<… 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 question
Why we blind-footed toddlers ever started out
So don't get into it with me
If 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
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, oh
The lyrics to The Shins's song "When I Goosestep" are somewhat enigmatic and open to interpretation. At the surface level, the song seems to be about the singer's affection for an old-fashioned woman who values tradition and finds meaning in the singer's creative endeavors. However, there are hints of darkness and unease in the lyrics as well. The opening line, "when you're riding the rails with those wide open eyes," suggests a journey or a struggle, while the reference to a "reigning queen of the question" hints at some kind of existential crisis.
The later lyrics add to this sense of unease. The line about "blind-footed toddlers" starting out invokes a sense of vulnerability and confusion, while the repeated reference to a "goose-step" creates a sense of authoritarianism or totalitarianism. The lyrics about keeping people "checking their watches" also suggest a sense of control or manipulation.
Despite these darker undertones, however, the song also contains moments of genuine affection and appreciation. The singer seems to genuinely love the old-fashioned woman to whom the song is addressed, admiring both her traditions and her ability to appreciate the singer's creativity.
Overall, "When I Goosestep" is a complex and intriguing song that rewards repeated listening and interpretation.
Line by Line Meaning
When you're riding the rails with those wide open eyes
When you're going through life with a sense of wonder and curiosity
Well, there's one old south paw you will always fight
There will always be challenges in life that you must overcome
And alone on a worn-out throne
Feeling isolated and disconnected from others
Is the reigning queen of the question
Questioning the meaning and purpose of life
Why we blind-footed toddlers ever started out
Questioning why we are born into this world without any real guidance or knowledge
So don't get into it with me
Don't argue with me about this
If I goose-step
If I do something unconventional or unexpected
Across the kitchen floor
In any situation, even in a mundane place like the kitchen
You know I still adore
You know I still love you
All your mother's old-fashioned ways
I appreciate the traditional values and customs that you were raised with
I'm so impressed that you hear
I'm pleased that you listen to my ideas
My inventions, and that it matters more
My innovative ideas and thoughts are important to you
Than what you saw with your eyes
More important than what is immediately obvious or apparent
Go along with the plan
Follow the strategy or approach that we have agreed to
Your head will still be there where you put it
You will not lose your sense of self or your mental faculties
Under the bed with the ice cream you could never find
In the back of your mind with the forgotten or elusive desires
And tonight you go to bed and dream
You can still have hope and aspirations
All the world to be what you want it
You can imagine the world as you wish it to be
You got the girly draw now flaunt it
You have a certain charm or appeal that you should show off
And keep them all checking their watches
People will be eager to spend time with you
When you're out tonight
When you're socializing or exploring the world
So don't get into it with me
Don't argue with me about this
When I goose-step across the kitchen floor
When I do something unconventional or unexpected in a mundane place
You know I still adore
You know I still love you
All your mother's old-fashioned ways
I appreciate the traditional values and customs that you were raised with
I'm so impressed that you hear
I'm pleased that you listen to my ideas
My inventions, and that it matters more
My innovative ideas and thoughts are important to you
Than what you saw with your eyes, oh
More important than what is immediately obvious or apparent
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: James Mercer
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