<… Read Full Bio ↴The Shins is an American indie rock band centered around James Mercer.
The band formed in 1997, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States as a side project of Mercer (previously of Blue Roof Dinner) and drummer Jesse Sandoval, who were both members of Flake Music. The band's original lineup was Mercer (vocals, guitar), Sandoval (drums), Marty Crandall (keyboards) and Dave Hernandez (bass). Neil Langford replaced Hernandez in 1998. Hernandez returned to the band in 2003, as Langford had left the band in 2001. Hernandez remained in the band until 2009. Fruit Bats keyboardist Eric Johnson joined the band in 2006.
Their debut album, Oh, Inverted World was issued in 2001 and contained the singles "New Slang" and "Caring is Creepy", which were both featured in the 2004 film "Garden State". The band's next album, Chutes Too Narrow was released in 2003 and featured the single "So Says I". The band's third album Wincing The Night Away, was released in 2007 and debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 charts, the highest charting album in Sub Pop history until Arcade Fire's"The Suburbs" debuted at #1. After a short hiatus, Mercer announced in 2009 that the band was to record a new album and that Marty Crandall, and Jesse Sandoval were no longer members of The Shins. The band's new lineup included James Mercer, Eric Johnson, Modest Mouse drummer Joe Plummer and Grand Archives keyboardist Ron Lewis.
Before the release of Port of Morrow, the band lineup changed once more with only Mercer and Plummer remaining from the previously announced lineup. The newly added members were announced as guitarist Jessica Dobson, bassist Yuuki Matthews (formerly of Crystal Skulls) and keyboardist Richard Swift.
The Simple Song Songfacts reports that "Simple Song." was the first single from the Port Of Morrow album, the band's debut release on James Mercer's Aural Apothecary record label. It was also the first offering to be heard from the band following the departure of Jesse Sandoval and Marty Crandall.
The current line-up for the live act is James Mercer (vocals, guitar), Jessica Dobson (guitar), Yuuki Matthews (bass), Richard Swift (keyboards) and Joe Plummer (drums).
2017 - Fifth Album & World Tour
The band released their 5th studio album, "Heartworms" on March 10, 2017 on the Aural Apothecary/Columbia Records, together with a supporting world tour. "Heartworms" features Mercer's most diverse lyrical palette to date: From fictional character sketches ('Fantasy Island', 'Rubber Ballz'), autobiographical accounts ('Mildenhall'), to first single 'Name For You', a resounding call for female empowerment inspired by Mercer’s three daughters.
More information:
*http://www.theshins.com
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shins
When I Goose-Step
The Shins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, there's one old south paw you will always fight.
And alone on a worn-out throne
is the reigning queen of the questions
Why we blind-footed toddlers ever started out.
So don't get into it with me
When I goose-step
You know I still adore
All your mother's old-fashioned ways
I'm so impressed that you hear
My inventions, and that it matters more
Than what you saw with your eyes
Go along with the plan
Your head will still be there where you put it
Under the bed with the ice cream you could never find
And tonight you go to bed and dream
All the world to be what you want it,
You got the girly draw now flaunt it,
And keep them all checking their watches
When you're out tonight
So don't get into it with me
When I goose-step across the kitchen floor
You know I still adore
Are your eyes changing hands?
I'm so impressed that you hear
My inventions, and that it matters more
Than what you saw with your eyes
The lyrics of The Shins's song When I Goose-Step is a combination of abstract and surreal imagery, but the message conveyed is quite clear. The song reflects on the idea that sometimes in life, we are blinded by our own misguided ambitions and illusions of grandeur, leaving us longing for meaning and purpose. The lyrics suggest that in the end, it's the simple things that matter the most.
The first verse conjures up images of someone going on a journey with a sense of naivety and idealism, represented by "wide open eyes." However, the journey is fraught with challenges, represented by the "one old south paw you will always fight," and eventually, they find themselves alone and questioning why they even started the journey in the first place.
The second verse is about finding solace in one's relationship, represented by the line "All your mother's old-fashioned ways, I'm so impressed that you hear my inventions, and that it matters more than what you saw with your eyes." It suggests that love can offer comfort in times of confusion and uncertainty.
The chorus "So, don't get into it with me when I goose-step across the kitchen floor. You know I still adore" is about accepting differences and allowing one's partner to be who they are without judgment or criticism. The line "your head will still be there where you put it under the bed with the ice cream you could never find," represents a lighthearted moment in the song, indicating that sometimes, we tend to forget where we put things and that it's okay to laugh at our own forgetfulness.
Overall, When I Goose-Step is a song that encourages listeners to embrace simplicity and appreciate the people closest to them.
Line by Line Meaning
When you're riding the rails with those wide open eyes,
As you move through life with an expansive view, you will come across people with opposing ideologies.
Well, there's one old south paw you will always fight.
There will always be a person who opposes your beliefs.
And alone on a worn-out throne
Despite being in a position of authority, the person is still isolated and vulnerable.
is the reigning queen of the questions
The person is constantly questioning their own beliefs and the world around them.
Why we blind-footed toddlers ever started out.
They question why they ever started on their life journey without a clear understanding of the path ahead.
So don't get into it with me
Do not argue with me.
When I goose-step
When I take actions that may seem rigid and unreasonable.
Across the kitchen floor
Even in the mundane moments of life.
You know I still adore
I still deeply care for you.
All your mother's old-fashioned ways
I appreciate and value the traditions and beliefs passed down to you by your mother.
I'm so impressed that you hear
I am grateful and impressed that you understand and accept my unique perspectives.
My inventions, and that it matters more
My innovative ideas and beliefs are important to me.
Than what you saw with your eyes
I prioritize my ideas and philosophies over what may seem apparent or obvious to the senses.
Go along with the plan
Follow the established rules and procedures.
Your head will still be there where you put it
You will not lose your intellect or reasoning abilities by following the norm.
Under the bed with the ice cream you could never find
Don't be discouraged by minor setbacks; there is always more to discover.
And tonight you go to bed and dream
You can always hope and dream.
All the world to be what you want it,
The world can be whatever you choose it to be.
You got the girly draw now flaunt it,
You possess a desirable quality, so showcase it confidently.
And keep them all checking their watches
You have the power to captivate others and make them eagerly anticipate your next move.
Are your eyes changing hands?
Are you starting to see things from a different perspective?
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
sinkanesle
When you're riding the rails with those wide open eyes
Well, there's one old south paw you will always fight
And alone on a worn-out throne
Is the reigning queen of the questions
Why we blind-footed toddlers ever started out
So don't get itchy with me
When I goose-step
Across the kitchen floor
You know I still adore
All your mother's old-fashioned ways
I'm so impressed that you hear
My inventions, and that it matters more
Than what you saw with your eyes
Go along with the plan
Your head will still be there where you put it
Under the bed with the ice cream you could never find
And tonight you go to bed and dream
All the world to be what you want it
You got the girly draw now flaunt it
And keep them all checking their watches
When you're out tonight
So don't get itchy with me
When I goose-step across the kitchen floor
You know I still adore
All your mother's old-fashioned ways
So I'm the person you needed
My inventions, and that it matters more
Than what you saw with your eyes
Victor Rodriguez
It's been more than 10 years and this song still comes around! And still I haven't figured out why this version is so much better than the other
Nikosdandydudeinspace
@MellowDesolation this really made me smile, thank you
MellowDesolation
@Nikosdandydudeinspace you hit the nail on the head! this really does feel like someone playing this for you in person for fun, very sweet and humble
Nikosdandydudeinspace
Honestly, I think it the singing. He really goes for it in this version and hits some higher octives. I think those keys are perfect too. It really sounds like your too most talented freinds are showing you their new song in their bedroom. Very intimate
Ian
If you compile The Shins B sides/rare tracks into an album it’s damn good. Mercer is possibly the best and most underrated song writer of his era.
Jenna
this version is soooo much better, i can't even listen to the studio one now.
sugarblunt
Same
Humungojerry
so much this
Luke Chaney
James mercer was super legit artist at first but lost something at one point that made his music really speak to me
Nathan Fowler
Same