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)
http://www.houseoftomorrow.com/
Courtesans
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shed no tears
When you leave them high and dry
They just go on,
They just go on
To the next day
'Cause courtesans
Compensation for their time
A few kind words, a few kind words
They need not one
A simple coat maybe a hat
How I wish I could be like that
But courtesans
Are not like me
They don't take love very hard
Their hearts are free,
Their hearts are free
How avant-garde
If no one loves them when they're old
They'll sit and count their chains of gold
You say you'll love them 'til they die
And they don't care if it's a lie
'Cause courtesans
Don't believe
In anybody but themselves
And Santa Claus,
And Santa Claus
And his twelve elves
The Magnetic Fields' song "Courtesans" is a contemplation of the nature of the love life of courtesans, and the reality of love in their lives. The song suggests that, unlike what many tend to believe about courtesans, they do not have an emotional attachment or need for love. They are, instead, only interested in the material compensation for their time, which could be as little as a few kind words or a piece of clothing. Unlike the singer, they don't take love seriously, and they don't let it hurt them. Their hearts and minds are free, and they are not bound by the societal norms that govern love and relationships.
The song's lyrics suggest that, as they grow older, courtesans do not worry about being left alone. They are content to sit and count their chains of gold, which symbolize their financial independence and self-sufficiency. They do not need a promise of love or commitment that may be false, as they don't believe in anyone but themselves and Santa Claus and his twelve elves. The song is a sad and cynical reflection on the lives of those who have been reduced to seeking attention and material rewards rather than real emotional connections.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, courtesans
The Magnetic Fields start off by discussing courtesans, and how they are different from regular people.
Shed no tears
Courtesans are not emotional and do not get attached to their clients
When you leave them high and dry
The clients are the ones that leave the courtesans, not the other way around.
They just go on,
Courtesans do not dwell on past relationships and move on quickly.
They just go on
The repetition of the previous line emphasizes how little courtesans are affected by breakups.
To the next day
Courtesans live in the moment and do not worry about the future.
'Cause courtesans
This line introduces the true motive behind courtesan's service.
Only want
Courtesans are only interested in one thing.
Compensation for their time
Courtesans want to be paid for their services.
A few kind words, a few kind words
Aside from payment, courtesans do not expect anything else from their clients.
They need not one
Courtesans do not seek emotional connections.
A simple coat maybe a hat
Courtesans do not require lavish gifts or grand gestures.
How I wish I could be like that
The singer idolizes the carefree and nonchalant attitude of courtesans.
But courtesans
The singer knows that they can never be like courtesans.
Are not like me
The singer cannot detach themselves from their emotions like the courtesans can.
They don't take love very hard
Courtesans are emotionally detached and do not experience heartbreak the same way as others.
Their hearts are free,
Courtesans do not let love weigh them down or trap them.
Their hearts are free
The repetition emphasizes how free and liberated courtesans are.
How avant-garde
The singer admires the rebellious and nontraditional nature of courtesans' lifestyles.
If no one loves them when they're old
The singer acknowledges that courtesans may not find love later in life.
They'll sit and count their chains of gold
Despite lacking emotional connections, courtesans still value material possessions.
You say you'll love them 'til they die
The singer addresses the clients who promise love but do not mean it.
And they don't care if it's a lie
Courtesans are aware that clients may not be truthful with their promises but do not let it affect them.
'Cause courtesans
The Magnetic Fields bring the focus back to courtesans.
Don't believe
Courtesans do not trust others.
In anybody but themselves
Courtesans are fiercely independent and only rely on themselves.
And Santa Claus,
This line introduces a humorous touch to the song.
And Santa Claus
Courtesans may only believe in fictional characters that do not require emotional connections.
And his twelve elves
The twelve elves add to the whimsical and imaginary nature of the courtesans' beliefs.
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind