The Juliana Theory was an indie, alternative rock, and post-hardcore quinte… Read Full Bio ↴The Juliana Theory was an indie, alternative rock, and post-hardcore quintet from Pennsylvania formed in 1997 by Brett Detar, formerly of Zao. and Chad Alan. The band released its first two albums, "Understand This Is A Dream" (1999) and "Emotion Is Dead" (2000), as well as the "Music from Another Room EP" (2001) on Tooth and Nail Records. In 2002, the band signed to Epic Records and released the acclaimed cd "Love" (2003). When not in the studio, the band was always on the road, criss-crossing the US/Canada over a dozen times and touring Europe and Australia. In late 2005, they released their final album "Deadbeat Sweetheartbeat" before disbanding in February of 2006. They then released "A Small Noise" (2006). The band believed that their swan song - Deadbeat Sweetheartbeat was their best written and best performed record.

• Brett Detar - vocals, guitars
• Chad Alan - bass, backing vocals
• Joshua Fiedler - guitars
• Joshua Kosker - guitars, backing vocals
• Josh Walters - drums

Variations on a Theme
The Juliana Theory Lyrics

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By brett detar

you saw her on the 4:15 in a dowtown Tuesday you wonder where she's heading to cause it's a little bit early her eyes reflect that she's on top of a whirlwind business blitz but as a matter of fact there's all too much of that because she's anyone anywhere you saw her leaving by the back on a frigid Sunday you barely noticed as she passed because you always hurry now speeding off you trace the steps of an endless procession but as a matter of fact there's all to much of that because she's anyone anywhere you caught her on the 4:15 it's a payday Friday you've gathered where she's heading to cause it's a little bit early again you wait to make your move to a conversation's birth but as a matter of fact there's all to much of that she's anyone anywhere.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Variations on a Theme" by The Juliana Theory depict a mysterious and elusive woman who seems to be constantly on the move. The song describes various instances where the singer observes this woman, from seeing her on a downtown Tuesday, leaving by the back on a frigid Sunday, to catching her on a payday Friday. Each time, the singer wonders where she is heading and what her purpose is, as she appears to be constantly engaged in a whirlwind of business activities.

The lyrics also suggest that the woman represents a larger concept of anonymity and restlessness. She is described as "anyone anywhere," implying that she is a symbol for the universal feeling of constantly being on the move and never truly settling down. The singer also identifies with this sentiment, as they seem to always be in a hurry, tracing the steps of an "endless procession." The repetition of the phrase "but as a matter of fact, there's all too much of that" emphasizes the overwhelming nature of this constant movement and lack of stability.

Overall, "Variations on a Theme" captures the theme of transience and the struggle to find a sense of identity and purpose in a fast-paced world. It portrays the longing to connect with others, to have a conversation and establish a deeper connection, but acknowledges the difficulty of doing so when caught up in the chaos of everyday life.

Line by Line Meaning

you saw her on the 4:15 in a downtown Tuesday
You witnessed her presence on the 4:15 train in the heart of the city on a mundane weekday.

you wonder where she's heading to cause it's a little bit early
Curiosity arises as you question her destination, considering it's slightly early for her appearance.

her eyes reflect that she's on top of a whirlwind business blitz
Her eyes give away the impression that she is deeply immersed in a hectic and intense period of professional endeavors.

but as a matter of fact there's all too much of that
However, in reality, there is an overwhelming excess of such responsibilities and commitments.

because she's anyone anywhere
This overwhelming busyness is attributed to her ability to adapt and thrive in various roles and locations.

you saw her leaving by the back on a frigid Sunday
On a freezing Sunday, you caught sight of her departing inconspicuously through the rear exit.

you barely noticed as she passed because you always hurry now
Due to your perpetual haste and preoccupation, you hardly took notice of her presence as she swiftly moved past.

speeding off you trace the steps of an endless procession
As you quickly depart, you involuntarily follow the path of an eternal sequence of events.

but as a matter of fact there's all to much of that
Yet, the truth is that there is an overwhelming abundance of such ceaseless motion and activity.

because she's anyone anywhere
This perpetually moving and enigmatic nature stems from her ability to adapt and exist in any given context or place.

you caught her on the 4:15 it's a payday Friday
You happened to encounter her once again on the 4:15 train, on a joyous Friday that coincides with payday.

you've gathered where she's heading to cause it's a little bit early again
By now, you have deduced her destination since it's a familiar pattern for her to appear slightly ahead of schedule.

you wait to make your move to a conversation's birth
With anticipation, you patiently await the opportune moment to initiate a conversation and establish a connection.

but as a matter of fact there's all to much of that
Yet, once more, there is an excessive surplus of such encounters and conversations.

she's anyone anywhere
This surplus is attributed to her multifaceted identity and ability to seamlessly blend into any setting or circumstance.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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