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.
The Slow Parts on Death Metal Albums
The Mountain Goats Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This tiny sector can't contain me
Suit up in a flash
Slipping symbols bravely, bravely
Go where I'm not wanted
Stand where the light hits hard
Almost full-grown
Drive home alone and listen to the slow parts
In a new universe
Trying to find the mask that fits me
Shaking the curse
Behaving as the beacons bid me
Denim and leather
Silver strap to please the die-hards
Let me dance 'til I die
Turn the volume up high and
Listen to the slow parts
Alien ships from ancient realms
Ageless captains at their helms
Rage from the sea
Let it begin with me
Half-life of my toxins
Difficult to calculate
Stock up on gauze in case of accidents
Try to keep my story straight
Dozens like me
Never quite free, filling out our dance cards
Mark my time on the wall
Answer the call and listen to the slow parts
The lyrics of The Mountain Goats' song "The Slow Parts on Death Metal Albums" convey a sense of restlessness and seeking a place where one truly belongs. The opening lines depict a feeling of confinement and a desire to break out of limitations. The singer feels constrained within a specific environment or identity and is eager to break free and explore new territories. The act of suiting up and bravely stepping into unfamiliar spaces symbolizes a willingness to challenge boundaries and venture into uncharted territories.
As the song progresses, the singer delves into themes of self-discovery and transformation. The reference to trying to find a mask that fits and shaking the curse suggests a journey of self-exploration and shedding old identities. The mention of denim and leather, symbols often associated with rebellion and individuality, hints at the singer's quest for authenticity and a sense of belonging. The notion of dancing until death and turning up the volume to listen to the slow parts alludes to embracing the full spectrum of experiences, both intense and contemplative.
The imagery of alien ships and ageless captains introduces an element of mythology and eternal struggle. The concept of ancient realms and sea rage implies a deep-rooted conflict and a call to action. The singer seems to be grappling with inner turmoil and a desire to initiate change and transformation. The stanza suggests a sense of agency and a willingness to take on challenges, even if it means starting a revolution from within.
The closing lines of the song touch upon the themes of resilience and endurance in the face of adversity. The mention of toxins and accidents highlights the precarious nature of existence and the need to remain vigilant. The singer acknowledges the struggles of others like them, all striving for freedom and autonomy. The act of marking time and answering the call to listen to the slow parts signifies a willingness to pause, reflect, and find solace in moments of quiet introspection amidst the chaos of life's challenges. Overall, the lyrics of the song convey a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and a quest for authenticity in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Jumping out of my skin
Feeling restless and eager to break free from my limitations
This tiny sector can't contain me
I feel confined in my current environment and yearn for something bigger
Suit up in a flash
Quickly get ready for whatever challenges lie ahead
Slipping symbols bravely, bravely
Facing difficult situations with courage and determination
Go where I'm not wanted
Venture into unfamiliar territory, even if unwelcomed by others
Stand where the light hits hard
Face challenges head-on and in plain view
Almost full-grown
Close to reaching my full potential and maturity
Drive home alone and listen to the slow parts
Reflect on life's quieter moments and appreciate the subtle beauty
In a new universe
Embarking on a fresh start or unknown journey
Trying to find the mask that fits me
Searching for my true identity and sense of self
Shaking the curse
Breaking free from any negative influences that hold me back
Behaving as the beacons bid me
Following the guidance of those who light the way
Denim and leather
Embracing a tough and rugged exterior
Silver strap to please the die-hards
Wearing accessories to satisfy loyal fans or supporters
Let me dance 'til I die
Enjoying life to the fullest and making the most of every moment
Turn the volume up high and
Engage fully with the world around me and embrace new experiences
Alien ships from ancient realms
Encountering mysterious and powerful forces from distant pasts
Ageless captains at their helms
Leaders who remain timeless and in control of their destiny
Rage from the sea
Emotions rising up from deep within and surfacing
Let it begin with me
Starting a transformation or change within myself
Half-life of my toxins
The lingering effects of negative influences on my life
Difficult to calculate
Hard to fully comprehend or quantify
Stock up on gauze in case of accidents
Prepare for potential harm or setbacks in the future
Try to keep my story straight
Strive to stay honest and true to myself amidst challenges
Dozens like me
Many others share similar experiences or struggles
Never quite free, filling out our dance cards
While we may not be entirely liberated, we still navigate through life's challenges
Mark my time on the wall
Leave a lasting impression or legacy behind me
Answer the call and listen to the slow parts
Embrace the quiet, reflective moments in life and learn from them
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: John Darnielle
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DCsk8rgoelz
I think there are 2 things we fail to be able to properly acknowledge (due to being irrational animals) when it comes to the music we like... ...and thats okay.
1. The power of repetition and familiarity. Not just repetition and familiarity with a particular song/album but also with all the pieces that make up songs and the commonalities within the music you have heard (even if you didnt always enjoy all of it). Repetition and familiarity make the more analytical portions of your brain take a back seat because they are being told by the emotional parts "look how great this thing is/was". Note my wording though, they are in the back seat, they are still involved but they arent driving, they are trying to explain what the driver is doing. When listening to something new, there is less familiarity to guide our analytical side so it takes the wheel and is looking all over for a sign post about where to go.
this gets us to the other point:
2. The power of our overall emotions to impact how we perceive something. When you are feeling big emotions you are going to try to latch onto things that are familiar or find explanations for things or look for guidance. In some respects, feeling less strongly about something might be a good sign because you are stable but also its going to lead back to my previous point because you are less likely to perceive something unfamiliar in a strong way.
So what do I personally do with this knowledge? I can put myself into a mental state where I dont feel the same way about the music I love if I try to analyze it as someone who is first listening and give just the slightest edge to my more negative interpretations. I dont like that mental state obviously because its no fun but it helps me understand how powerful my biases are and thus helps me give new music the time it needs to 'hit' me and find its place. If it doesnt ever get there, then it doesnt, but judging something too early takes away its opportunity sometimes or at least makes it harder.
@facundopereda9386
lyrics :
Jumping out of my skin
This tiny sector can't contain me
Suit up in a flash
Slipping symbols bravely, bravely
Go where I'm not wanted
Stand where the light hits hard
Almost full grown
Drive home alone and listen to the slow parts
In a new universe
Trying to find the mask that fits me
Shaking the curse
Behaving as the beacons bid me
Denim and leather
Silver strap to please the diehards
Let me dance till I die
Turn the volume up high and listen to the slow parts
Aliеn ships from ancient realms
Ageless captains at their helms
Rage from the sea
Let it begin with me
Half-life of my toxins
Difficult to calculate
Stock up on gauze in case of accidents
Try to keep my story straight
Dozens like me
Never quite free, filling out our dance cards
Mark my time on the wall
Answer the call and listen to the slow parts
@drugbuddy665
yesss, more tracks from the cobweb-laden corner of john darnielles brain that is inhabited by 13 goth teenagers
@nitfens6863
+
@MsFuzzipoo
As a now middle-aged, former teen goth who loves that corner... yes please.
@jacob4210
Luv this comment 👍
@johnpatrickhale5101
There are dozens of us! DOZENS!
@pleasedrivefaster873
sounds like the album we really needed right now
@quintonr.l.miller4291
i'm not gonna listen these singles until album drops cause I don't wanna listen now and have them feel separate from the album later, just stopping by to give a like and a comment cause the mountain goats are perfect and deserve everything
@caylenbell4512
You got more patience than me!! Haha
@cainanneedham9022
I dig that.
@kingkebo3960
Counterpoint, listening to the singles chosen by the band adds another layer to examining the album layout, as releasing or not releasing certain songs in this case is an artistic decision. Also, you get a sense of finding something familiar in the unknown, when you come across the song you know buried in the middle of the album. I appreciate your methodology too though, to each their own