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.
Passaic 1975
The Mountain Goats Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As we're approaching the landing strip
New Gibson SG, inlaid with pearl
Tonight Passaic, tomorrow the world
In a Holiday Inn by a nameless river
Renew the assault on my lungs and my liver
And while I'm waiting for the company man
Tell the crowd, tell the world
I want everyone to get high
Tell the press, tell the cameras
I want everyone to get high
And the tech crew in Memphis has a present for me
A screen that scrolls lyrics
Like the ones they have on TV
The deluxe model
One of only four thousand made
Black out that night in front of ten thousand paid
In the back lounge, in between stops
Contingency plans in case the new one flops
Sometimes I wake up coughing up blood
Tonight Indianapolis, tomorrow the flood
Tell the person next to you
I want everyone to get high
Tell your boss, tell your mother
I want everyone to get high
Get high
The lyrics of "Passaic 1975" by The Mountain Goats encapsulate the highs and lows of a musician on tour, showcasing their desire for success and the toll it takes on their physical and mental well-being.
The first verse starts with the line, "Write something down in illegible script," suggesting that the singer is hastily jotting down their thoughts or feelings. The mention of approaching a landing strip could be metaphorical, symbolizing the anticipation of landing their dreams. The reference to the new Gibson SG guitar adorned with pearl inlay indicates the singer's dedication to their craft. They believe that conquering Passaic, a town in New Jersey, would be a stepping stone to conquering the world.
The second verse finds the singer in a Holiday Inn near a nameless river, most likely referring to the transient nature of their life on tour. They acknowledge the toll it's taking on their health, describing an ongoing assault on their lungs and liver. As they wait for the company man, possibly a representative of the music industry or a record label, they don a kimono bought in Japan. This attire could represent their attempt to find solace, embrace a different culture, or escape their current reality momentarily.
In the chorus, the singer yearns for everyone to get high. This desire could be interpreted in multiple ways. It could be a literal desire for people to consume substances to experience a high or escape reality. Alternatively, it could be a metaphorical request for people to find their passion, rise above their challenges, and embrace a euphoric state of mind.
The third verse introduces the tech crew in Memphis, who gift the singer a screen that scrolls lyrics similar to those seen on TV. This mention hints at the growing popularity and success of the singer. The image of blacking out in front of ten thousand paid audience members suggests the strain that fame and performance can place on a person. However, they still strive for success, planning contingencies in case a new venture fails.
The final lines of the verse reveal a darker side of the singer's life. They mention waking up coughing up blood, hinting at the toll their lifestyle is taking on their health. Despite this, the singer pushes forward, performing in Indianapolis, perhaps symbolizing the relentless pursuit of their dreams amidst impending chaos or disaster.
The final chorus reiterates the desire for everyone to get high, extending the call to anyone within reach. The singer urges people to inform those around them, including their boss and mother, about this desire. The repetition emphasizes their yearning for everyone to find their own version of transcendence or escape.
In summary, "Passaic 1975" depicts a musician's journey on tour, chasing success while grappling with the physical and emotional toll it takes. The lyrics explore themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the pursuit of euphoria, leaving room for personal interpretations and introspection.
Line by Line Meaning
Write something down in illegible script
Expressing the need to document thoughts or ideas in a cryptic or unclear manner
As we're approaching the landing strip
Referring to the anticipation and excitement of nearing a moment of success or achievement
New Gibson SG, inlaid with pearl
Describing a high-quality, visually appealing guitar that symbolizes the artist's musical prowess
Tonight Passaic, tomorrow the world
Expressing the desire for current success to pave the way for even greater accomplishments in the future
In a Holiday Inn by a nameless river
Depicting the transient and anonymous nature of touring and staying in generic motel chains
Renew the assault on my lungs and my liver
Acknowledging the toll that excessive drinking and smoking take on one's physical health during a demanding lifestyle
And while I'm waiting for the company man
Implying a sense of impatience and boredom while waiting for business-related matters or obligations to be fulfilled
Slip on my kimono that I bought in Japan
Indulging in a personal pleasure, such as wearing a kimono acquired during travels, as a means of finding joy amidst the monotony of touring
Tell the crowd, tell the world
Expressing the desire for widespread knowledge or awareness of a certain message or sentiment
I want everyone to get high
Advocating for a state of euphoria or elevated consciousness
Tell the press, tell the cameras
Calling for media outlets and journalists to disseminate the desired message
And the tech crew in Memphis has a present for me
Highlighting the camaraderie and support received from the technical team during performances
A screen that scrolls lyrics
Referring to a technological addition to the stage setup that allows the lyrics to be displayed, enhancing the connection with the audience
Like the ones they have on TV
Comparing the lyrics display to similar scrolling text commonly seen on television screens
The deluxe model
Emphasizing the high quality or desirability of the screen
One of only four thousand made
Highlighting the rarity or exclusivity of the screen
Black out that night in front of ten thousand paid
Recounting an instance of losing consciousness or memory during a performance in front of a large and paying audience
In the back lounge, in between stops
Referring to the moments of rest and relaxation in the tour bus between concert venues
Contingency plans in case the new one flops
Preparing backup strategies or alternative options in case a new creative endeavor does not meet expectations
Sometimes I wake up coughing up blood
Depicting the negative health consequences and personal sacrifices often experienced in the pursuit of success
Tonight Indianapolis, tomorrow the flood
Conveying the idea of a continuous, relentless schedule of performances in different cities
Tell the person next to you
Encouraging interpersonal communication and sharing of the desire for heightened experiences
Tell your boss, tell your mother
Urging individuals to express their aspirations to authority figures and loved ones
I want everyone to get high
Reiterating the desire for widespread ecstasy or elation
Lyrics © PACIFIC ELECTRIC MUSIC
Written by: John Darnielle
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind