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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he Way You Say Good-Night
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How could I ever take you home?
You're beautiful
Beautiful
You got a devastating point of view
And everything you is true
You're beautiful
The nightbirds start to sing their favorite song
The way you say good-night
The nightbirds start to sing their favorite song
And the moon begins to sing
I kiss you and the sun goes down
How come it's always dark when you're around?
You're beautiful
Beautiful
The nightbirds start to sing their favorite song
The moon begins to sing
You're beautiful
Beautiful
The stars begin their Busby Berkeley-dance
The way you say good-night
And the night becomes a musical extravaganza
The way you say good-night
The way you say good-night
I dream of all day long
Oh, I could write a song about the way you say good-night
The way you say good-night
I dream of all day long
Oh, I could write a song about the way you say good-night
The way you say good-night
I dream of all day long
Oh, I could write a song about the way you say good-night
In "The Way You Say Good-Night" by The Magnetic Fields, the lyrics convey a sense of longing and admiration for someone the singer finds captivating. The opening lines, "So far away and so alone, how could I ever take you home?" suggest distance and the singer's yearning to be closer to this person. The repetition of "You're beautiful, beautiful" emphasizes the profound attraction the singer feels towards them.
The next lines, "You got a devastating point of view, and everything you is true," show that the subject possesses a unique and powerful perspective on life. The singer believes everything this person says is genuine and expresses their deep admiration for their intellect and insightfulness by repeating, "You're beautiful, beautiful."
The chorus introduces the concept of nightfall and the enchanting presence of the subject. The nightbirds singing their "favorite song" and the moon joining in symbolize the magical atmosphere created by the way this person says goodnight. It implies that their mere presence and farewell have a profound effect and change the surroundings.
The verse, "I kiss you and the sun goes down, how come it's always dark when you're around?" reveals the intensity and power this person holds over the singer. Their presence seems to overshadow everything else, as if their essence dims the light of the sun itself. This further reinforces the idea that this person is extraordinary and that their absence is deeply felt.
The second chorus brings back the imagery of the nightbirds and the moon harmonizing with the way the subject says goodnight, emphasizing their ability to create an enchanting and mesmerizing atmosphere. Additionally, the mention of the stars engaging in a Busby Berkeley-dance suggests a spectacle of celestial beauty, mirroring the delightfulness of this person's farewell.
The concluding lines express the singer's preoccupation with the way the subject says goodnight. They confess that they daydream about it, contemplating how it could inspire a song. This repetition of "The way you say good-night, I dream of all day long" reveals the profound impact the subject has had on the singer's thoughts and creativity.
Overall, "The Way You Say Good-Night" is a song that delves into the admiration and infatuation the singer feels towards someone who has a captivating presence and a remarkable way of bidding farewell. The lyrics depict a dreamlike aura created by this person's actions, leaving a lasting impression on the singer's mind and inspiring their imagination.
Line by Line Meaning
So far away and so alone
Feeling distant and isolated from you
How could I ever take you home?
Questioning the possibility of establishing a deeper connection with you
You're beautiful
Admiring your physical and inner beauty
You got a devastating point of view
Your perspective is impactful and captivating
And everything you is true
Every word you say holds authenticity and honesty
The nightbirds start to sing their favorite song
As the night falls, nature seems to celebrate your presence
The way you say good-night
The manner in which you bid farewell is enchanting
And the moon begins to sing
Even the moon seems to join in the chorus of admiration for you
I kiss you and the sun goes down
The intensity of our connection seems to affect the passing of time
How come it's always dark when you're around?
Wondering why your presence seems to bring a certain darkness or heaviness
The stars begin their Busby Berkeley-dance
The stars seem to dance with joy and sparkle when you're near
And the night becomes a musical extravaganza
The night transforms into a vibrant, lively spectacle in your presence
I dream of all day long
Thoughts of you occupy my mind constantly
Oh, I could write a song about the way you say good-night
Your farewell leaves such an impression that it inspires creativity and expression
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind