Valentine was recorded in Nashville by Brad Jones, who has worked with arti… Read Full Bio ↴Valentine was recorded in Nashville by Brad Jones, who has worked with artists like Josh Rouse, Jill Sobule and Marshall Crenshaw. Hiders singer/songwriter/guitarist Billy Alletzhauser first crossed Jones' path as a member of The Ass Ponys, who worked with Jones on a few albums.
Hovering in the Americana-sphere around artists from Neil Young and The Band to newer acts like Sparklehorse and The Thrills, Valentine is, in a word, mesmerizing. Alletzhauser, bassist Victor Strunk and drummer Todd Drake are also with atmospheric Indie faves Ruby Vileos, and if you know that band you'll have some sense of the warm, celestial glide prevalent on the album (singer Beth Harris and guitarist/pedal steeler Toby Ellis round out the lineup, while Dave Gilligan lends harmonica and Tyler Ramsey plays keys and guitar on the album). On opener "Everything I Wanted," Ellis offers pedal steel swells that illuminate like a sunrise, wrapping around Alletzhauser's organic, melancholic melodies and Harris' perfect harmonies (she is Emmylou to Alletzhauser's Neil). There is a natural hypnotic glaze to most of tracks, as the acoustic and electric guitars and the sweeping rhythms combine to create a billow of irresistible ethereality.

Other highlights on the album include the Greek mythology-referencing "Persephone," which rattles the cage a little more than most tracks with its distorted, lost-in-the-woods-at-night guitar stomp; the trembling, gently-rolling lullaby for a departing lover "Magic Show"; the twilight-twinkling "You Can't Hurt Me Anymore"; and "Bury Me," which recalls the earlier roots-rockin' days of Wilco. But highlights, shmilights there isn't a dud in the bunch here. The songs are full of drama and soul, possessing an imposing majesty and a vibe of sober sorrow that makes Valentine a perfect "shoulder to cry on" CD for anyone going through a soul-crushing breakup. With an album this amazing under their belts, there's no hiding for The Hiders anymore.

OUTRO
The Hiders Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

"It was very well done, and he was very, very proud of it'
"But he had a special talent"
I'm slipping through the cracks
My bones are becoming weak
The longer we sit and stare
The less I start to care

Overall Meaning

In the lyrics of "OUTRO" by The Hiders, the opening lines set the scene by describing an individual who has created something remarkable and is feeling a sense of accomplishment. The phrase "It was very well done, and he was very, very proud of it" suggests a feeling of self-satisfaction and pride in one's work. However, the subsequent line, "But he had a special talent," hints at an underlying complexity or perhaps a darker side to this individual's character. This juxtaposition invites the listener to delve deeper into the psyche of the singer.

As the lyrics progress, a shift in tone occurs with the lines "I'm slipping through the cracks, My bones are becoming weak." These words evoke a sense of vulnerability and fragility, hinting at a sense of deterioration or decline. The imagery of slipping through the cracks conveys a feeling of being lost or overwhelmed by circumstances, while the imagery of weakening bones suggests a physical and emotional weariness. This portrayal of inner struggle adds a layer of depth to the character, setting the stage for introspection and soul-searching.

The juxtaposition of the singer's initial pride and later vulnerability prompts reflection on the nature of success and fulfillment. The contrast between external accomplishment and internal turmoil underscores the complexity of human experience and the potential for inner conflict. The lyrics suggest a struggle between external validation and internal struggles, highlighting the tension between societal expectations and personal well-being. This internal conflict adds nuance to the character's journey, inviting listeners to contemplate the dualities of human existence and the quest for authenticity.

The final lines, "The longer we sit and stare, The less I start to care," capture a sense of resignation and disillusionment. The repetition of the word "less" emphasizes a gradual erosion of emotion or connection, suggesting a distancing from present circumstances or relationships. This emotional detachment hints at a loss of passion or purpose, inviting reflection on the consequences of complacency and inaction. Overall, the lyrics of "OUTRO" by The Hiders invite listeners to explore themes of pride and vulnerability, success and struggle, and the nuanced interplay between external validation and internal turmoil.

Line by Line Meaning

It was very well done, and he was very, very proud of it
The task was completed with excellence, and the person felt a deep sense of accomplishment

But he had a special talent
However, he possessed a unique skill or ability that set him apart from others

I'm slipping through the cracks
I feel like I am losing my grip on reality and falling through the cracks of life

My bones are becoming weak
I am growing weary and frail, both physically and emotionally

The longer we sit and stare
As time passes without action, my interest and concern diminish

The less I start to care
I begin to care less and less about the situation or outcome

Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Caleb Mallonee

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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