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.
Waltzing Me All The Way Home
The 6ths Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'd never seen your kind before, your every word was a poem
Thank you for giving me reasons for living, more reasons than I'd ever known
Thank you for giving me new worlds to live in and waltzing me all the way home
Now that you're just a memory waltzing me all the way home
I hope they treat you tenderly in London, Paris and Rome
You'll find a lover who looks like your mother
And I'll find another lover who looks like your brother
But never another for waltzing me all the way home
The 6ths' song "Waltzing Me All The Way Home" tells a story about a soldier from Lahore who waltzes the singer all the way home. From the very beginning, the singer expresses her admiration for the soldier, saying that she has never seen anyone like him before. To her, every word he says is a poem, and with him, she discovers new reasons for living and new worlds to inhabit. He takes her on a journey that helps her find her way home and, in the process, she falls in love with him deeply.
The singer's love for the soldier makes it difficult for her to accept his departure. She wishes him well in London, Paris, and Rome, hoping that people there will treat him tenderly. She also fears that he might feel lonely, so she advises him to find someone who looks like his mother. At the same time, she promises to find another lover who looks like him, but she knows that no one could ever replace him in waltzing her all the way home.
The lyrics of "Waltzing Me All The Way Home" are poignant and emotional, reflecting the singer's love and loss of the soldier. The song has a bittersweet quality that speaks to the universal experience of finding love and losing it. The melancholic melody, paired with Stephen Merritt's understated vocals, further enhances the emotional impact of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
You were a soldier from Lahore, waltzing me all the way home
You were a brave warrior from Lahore, escorting me safely to my abode
I'd never seen your kind before, your every word was a poem
I had never come across someone like you before, each of your words felt like a beautiful verse
Thank you for giving me reasons for living, more reasons than I'd ever known
I am grateful to you for providing me with a purpose to live, more than I had ever realized existed
Thank you for giving me new worlds to live in and waltzing me all the way home
I appreciate you for introducing me to new experiences that broadened my horizons, while accompanying me gracefully back home
Now that you're just a memory waltzing me all the way home
Since you are now only a recollection, but one associated with walking me home elegantly
I hope they treat you tenderly in London, Paris and Rome
I aspire for you being treated with empathy and kindliness during your travels to London, Paris or Rome
You'll find a lover who looks like your mother
You will discover a partner who resembles your mother
For heaven's sake don't be alone
Please, do not be solitary for the sake of heaven
And I'll find another lover who looks like your brother
On the other hand, I shall locate another lover who resembles your sibling
But never another for waltzing me all the way home
However, I will never find another partner who could make me feel as special as you did while accompanying me back home gracefully.
Contributed by Allison E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.