In 2004, Elverum abandoned the "Microphones" name to begin recording as Mount Eerie, briefly returning in December 2007 when he began selling a new 7" single by the Microphones ("Don't Smoke" / "Get Off the Internet") on his website and at concerts.
In 2020, Elverum returned to the Microphones name once more to release the project's 14th album Microphones in 2020. Microphones members/collaborators include Karl Blau, Dennis Driscoll, Kyle Field aka Little Wings, Mirah, Khaela Maricich aka The Blow, Adrian Orange aka Thanksgiving, Adam Forkner and K Records' founder, Calvin Johnson of Beat Happening and the Halo Benders.
Lanterns
The Microphones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't blow out
Don't smother me, lantern
Don't reach out, Phil
Don't extend
Don't try to touch nothing
And it'll send me camping
Don't steal my show
That lantern light
Not linger nowhere
Not on your life
Leave alone don't try to hold nothing
Don't answer the phone
Leave alone be a darkened figure
Sinking slow
Have your fort glow
Have your lit up lantern
How did you know to come over tonight?
Your blazing lamp was blinking up the sky
What's that you hold and
Why is it so bright?
My heart of snow
Must leave alone
This blizzard white
What's that you hold and
Why is it so bright?
When I walk away
I'll leave a shade on your glowing doorway
What's that I/you hold and why is it so bright?
You look good
In my light
But my life flame flickers
Leave alone
Let cold lakes lie
Let me end my light leave
I'll hang it high
On antlers wide
Let bloom like sunrise
Let go of everything
The song "Lanterns" by The Microphones appears to be about not wanting someone to interfere with personal space or creative expression. In the beginning, the singer is asking for the lantern to not go out, be blown out or smothered, implying that they need the light to guide them in their own direction. Then, the singer pleads to Phil not to reach out or extend, perhaps warning them not to touch or intrude upon their work.
The next verse goes on to express fear that seeing Phil out on a date would cause the singer to retreat and remove themselves from society. This verse can be interpreted in different ways- it could be a fear of losing friendship or love, or perhaps it is connected to a larger anxiety around socializing. The chorus reinforces the desire for personal space, asking Phil to leave the light alone and not hold onto any part of it.
Towards the end of the song, the singer poses a question to Phil, asking what they are holding that is so bright. This could be taken literally or metaphorically- perhaps Phil is literally holding a lamp or other light source, or perhaps it is more symbolic, representing something that Phil has that the singer desires. The final verse reinforces the idea of letting go and allowing things to unfold naturally, suggesting that the singer will hang the lantern high and allow it to bloom like sunrise.
Overall, the song seems to be about the struggle to maintain personal autonomy and creative expression in a world where it is often difficult to protect those things.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't go out
Please don't extinguish the light of my hope or ambition.
Don't blow out
Please don't ruin my plans by preventing me from succeeding.
Don't smother me, lantern
Don't let my goals be stifled or suppressed by negative forces or people.
Don't reach out, Phil
Stay away from me and don't try to interfere with my life.
Don't extend
Don't try to make a move or create a connection that I haven't authorized.
Don't try to touch nothing
Don't put your hands on any aspect of my life or things without my permission.
I'm afraid I'll see you out on a date
I'm scared that I will come across you spending time with someone else.
And it'll send me camping
It will force me to leave the comfort zone of my home and be on my own - isolated and lonely.
Don't steal my show
Don't take away the attention or spotlight that I deserve for my accomplishments.
That lantern light
The light of my future or dreams
Not linger nowhere
Don't stay or remain in a place where I don't want you.
Not on your life
There is no way that I am going to let that happen.
Leave alone don't try to hold nothing
Keep away from my belongings, possessions, and personal space.
Don't answer the phone
I don't want to talk to you or hear from you right now.
Leave alone be a darkened figure
Disappear from my life and remain a stranger.
Sinking slow
Gradually fading away or disappearing.
Have your fort glow
Focus on your own accomplishments and let them shine bright.
Have your lit up lantern
Have your own dreams and aspirations.
How did you know to come over tonight?
Why did you think it was okay to visit me without asking?
Your blazing lamp was blinking up the sky
You were being conspicuous and drawing attention to yourself by making your presence known in this way.
What's that you hold and
What is that object or concept that you possess?
Why is it so bright?
Why is it so prominent, noticeable or significant?
My heart of snow
My cold and indifferent attitude or emotions.
Must leave alone
Need to be isolated and kept to myself.
This blizzard white
The cold and distant inner feelings that I have.
When I walk away
Once I leave this place or situation.
I'll leave a shade on your glowing doorway
I will remind you of the emptiness and loneliness that I associate with you.
You look good
You appear attractive or impressive.
In my light
In the context of the achievements or accomplishments that I have.
But my life flame flickers
But my future or aspirations are uncertain, unstable or fading.
Let cold lakes lie
Let the past and uncomfortable memories rest.
Let me end my light leave
Let me bring an end to my life or aspirations.
I'll hang it high
I will proudly display my achievements, even if they are small or insignificant.
On antlers wide
On a platform that is easily visible or noticeable.
Let bloom like sunrise
Let my dreams and aspirations grow and develop like a new day dawning.
Let go of everything
Release all emotional baggage or hindrances that are preventing you from achieving your goals.
Contributed by Ian N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.