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.
Slighted by Mirah
The Microphones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your massive paws press down the snow
I've got bare feet
Touching the bark right above you silently
I look down
I breathe cold
Your... I′ve got a samurai sword meant for you
Polar bear
You wanna take me back down underground to gorge
You want my blood on your face
I've got a grizzly look in my eye
You've got white fur
The lyrics of "Slighted" by Mirah explore the theme of a predator-prey relationship, one between a polar bear and a human. The singer describes how the polar bear is foraging for a kill while they stand above it, looking down silently. The imagery is vivid as the bear's massive paws press down the snow and the singer's bare feet touch the bark above it. However, the singer is not defenseless as they come equipped with a samurai sword meant for the polar bear. The tension builds up as the polar bear wants to take the singer underground to gorge, while the singer has a grizzly look in their eye.
Overall, the song can be interpreted as a metaphor for power struggles between individuals. The singer and the polar bear represent two opposing forces, and the lyrics hint at the potential for violence and conflict between them. The singer's samurai sword may represent their ability to defend themselves, but it also suggests the need for violence to establish dominance.
Line by Line Meaning
You’re a bear foraging for a kill
You are relentlessly searching for something you want to take down.
Your massive paws press down the snow
Your powerful presence alone can move and shake the earth beneath you.
I've got bare feet
I am vulnerable and exposed without any protection.
Touching the bark right above you silently
I am standing right above you without you suspecting anything, poised to strike.
I look down
I am not afraid to confront you and stand my ground.
I breathe cold
I will stay calm and collected, even in the face of danger.
Your… I've got a samurai sword meant for you
Your presence is intimidating, but I am well-prepared and have a weapon that is meant to counteract yours.
Polar bear
You are a fierce predator that can thrive in the most extreme conditions.
Ooo-ooo-oo-ooo
You wanna take me back down underground to gorge
You want to drag me down to your level and feed off of me until you are satisfied.
You want my blood on your face
You are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve your goal, even if it means getting your hands dirty.
I've got a grizzly look in my eye
I am ready to face you head-on and will not back down from a fight.
You've got white fur
Your appearance may be deceiving, but I know you are a fierce predator that I cannot underestimate.
Writer(s): Phillip Whitman Elvrum
Contributed by Makayla M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.