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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Xavier Says
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We have nothing in common
See you round
Ta-ta
Slink back to your abominable lover, Zsa-Zsa
Before I blow your cover,
Tra-lala"
"Tacky queen,
You think there's no one but you
Get your crass little ass out
And don't make me cut you
With how much you
Talk you'd think
That someone else was listening
Want a drink, miss thing?"
"Slow gin fizz," says Xavier
Zsa-Zsa orders, and drinks come
"Here it is, teddy bear"
"To your health, you ratfink scum,"
Xavier wheezes
I forgot
Before each line he sneezes
Quite a lot
The lyrics to The Magnetic Fields' song Xavier Says depicts a confrontation between three individuals: Xavier, Zsa-Zsa and an unnamed lover. Xavier, who appears to be trying to end a romantic relationship with the lover, asserts that the two have nothing in common and bids them a sarcastic farewell with a "Tra-lala". He urges the lover to go back to their "abominable" partner, Zsa-Zsa, before he blows their cover. This suggests that Xavier has discovered the lover's infidelity and is threatening to expose it.
Zsa-Zsa, who is also present in the scene, insults Xavier and tries to kick her out of the conversation. She calls him a "ratfink scum" and orders drinks for everyone while making snide remarks. The conversation continues with Xavier requesting for a slow gin fizz and Zsa-Zsa obliging. However, it is revealed that Xavier is experiencing health problems and sneezing before every line. This creates a humorous contrast between Xavier's tough exterior and his actual vulnerability.
Overall, the lyrics to Xavier Says offer a commentary on toxic relationships, infidelity, and the complex dynamics that exist between individuals. The confrontational tone of the song is reminiscent of real-life arguments and the way in which characters are portrayed as flawed and imperfect adds a layer of realism to the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Xavier says "Ha ha ha,
Xavier speaks sarcastically with a fake laugh
We have nothing in common
Xavier suggests that they do not share any similarity
See you round
Xavier bids goodbye, intending to meet later
Ta-ta
Xavier says bye in a mocking tone
Slink back to your abominable lover, Zsa-Zsa
Xavier insults Zsa-Zsa by calling her lover abominable and asks her to go back to them
Before I blow your cover,
Xavier warns Zsa-Zsa that he knows something about her secret and plans to expose it
Tra-lala"
Xavier ends his statement with a taunting melody
"Tacky queen,
Zsa-Zsa's scene starts with a derisive address
You think there's no one but you
Zsa-Zsa accuses others of being selfish
Get your crass little ass out
Zsa-Zsa makes a crude insult and tells Xavier to leave
And don't make me cut you
Zsa-Zsa threatens Xavier with violence
With how much you
Zsa-Zsa comments on Xavier's excessive talking
Talk you'd think
Zsa-Zsa states that Xavier gives the impression that someone is listening to him
That someone else was listening
Zsa-Zsa implies that Xavier is self-absorbed and does not care for anyone else's opinions
Want a drink, miss thing?"
Zsa-Zsa mocks Xavier by calling him a childish nickname and asking if he wants a drink
"Slow gin fizz," says Xavier
Xavier orders his desired drink
Zsa-Zsa orders, and drinks come
Zsa-Zsa follows Xavier's example and orders a drink
"Here it is, teddy bear"
Zsa-Zsa addresses Xavier mockingly with a pet name
"To your health, you ratfink scum,"
Xavier insults Zsa-Zsa by wishing her poor health with a vulgar name
Xavier wheezes
Xavier gasps for breath
I forgot
Xavier acknowledges his mistake
Before each line he sneezes
Xavier explains his sneezing as a physical ailment that accompanies his speech
Quite a lot
Xavier admits that he sneezes frequently
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind