introspection, rather than solely relying on one's outward perception
Cultivating lies
Telling oneself half-truths or untruths in order to cope with difficult or painful situations, which can ultimately harm more than help
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRIS C. PEDERSON, DAVID A. IMMERGLUCK, GREG A. LISHER, VICTOR H. KRUMMENACHER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind