Moves
The New Pornographers Lyrics


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I believe
You've had something that's mine
All this time
Slow to singalong crawl
Fork it over

I live among
The alarms, where I trip
Where they sing
Slow to singalong crawl
They come over

Oh oh oh oh oh oh

Up the hill
Goes the time, rides the beat
Of my step
Slow to singalong crawl
Undiscovered

And all the years
At quarter speed, haloed and
Trembling clean
Slow to singalong crawl
Turning over

Oh oh oh oh oh oh

Slow down, ladies
Slow down now

These things get louder
These things get louder

The live alarms
And your true villain love
Are kept at bay
Slow to singalong crawl
Like you wrote it

Will the beams
Be broke and crossed, motion sense
It's our heat
Slow to singalong crawl
It's not over

Oh oh oh oh oh oh

Slow down, ladies
Slow down now

These things get louder
These things get louder

Slow to singalong crawl
Slow to singalong crawl

You will find moves
You will find moves
You will find moves
You will find moves
You will find moves
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh




Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The New Pornographers's song "Moves" seem to be about the singer feeling like they've been missing something from their life for a long time and wanting it back. The opening line "I believe you've had something that's mine all this time" suggests that the singer is addressing someone who has been holding onto something that belongs to them. The repeated phrase "slow to singalong crawl" seems to evoke a sense of longing or hesitation, as if the singer is reluctant or unable to fully engage with the situation they find themselves in.


The second verse continues to build on this theme of uncertainty and unease, with the singer describing themselves as living "among the alarms", where they trip and struggle to keep up with the pace of life. They describe the experience as a "slow to singalong crawl", which again suggests a feeling of being out of sync with the world around them. The repeated refrain of "oh oh oh oh oh oh" is ambiguous, but it could be interpreted as a cry of frustration or a call for help.


As the song progresses, the singer seems to gain a sense of clarity or purpose. They describe themselves as making moves, as if they're finally taking control of their life and making progress towards something. The repeated phrase "you will find moves" suggests a sense of optimism and determination, as if the singer is convinced that they'll be able to overcome the obstacles in their path and achieve their goals.


Overall, "Moves" is a contemplative and introspective song that wrestles with themes of longing, uncertainty, and personal growth. It's a complex and emotionally resonant piece of music that rewards careful listening and interpretation.


Line by Line Meaning

I believe
I have a strong conviction


You've had something that's mine
You have been holding onto something that belongs to me


All this time
For an extended period of time


Slow to singalong crawl
Moving with a slow pace


Fork it over
Hand it over to me


I live among
I reside alongside


The alarms, where I trip
The places where I stumble and falter


Where they sing
Where the alarms sound


They come over
They overwhelm me


Up the hill
Progressing uphill


Goes the time, rides the beat
Time passes as the music plays


Of my step
To the rhythm of my movement


Undiscovered
Not yet revealed or explored


And all the years
All the time that has passed


At quarter speed, haloed and
Moving slowly, with an aura


Trembling clean
Shaking and pure


Turning over
Changing or transitioning


Slow down, ladies
Take your time, women


These things get louder
These events become more intense


The live alarms
The sounding alarms


And your true villain love
And your sincere yet harmful affection


Are kept at bay
Are kept away or under control


Like you wrote it
As if it were planned or scripted


Will the beams
Will the structure support


Be broke and crossed, motion sense
Be damaged and intertwined in movement


It's our heat
It's our passion or energy


It's not over
It's not finished or concluded


You will find moves
You will discover actions or steps


Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Repetitive musical interlude




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: CARL ALLAN NEWMAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Thomas Minarchick Jr.

Somehow I’ve never seen this. Julie Klausner as Neko Case is perfect. Jon Wurster, AP Mike and the bunch make it feel like a Best Show production. Love this band. Been down a rabbit hole with them lately

I2ecreate

Had this song deep in my favorites list, then it played on the new show 'Go On' intro and I instantly recognized them! Now playing their whole album on repeat again. :)

Sarah R

after years of discovering new bands, having new obsessions, I ALWAYS come back to the New Pornographers. A phenomenal band, forever my favorite.

Michael Berman

Congratulations on making the RS list! This is truly #1 on my favorite music video list.

Casey Allegree

What a masterpiece! Can’t believe I’ve never seen it. Mr. Scharpling, you are a treasure and should be celebrated the world over.

p337teh1337

great song, great video. they perform this song (and all their others) BEAUTIFULLY live. I'd highly recommend anyone to go see them.

Rob Potvin

This band is in my top 10
Love the music man. Thanks for the music!

Ryan Ahr

Wow, my first time hearing these guys. They are REALLY good. Perhaps there's hope for modern rock yet.

panamcail

This is hilarious. I've gotten a little cold on them their last 2 albums, but they are still a GREAT band. I play their first 3 albums STILL every day. Favorite song from them still remains "Wild Homes".

BaglessUpright

PERFECT! hahaha Shout out to AP Mike and Terre T! <3 I don't know how this video came out 2.5 years ago and I'm just seeing it for the first time. I love the New Pornographers and Tom Scharpling. But I'm glad this video is finally in my life!

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