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/
Washington D.C.
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N, baby, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
It's paradise to me
It's not because it is the grand old seat
Of precious freedom and democracy
No, no, no
The scenery circling the Mall
It's just that's where my baby lives
That's all
Washington D.C.
It's the greatest place to be
It's not the cherries everywhere in bloom
It's not the way they put folks on the moon
No, no, no
It's not the spectacles and pageantry
The thousand things you've got to see
It's just that's where my baby waits for me
W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N, baby, D.C.
W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N, baby, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
It fits me to a T
It's not the people doing something real
It's not the way the springtime makes you feel
No, no, no
It ain't no famous name on a golden plaque
That makes me ride that railroad track
It's my baby's kiss that keeps me coming back
It's my baby's kiss that keeps me coming back
The Magnetic Fields' song Washington D.C. is an ode to the city where the singer's loved one resides. The song goes against the traditional image of D.C. as the seat of democracy and freedom, highlighting that the city's allure is not found in its famous landmarks or historic significance. Instead, the song celebrates the personal connection the singer has with the city, where his true love resides. The repetition of "W a-s-h-i-n-g-t-o-n, baby, D.C.!" in the chorus emphasizes the singer's strong emotions for his significant other.
The first verse emphasizes that the city's significance is not due to its status as America's capital, but because it holds a special place in his heart. He notes that it is not because of the scenery or the falling leaves but simply because of his significant other's presence in the city. The second verse reiterates this point, stating that it is not the famous monuments or technological achievements that make the city special, but the fact that his beloved awaits him there. The final chorus repeats the same sentiment, stating that it is not the people or the warm weather that brings him back to the city but his lover's kiss.
Line by Line Meaning
W a-s-h i-n-g t-o-n, baby, D.C.!
The singer emphasizes their love for Washington D.C. by repeating the city's name twice
Washington, D.C.
It's paradise to me
The singer finds Washington D.C. to be a perfect place for them
It's not because it is the grand old seat
Of precious freedom and democracy
Contrary to popular belief, the singer doesn't like the city because of its political significance
No, no, no
It's not the greenery turning gold in fall
The scenery circling the Mall
The singer doesn't find the city's natural or architectural beauty particularly appealing
It's just that's where my baby lives
That's all.
Washington D.C.!
The true reason why the singer loves the city is because their partner lives there
It's the greatest place to be
The singer firmly believes that Washington D.C. is the best place to be for them
It's not the cherries everywhere in bloom
It's not the way they put folks on the moon
The singer doesn't find the city's natural beauty or scientific achievements particularly impressive
No, no, no
It's not the spectacles and pageantry
The thousand things you've got to see
The singer is not drawn to the excitement and attractions that the city offers
It's just that's where my baby waits for me
W a-s-h i-n-g t-o-n, baby D.C.!
The singer's love for Washington D.C. stems from their partner's presence in the city
Washington, D.C.!
It fits me to a T
The singer feels that Washington D.C. suits them perfectly
It's not the people doing something real
It's not the way the springtime makes you feel
The singer doesn't find the city's people or natural environment particularly inspiring
No, no, no
It ain't no famous name on a golden plaque
That keeps me that makes me ride that railroad track
The singer is not motivated by the city's historical or cultural significance
It's my baby's kiss that keeps me coming back
It's my baby's kiss that keeps me coming back
The main reason why the singer loves Washington D.C. is because of their partner's affection
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Stephin Raymond Merritt
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@CryBabyBat
W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N, baby, D.C.
W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N, baby, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
It's paradise to me
It's not because it is the grand old seat
Of precious freedom and democracy
No, no, no
It's not the greenery turning gold in fall
The scenery circling the Mall
It's just that's where my baby lives
That's all
Washington D.C.
It's the greatest place to be
It's not the cherries everywhere in bloom
It's not the way they put folks on the moon
No, no, no
It's not the spectacles and pageantry
The thousand things you've got to see
It's just that's where my baby waits for me
W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N, baby, D.C.
W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N, baby, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
It fits me to a T
It's not the people doing something real
It's not the way the springtime makes you feel
No, no, no
It ain't no famous name on a golden plaque
That makes me ride that railroad track
It's my baby's kiss that keeps me coming back
It's my baby's kiss that keeps me coming back
@charlesmurtaugh3771
People don't talk enough about how good this song is, they should mention it to each other every morning over breakfast.
@farooqz.5444
This is a song I heard from an ipod my dad gave me more than a decade ago ago, when I was little. Hearing it again brings so much back and I really can't explain how much I appreciate this song. I hope others find that too, whatever it is for them
@danjsy
Great tune, and was lucky enough to hear it live back in the day. Such funny lyrics, the whole album is a work of genius.
@mikestockman951
Funny?
@bigstar66
it's cheesy as fuck bro, on purpose
@philliesclips7348
The song they play at Citizens Bank Park during the Nationals Lineups
@joshuagamboaii741
I know, Dan Baker trolls these Nats with this record whenever they’re visiting the Philadelphia Phillies. Nice piece of memo. But also, Jerome Hruska was rolling over to his grave when the Nats were introduced with this record.
@Naruto726502
Song is so true, yet at times a lie. Love the main singer's voice. Great song.
@etherealcatholic5711
Southern accents were common in Washington D.C. until the early 1960's.
@chapmanzon6762
by friend nathan showed me this.....i'm glad he did.