Darnielle began the new millennium with The Coroner's Gambit for Absolutely Kosher before signing to 4AD for the release of the surprisingly polished Tallahassee in 2002. We Shall All Be Healed followed in 2004, and one year later, Darnielle was back with The Sunset Tree. Remaining as prolific as ever, Darnielle turned away from the intensity of The Sunset Tree for a calmer, more reflective set of songs on 2006's Get Lonely. The accessible and assured Heretic Pride appeared in 2008. Next up was the Bible verse-inspired The Life of the World to Come, the group's sixth album for 4AD, in 2010. Switching to Merge Records in 2011, Darnielle released All Eternals Deck, which was recorded in four different studios in Brooklyn, Boston, North Carolina, and Florida with four different producers -- John Congleton, Scott Solter, Brandon Eggleston, and Morbid Angel guitarist and Hate Eternal frontman Erik Rutan -- helming various tracks. That year the band was also handpicked by Jeff Mangum of Neutral Milk Hotel to perform at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival that he was curating in Minehead, England, but they were ultimately unable to appear due to scheduling issues.
Michael Myers Resplendent
The Mountain Goats Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Too long I've let my self-respect stand in my way
Well the prom queen's caught in the high beams
And the strings keen it's a big scene
But when the house goes up in flames
No one emerges triumphantly from it
When the scum begins to circle the drain
I spent eight hours in my make-up chair
Waxed my chest and shaved off all my hair
Well the fire's bright and the frame's tight
Try to get right while we've still got light
But when the house goes up in flames
No one emerges triumphantly from it
When the scum begins to circle the drain
Everybody loves a winner
The lyrics in The Mountain Goats's "Michael Myers Resplendent" seem to be about someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve fame and success, even if it means sacrificing their self-respect. The singer is ready for their close-up, willing to go to such lengths that they shave their chest and wear makeup for eight hours to get the shot right. They are determined to be the winner, the one who emerges triumphantly from the fire and is celebrated by everyone.
However, despite their best efforts, the song seems to be a commentary on how empty chasing fame can be. The line "when the scum begins to circle the drain, everybody loves a winner" suggests that even when someone achieves success, there will always be those waiting to bring them down. The chorus also suggests that in the end, no one emerges from the fire victorious - fame may be fleeting, and ultimately not worth sacrificing one's self-respect for.
The use of Michael Myers in the title is also interesting to consider - Michael Myers is a fictional character in the Halloween film franchise who is known for his relentless pursuit of his victims. This could be interpreted as a commentary on how the singer in the song is relentless in their pursuit of fame and success, but ultimately, it may not be worth it.
Line by Line Meaning
I am ready for my close up today
I am prepared to be the center of attention today.
Too long I've let my self-respect stand in my way
I have allowed my self-respect to hinder my progress for far too long.
Well the prom queen's caught in the high beams
A notable person is under scrutiny and exposed to public gaze.
And the strings keen it's a big scene
The music is playing loudly to complement the grandiose atmosphere.
But when the house goes up in flames
When everything falls apart, including the things you've built.
No one emerges triumphantly from it
Nobody will come out smelling like roses.
When the scum begins to circle the drain
When a situation or project is nearing its end and any remaining issues come to light.
Everybody loves a winner
People tend to cheer for those who come out on top.
I spent eight hours in my make-up chair
I put a lot of effort into my appearance.
Waxed my chest and shaved off all my hair
I groomed my body hair in order to look good.
Well the fire's bright and the frame's tight
The situation is intense and the stakes are high.
Try to get right while we've still got light
We need to make sure everything is perfect while there's still a chance to do so.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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