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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Old Fools
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Old fools who believe
That they can dance and sing
And fall in love
After all love?
Old wines, old shoes
Old lines who'd have thought
Like, I love you
Surprise! I love you
Flowers, long drive
Old fools, new lives
Old fools, dancing
Old rules take the backseat to
New romancing
Long drives, flowers
Old fools, new lovers
The lyrics of The Magnetic Fields's song "Old Fools" can be interpreted as a celebration of old age and the possibility of finding love and happiness even in later years. The "old fools" referred to in the song are people who have lived a long life, perhaps experienced love and loss, but still hold onto hope and the belief that love is possible. The act of "dancing" represents the joy of being alive and the willingness to take risks, even in the face of potential disappointment.
The "old wines, old shoes" and "old lines" that are mentioned in the song are symbols of past experiences and memories that the lovers share. The repetition of the phrase "I love you" is significant, as it represents the power of those simple words to bring people together, regardless of age.
The imagery of "flowers" and "long drives" further emphasizes the idea that these "old fools" are in a new phase of their lives, with new lovers, new experiences, and a renewed sense of possibility. The song seems to suggest that age is just a number, and that it's never too late to find love and happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
Old fools, dancing
Elderly individuals still partaking in the joy of dancing
Old fools who believe
Aging individuals who maintain hope and faith despite life's hardships
That they can dance and sing
Having the ability to enjoy life's simple pleasures despite physical limitations
And fall in love
Finding new love later in life
After all love?
Questioning the possibility of finding love again after experiencing lost love
Old wines, old shoes
Aging items that still hold value or meaning
Old lines who'd have thought
Old expressions or cliches that are still relevant
They would ever reuse
Surprised that old sayings still hold value
Like, I love you
Expressions of love that never lose their potency
Surprise! I love you
Revelation of love that was unexpected but still powerful
Flowers, long drive
Simple joys that can bring happiness
Old fools, new lives
Elderly individuals still living life to the fullest despite challenges
Old rules take the backseat to
Traditional societal norms and expectations are less important with age and experience
New romancing
Finding new love and passion later in life
Old fools, new lovers
Aging individuals still capable of loving and experiencing new relationships
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
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