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.
My Favorite Things
The Microphones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I start to remember all other bee stings and dogbites I have angrily had
So I grip my teeth and I tear my hair out
And I clench my fists and quiverling I stare out
The window of my fortress hung in a tree
And I promise I'll sting if you ever find me
The Microphones' song My Favorite Things is a haunting tune that explores the emotions of grief and the way that past traumas can surface unexpectedly. The lyrics speak of the triggers that cause the singer to recall past experiences of pain and anger, such as a barking dog, a stinging bee or simply feeling sad. These memories are overwhelming to the point where he grips his teeth, tears out his hair, and clenches his fists while gazing out the window of his 'fortress hung in a tree'. He promises to strike back in anger if anyone ever manages to find him.
The song is a poignant expression of how past traumas can influence our present and future behaviors. It highlights the importance of acknowledging and working through our emotions to prevent them from resurfacing in painful and destructive ways. The Microphones perfectly capture a sense of vulnerability and despair in this song, reminding us of the power of music to help us process difficult emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
When the dog barks
Whenever I hear a dog barking,
When the bee stings
Whenever a bee stings me,
When I'm feeling sad
Whenever I feel sad,
I start to remember all other bee stings and dogbites I have angrily had
I think about all the times I've been hurt by dogs or bees and how angry it made me.
So I grip my teeth and I tear my hair out
I clench my teeth and pull at my hair in frustration.
And I clench my fists and quiverling I stare out
I tense up my hands and shake with agitation as I stare out into the distance.
The window of my fortress hung in a tree
I'm holed up in a treehouse, looking out through a window.
And I promise I'll sting if you ever find me
I vow to lash out if anyone ever finds me in my state of vulnerability.
Contributed by Camden H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.