The band was originally formed in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1990 by friends Merritt and (percussionist/pianist/vocalist) Claudia Gonson. While 1991's Distant Plastic Trees and 1992's The Wayward Bus (now most easily available together as a compilation, The Wayward Bus / Distant Plastic Trees) are sung by Susan Anway (b. 1951 - d. 2021), all subsequent albums are principally sung by Merritt himself.
Longtime members include: Gonson, (cellist) Sam Davol, and (banjo player/guitarist) John Woo. Contributors include (but are not limited to) the singers Susan Anway, Dudley Klute, Shirley Simms, and LD Beghtol, and the accordionist/writer Daniel Handler (famous for writing the childrens' books A Series of Unfortunate Events under the alias Lemony Snicket).
Their most popular and best-selling album to date is 69 Love Songs issued on Merge Records as a triple album filled with many fairly short songs that are reminiscent of early Beatles productions.
The album is notable for its employment of many unorthodox musical arrangements and downright impressive quantity of material presented. Instruments used on this album include the ukulele, banjo, accordion, cello, mandolin, piano, flute, xylophone guitars, various percussion instruments, and a standard setup of synths and effects. It features several guest vocalists on several different tracks. The album is a three CD set, released in the US as three separate albums (also available as a boxed set) and in the UK as a triple album.
The album i (2004, Nonesuch Records) continues Merritt's fixation on the concept album, with each of the 14 songs beginning with the letter (and often the pronoun) "I".
The album Distortion, was released through Nonesuch on the 15th January 2008 and introduced noise pop to the array of styles utilized in their music. The album's release was followed by a sold-out U.S. tour starting in February. Additional albums followed in 2010, 2012, 2017, and 2020.
Stephin Merritt is involved in several other musical projects: The 6ths (featuring different guest performers on every track), The Gothic Archies (songs dealing humorously with dark themes) and Future Bible Heroes (with music written by Chris Ewen)
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Chicken With the Head Cut Off
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Intelligible, and cute as cupid
Knowledgeable, but not always right
Salvageable, and free for the night
Well my heart's runnin' round like a chicken with its head cut off
All around the barn yard falling in and out of love
Poor thing's blind as a bat
Who'd fall in love with a chicken with its head cut off?
Woah Nelly
My wife doesn't understand me
Many dozens, hope to land me
I'm for free love
And I'm in free fall
This could be love
Or nothing at all
But my hearts runnin' round like a chicken with its head cut off
All around the barn yard falling in and out of love
Poor thing's blind as a bat
Gettin' up, fallin' down, gettin' up
Who'd fall in love with a chicken with its head cut off?
We don't have to stars exploding in the night
Or electric eels under the covers
We don't have to be
Anything quite so unreal
Lets just be lovers
Well my heat's runnin' round like a chicken with it's head cut off
All around the barn yard falling in and out of love
Poor thing's blind as a bat
Gettin' up, fallin' down, gettin' up
Who'd fall in love with a chicken with its head cut off?
It ain't pretty
In "Chicken With the Head Cut Off," The Magnetic Fields present a metaphorical representation of someone's erratic and turbulent experience with love. The opening lines "Eligible, not too stupid" suggest the desire to find a romantic partner who meets certain criteria - someone who is intelligent, attractive, and able to hold a conversation. However, the subsequent line "Knowledgeable, but not always right" highlights the imperfections and unpredictability of human nature. It suggests that even someone who appears well-informed may not always have all the answers or make the right decisions.
The lyrics then introduce the metaphor of a chicken with its head cut off to describe the singer's heart. This imagery reflects the chaotic and disoriented state of their emotions, constantly shifting between falling in and out of love. The repetition of the line "Gettin' up, fallin' down, gettin' up" emphasizes the cycle of hope and disappointment that comes with romantic pursuits.
The line "Woah Nelly" can be interpreted as an expression of surprise or disbelief at the uncontrollable nature of their heart and emotions. It further emphasizes the lack of stability in their love life.
The singer's dissatisfaction in their relationship is expressed through the line "My wife doesn't understand me." This suggests a sense of disconnect and frustration, implying that their current partner fails to comprehend or meet their emotional needs. The mention of "Many dozens, hope to land me" suggests that the singer may attract numerous potential suitors, yet they remain open to exploring the possibilities of free love and casual encounters.
The chorus reinforces the chicken metaphor, highlighting the singer's lack of clarity and uncertainty in their romantic endeavors. The line "Poor thing's blind as a bat" emphasizes their inability to see the right path or make sound decisions when it comes to love. It also suggests a vulnerability and naivety in their search for affection.
In the third verse, the lyrics shift towards rejecting unrealistic and grand romantic notions. The lines "We don't have to stars exploding in the night" and "Or electric eels under the covers" dismiss exaggerated and exaggerated ideas of passion and intensity. Instead, the singers express a desire for a simpler and more genuine connection based on love, devoid of societal expectations. The plea to "just be lovers" suggests a longing for an authentic and uncomplicated relationship.
The final repetition of the chorus reinforces the turmoil and instability in the singer's pursuit of love. The line "It ain't pretty" encapsulates the underlying theme that love can be messy, unpredictable, and far from ideal. It acknowledges the realities of romantic relationships, highlighting that they often involve confusion, disappointment, and vulnerability.
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
Written by: Stephin Raymond Merritt
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind