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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Roses
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Millionaires will always woo
Don't be shocked if roses
Make a millionaire of you
The Magnetic Fields's song "Roses" ponders the significance of roses in relation to financial success. The song suggests that investing in roses can yield great returns, as millionaires are willing to spend exorbitant amounts of money on the flower. From an interpretive lens, the lyrics may also suggest that the allure and beauty of roses can be used as a tool for seduction and power. Given society's association of roses with romance and love, the idea that roses can make someone a millionaire emphasizes the power of attraction and the pursuit of wealth.
Beyond the thematic content, the lyrics of "Roses" also exemplify The Magnetic Fields' signature wit and sarcasm. The lyrics are delivered in a nonchalant tone, as if sarcastically suggesting to listeners that they should simply "buy more stock in roses" to become rich. Additionally, the lyrics feature an unexpected rhyming scheme, with "roses" and "yous" rhyming throughout the entirety of the song. This creates a sing-song quality that belies the subversive lyrics and adds to the overall tongue-in-cheek tone of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Buy more stock in roses
Invest more in things that are seen as symbols of romance and affection such as roses
Millionaires will always woo
Rich people will always try to charm and impress others with grand gestures like sending expensive flowers or lavish gifts
Don't be shocked if roses
It shouldn't surprise you if someone tries to win you over using roses or other grand romantic gestures
Make a millionaire of you
It's possible for someone to become rich or successful by using their charm and romantic gestures, just like how roses can make someone a millionaire in the flower industry
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind