Tarnation was an American alternative country band, formed by Paula Frazer … Read Full Bio ↴Tarnation was an American alternative country band, formed by Paula Frazer in late 1992. The band split up in 1997, Frazer continues to release music and tour under her own name.

Tarnation originally comprised just Frazer on vocals and guitar, but she was joined in 1993 by Brandan Kearny on lap steel guitar and Brent Johnson on guitar and vocals.

Musicians Michelle Cernuto, Lincoln Allen and Matt Sullivan soon joined the band. With this line-up, Tarnation released the album I’ll Give You Something To Cry About on Nuf Sed Records in 1993.

Cernuto, Allen and Sullivan left the band in May 1995, after recording the album Gentle Creatures. It was released on 4AD later that year, featuring seven re-worked songs from I’ll Give You Something To Cry About.

Frazer quickly reformed Tarnation, with a line-up including Alex Oropeza on guitar, Bill Cuevas on bass and lap steel guitar and Joe Byrnes on drums.

Jamie Meagan joined on bass in 1997, in time to take part in the recording sessions for the band's final album, Mirador.

After the break-up of Tarnation, Oropeza and Byrnes continue to play in their own band, Broken Horse, while Frazer continues as a solo artist.

Idly
Tarnation Lyrics

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So uncertain I double as a shadow or someone who doesn't understand.
Blatant or misshapen and far too weary to pretend to understand.
In my mind's eye, I am love's pauper and I am going nowhere.
But, I know there's a little piece of heaven - a piece of heaven somewhere.
Idly, idly, please come take my hand.
Somewhere I know there is a castle floating in the air.
Idly I am taking my time but someday, I will be there.
Idly, idly, idly, please come take my hand.

Overall Meaning

Tarnation's song "Idly" is a melancholic reflection on the singer's self-doubt and lack of direction in life. The lyrics suggest that the singer feels like a shadow or a misunderstood figure, unable to fully comprehend the world around them. Whether their confusion is due to some personal flaw or external circumstances is left unclear, but it seems to cause them significant weariness and emotional distress.

Despite their feelings of insecurity and disillusionment, the singer clings to a faint hope that there is a better life waiting for them somewhere. They reference a "little piece of heaven" and a "castle floating in the air," suggesting that they dream of a place that is magical or idyllic in some way. However, they are not actively pursuing this vision and instead seem content to drift aimlessly through life ("idly, idly").

The repeated refrain of "please come take my hand" could be interpreted as a plea for someone to help the singer find their way or simply as a longing for connection and comfort. Either way, it adds to the sense of isolation and vulnerability conveyed by the rest of the lyrics.

Overall, "Idly" is a poignant portrayal of a person struggling to find meaning and purpose in a confusing and uncertain world. The imagery of shadows, castles, and heaven suggest a yearning for something beyond the trappings of everyday life, but it is unclear whether this dream will ever be fulfilled.

Line by Line Meaning

So uncertain I double as a shadow or someone who doesn't understand.
I feel so unsure of myself that I'm like a shadow or someone who doesn't get it.

Blatant or misshapen and far too weary to pretend to understand.
I feel obvious or unattractive and too tired to act like I understand what's going on.

In my mind's eye, I am love's pauper and I am going nowhere.
In my imagination, I'm a poor person when it comes to love and I feel like I'm not going anywhere in life.

But, I know there's a little piece of heaven - a piece of heaven somewhere.
Despite my feelings, I believe there's a little bit of happiness out there for me somewhere.

Idly, idly, please come take my hand.
Without much urgency, I'm asking for someone to come help me or guide me.

Somewhere I know there is a castle floating in the air.
Deep down, I believe that there's something magical or special out there waiting for me.

Idly I am taking my time but someday, I will be there.
I'm taking things slow for now, but I believe someday I will reach that special place.

Idly, idly, idly, please come take my hand.
Again, without much urgency, I'm asking for someone to come guide me towards my goals or dreams.

Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: PAULA A FRAZER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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