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.
Phil Elvrum's Will
The Microphones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll trade the traffic for the roaring waves.
I'll travel around to all the beautiful places
Or if I die in this van and someone finds this page
Let my voice blow out in a salty spray.
Let my friends blow salty tears
at the sound of my name.
In either case take me out of my case.
Let me live long days.
Or if I die in a car or if I drown in a plane
Let my grieving friends feel freed and brave
And go all the time to the beach to picture my face.
I want to be wind.
The Microphones' song "Phil Elvrum's Will" is a reflective and nostalgic piece that contemplates the idea of mortality and the desire for freedom. The opening lines express the singer's longing for the wind, a symbol of liberation and movement, and their willingness to leave behind the monotonous and stressful aspects of urban life. The idea of traveling to beautiful places and experiencing the wonders of nature becomes a recurring motif throughout the song, emphasizing the singer's desire for a different existence.
However, the lyrics also acknowledge the fragility and impermanence of life, as the singer imagines their own death and the impact it would have on their loved ones. The lines "Let my voice blow out in a salty spray./Let my friends blow salty tears/at the sound of my name" convey a sense of physical and emotional release, suggesting that the singer wishes to be remembered in a way that is as vivid and impactful as the wind. Additionally, the repetition of the phrase "Or if I die" creates a sense of uncertainty and unpredictability, underscoring the idea that life is precious and fleeting.
Overall, "Phil Elvrum's Will" is a poignant and introspective song that reflects on the human condition and the desire for freedom, adventure, and meaning.
Line by Line Meaning
I want wind.
I desire freedom and the ability to move with ease and grace like wind.
I'll trade the traffic for the roaring waves.
I would rather immerse myself in the beauty of nature, such as the calming sound of crashing waves, than stay in a hectic and noisy urban setting.
I'll travel around to all the beautiful places
I want to explore the world and find the beauty in every corner of it.
Or if I die in this van and someone finds this page
In the event of my death, I hope someone discovers these writings to understand my hopes and dreams.
Let my voice blow out in a salty spray.
May my essence and spirit disperse among the natural elements of the world like the salty spray of the sea.
Let my friends blow salty tears at the sound of my name.
May my memories instill a deep emotional connection and gratitude from the people who knew me.
In either case take me out of my case.
Regardless of how I pass, I want to be liberated from the limitations of my physical body.
Let my eyes reflect distance.
May the eyes that see me perceive an aura and sense of wanderlust that represents my truest self.
Let me live long days.
May my life be full and abundant, with ample opportunities to experience beauty, joy, and freedom.
Or if I die in a car or if I drown in a plane
Even if I were to perish in unexpected and tragic ways, I still hope to leave a legacy of positivity and yearning for adventure.
Let my grieving friends feel freed and brave
May my passing inspire those who mourn me to find strength and courage in the face of loss.
And go all the time to the beach to picture my face.
May the memories of me be associated with the serenity and beauty of the ocean, a place where I felt most at peace.
I want to be wind.
Ultimately, my greatest aspiration is to embody the transformative and ethereal qualities of wind.
Contributed by Ava L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.