The two albums released to date are Wasps' Nests (1995) and Hyacinths and Thistles (1999). The names of both albums, and the name of the band, are deliberate tongue-twisters. The words are chosen for their abundance of s and th sounds. Sixths packs one th and three s sounds into one syllable.
One story has it that the band was conceived when Merritt, observing that there was no tribute album dedicated to him, decided to make one himself. The concept is that Merritt writes songs which are then played and sung by other artists, different ones on each track. It has so far produced two well-received albums and many bizarre collaborations.
The other story (and the more accurate one) is that Merritt wrote the songs, mailed the singers rough demos, their vocals and additional tracks were returned via mail back to Merritt who the results took to his studio and polished them up as finished items. This at least rings true on the debut record, with the singers and composers never meeting in person. A few years later, the Postal Service would use this same tactic and even use the method as their namesake.
The list of singers on Wasps' Nests reads like a veritable Who's Who of mid 90s indie rock starpower, including Miho Hatori, Barbara Manning, Mary Timony, Dean Wareham (Galaxie 500, Luna), Lou Barlow, Robert Scott (The Bats, The Clean), Georgia Hubley (Yo La Tengo) and Mark Robinson.
Some of the more notable artists appearing on Hyacinths and Thistles are Bob Mould, Sally Timms (The Mekons), Sarah Cracknell (Saint Etienne), Neil Hannon (The Divine Comedy), Gary Numan, Marc Almond, Momus, Clare Grogan (Altered Images), Melanie, Miss Lily Banquette (Combustible Edison) and the accomplished toy piano player Margaret Leng Tan.
Movies In My Head
The 6ths Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Though you've tried every trick known to Madison Avenue
I will eat all chocolate fed to me, I'll ride in the park
But it's only fair to tell you you're whistling in the dark
I can't remember anything you've ever said
You don't hold a candle to the movies in my head
I can't remember any life I might have led
I'm always starring in the movies in my head
You can tell me all your secrets till you're blue in the face
You can stare into my eyes but I'll be off in a daze
In my Indonesian palace I will probably stay
If you give me rings and roses, I will throw them away
I can't remember anything you've ever said
You don't hold a candle to the movies in my head
I can't remember any life I might have led
I sit in the dark and watch the movies in my head
I'm always starring in the movies in my head
I can't remember anything you've ever said
You don't hold a candle to the movies in my head
I can't remember any life I might have led
I sit in the dark and watch the movies in my head
I'm always starring in the movies in my head
The 6ths' song "Movies In My Head" is a commentary on the disparity between real life and the fantasy worlds that people create for themselves. The singer in the song rejects the advances of their partner, explaining that despite the effort put into trying to win them over, they are only interested in the movies that play out in their mind. The singer divulges that they are always the star of these films, and they prefer this narrative to the one that their partner is trying to create in reality.
The use of the phrase "whistling in the dark" emphasizes the idea that the partner's efforts are futile since the singer is not interested in pursuing a real-life romance. By saying "I'm always starring in the movies in my head," the singer reveals that they are content with their own self-contained reality rather than trying to forge a connection with someone else. The rejection of flowers and rings shows that the singer doesn't want any materialistic offerings, reinforcing that they do not desire a relationship in the real world.
The overall message of the song is that the movies we create in our heads can be more fulfilling than real life, highlighting the importance of imagination and dreams in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
While it may come as a shock, I wasn't born to love you
I'm sorry but I never felt I had any natural inclination to love you
Though you've tried every trick known to Madison Avenue
Although you've done everything that is known in advertising to get my affection
I will eat all chocolate fed to me, I'll ride in the park
I will do anything you ask me to, I will comply
But it's only fair to tell you you're whistling in the dark
But I need to let you know that your efforts are in vain, and you're trying to achieve something impossible
You can tell me all your secrets till you're blue in the face
You can reveal all your secrets and pour your heart out to me as much as you want
You can stare into my eyes but I'll be off in a daze
However, I'll be daydreaming and not fully present even if you're looking at me
In my Indonesian palace I will probably stay
In my imagination, my luxurious residence is in Indonesia, and that's where I'll be living
If you give me rings and roses, I will throw them away
If you give me any romantic gesture, I'll disregard and discard them as they don't hold any value to me
I can't remember anything you've ever said
I don't recall anything you've said to me
You don't hold a candle to the movies in my head
Your words and actions can't compare to my vivid and elaborate daydreams
I can't remember any life I might have led
I have no recollection of my life beyond my imaginary world
I sit in the dark and watch the movies in my head
I immerse myself in my own fantasies with no regard for reality
I'm always starring in the movies in my head
I'm the main character in my own made-up world
Contributed by Kayla K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.