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.
The Pull
The Microphones Lyrics
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i made my escape thru exhaling lungs and watched my body run away.
nobody noticed my misty escape.
and i ended up floating like water in the air.
to the blowy ocean side, above the pounding of waves.
thats where you showed up on the foggiest day.
the glow surrounds you.
and when you breathed in... i felt the pull.
In The Microphones' song The Pull, the lyrics describe the singer's experience of leaving their physical body behind and escaping through exhaling lungs. The sense of detachment is palpable as the singer watches their body run away while they are left to float like water in the air. The setting shifts as the singer finds themself on the "blowy ocean side" and encounters someone they are drawn to. The person is seen from a high vantage point and their "earth framed body" is wrapped in wool, giving the impression of warmth and comfort. As the person takes a breath, there is a strong sense of connection between the two and the singer feels "the pull."
The song seems to be exploring themes of separation, connection, and longing. The imagery of the ocean and fog create a dream-like atmosphere, enhancing the feeling of detachment from reality. The singer's escape from their body could be seen as a metaphor for leaving behind the physical realm and entering a more spiritual or emotional space. The encounter with the person on the ocean side represents a moment of intense connection and attraction, suggesting that even in moments of detachment there can still be a pull towards something or someone.
Line by Line Meaning
my body stopped moving, it quickly got cold.
I felt my physical body come to a halt and a sudden rush of coldness overcame me.
i made my escape thru exhaling lungs and watched my body run away.
I left my physical form by releasing my last breath and witnessed my body continue without me.
nobody noticed my misty escape.
No one saw me leave my physical body and become a misty presence.
and i ended up floating like water in the air.
I drifted aimlessly like water suspended in the atmosphere.
to the blowy ocean side, above the pounding of waves.
I floated towards the ocean, hearing the sound of waves crashing from above.
thats where you showed up on the foggiest day.
It was at this moment that I saw you appear on a particularly foggy day.
from high above you, i saw your earth framed body wrapped in wool.
Looking down from above, I saw your physical form enveloped in warm clothing.
the glow surrounds you.
You emitted a radiant aura that surrounded you.
and when you breathed in... i felt the pull.
As you took a breath, I felt a magnetic force drawing me towards you.
Contributed by Michael H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.