THE PONYS' debut LP, Laced With Romance, was recorded with Jim Diamond in Detroit and released in February 2004 to great acclaim, NME calling it "a dirty-sounding mess of post-punk choppiness, ear-searing Farfisa organ and timeless teenage snarling."
After months of constant touring, they slipped into Chicago's Electrical Studios with Steve Albini for Celebration Castle, released in May 2005. Even more varied than their debut, Celebration Castle seemed to accentuate the band's physical power and precise dynamics. Rolling Stone said, "While other indie bands fuss themselves into a lather straining to redefine the templates of 'garage rock' or 'post-punk,' The Ponys just get it the hell done."
Just before the release of Celebration Castle, however, Ian decided that touring life was not for him, and he was replaced by guitarist and local charmer Brian Case. His addition reinvigorated the band and led them towards a more ballsy sound; indeed, some of the artier forays that Ian brought to past records have been replaced on Turn The Lights Out by pure sonic density.
Matador finally got their hands on THE PONYS and, dragging them off the road for a while, got them in Electrical Studios and Brooklyn's Headgear Studios in September 2006 with John Agnello (http://www.johnagnello.com) to record Turn The Lights Out. With their most brilliant batch of songs to date, plus the luxury of being able to take their time in the studio, THE PONYS turned in an ambitious, but wholly addictive, record. Sexy and exuberant, this is a sound which references so many of the great twin-guitar bands of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, but resists definition.
Glass Conversation
The Ponys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everybody's older these days
[Unverified]
I'll just hit the reset button on this game
All at once they came to play
Crying, they fit the mold
But I don't want to sing that same old song
Glass conversation
Everybody knows that it's okay
When I talk with you
So softly spoken to me in my ear
We're on the attack
When I feel like everyone is down on me
When I know for sure
That I don't want to hear that, fear that
I tried to walk, just get away
Listen to the sounds of the subway train
Because I'm my picture in the window pane
But the cops, they made their way
I told you once, now please go away
It's everyday
But I don't want to sing that same old song
Glass conversation
Everybody knows that it's okay
When I talk with you
So softly spoken to me in my ear
We're on the attack
When I feel like everyone is down on me
Then I know for sure
That I don't want to hear that, fear that
Then I stood right up and then I
I looked myself right in the eyes and said
You know my name
Glass conversation!
Everybody knows that it's okay
When I talk with you
So softly spoken to me in my ear
We're on the attack
When I feel like everyone is down on me
Then I know for sure
That I don't want to hear that, feel that
Glass conversation
The Ponys' "Glass Conversation" is a song that speaks to the power of communication and understanding in a world where things can often feel overwhelming and isolating. The lyrics paint a picture of a changing world where older individuals reminisce about the past while the younger generation tries to navigate a new reality. The singer acknowledges the pressures and expectations that society places on individuals, but also asserts their desire to break away from the norm and escape from the constant negativity and fear that surrounds them.
The title "Glass Conversation" suggests a fragile, tenuous dialogue between two people. However, the lyrics convey a sense of trust and intimacy between the singer and their companion. The softness of the conversation is underscored by the line "So softly spoken to me in my ear" which reveals the closeness of the relationship. The refrain of "we're on the attack" is a powerful declaration of personal empowerment and the self-confidence that comes from knowing that one has someone by their side who understands their struggles and is willing to fight alongside them.
The song's meaning is further emphasized in the repeated line, "Everybody knows that it's okay when I talk with you." This speaks to the importance of having someone to confide in, who will listen and offer a sense of comfort and understanding during difficult times. Overall, the track encourages listeners to have faith in their own strength and the importance of positive communication and vulnerability with others.
Line by Line Meaning
On the corner, we talk away
Hanging out on the street corner, chatting away.
Everybody's older these days
Everyone seems to be getting older.
[Unverified]
Lyric not verified or missing.
I'll just hit the reset button on this game
I'll start fresh and try again.
All at once they came to play
Everyone joined in all at once.
Crying, they fit the mold
They fall in line with the norm and conform by crying.
But I don't want to sing that same old song
I don't want to continue with the status quo and the same old routine.
Glass conversation
A conversation that is transparent and honest.
Everybody knows that it's okay
It's acceptable to have an honest conversation.
When I talk with you
The person being spoken to is understanding and receptive.
So softly spoken to me in my ear
Speaking in a gentle and intimate manner.
We're on the attack
We're being assertive and don't allow others to bring us down.
When I feel like everyone is down on me
When I feel like I'm being targeted or persecuted.
When I know for sure
When I'm absolutely certain.
That I don't want to hear that, fear that
I don't want to hear negative things, I'm afraid of what they'll say.
I tried to walk, just get away
I attempted to leave and escape the situation.
Listen to the sounds of the subway train
Listening to the sounds of the subway as a distraction.
Because I'm my picture in the window pane
Reflecting on oneself while looking at a window.
But the cops, they made their way
The police arrived on the scene.
I told you once, now please go away
Asking someone to leave after telling them once.
It's everyday
It's a common occurrence.
Then I stood right up and then I
I stood up for myself and took control.
I looked myself right in the eyes and said
I was honest with myself and acknowledged something.
You know my name
Claiming my identity and who I am.
Contributed by Ethan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.