The song was one of the last songs to be written for the album. They describe it as a "more sparse sound than what was on the first album". The title was taken from "Notes Toward a Mental Breakdown", a chapter of the 1970 novel The Atrocity Exhibition by J. G. Ballard.
Reflection of the Television
The Twilight Sad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm more than a fighter, you know
There's people downstairs
It wasn't even yours to share
I know you're old
And heavy hand takes hold
Television's too loud
And I know you're old
And heavy hand takes hold
There's people downstairs
I stole it from a letter, off your tongue it rolled
And sheltered from the weather, you could be so bold
You told me it'd get better, I know you're old
There's people downstairs
I'm more than a fighter, you know
Heavy hand takes hold
And I know you're old
There's people downstairs
There's people downstairs
There's people downstairs
I'm more than a fighter
I'm more than a fighter, you know
There's people downstairs
I'm more than a fighter
There's people downstairs
There's people downstairs
The Twilight Sad's "Reflection of the Television" is a haunting and poignant song that explores themes of loneliness, aging, and the weight of past mistakes. The opening lines of the song reveal the presence of other people downstairs, emphasizing a sense of isolation and detachment from others. The singer of the song seems to be struggling with their own inner turmoil, as they declare that they are "more than a fighter" in a possible allusion to dealing with some kind of emotional or psychological trauma.
The recurring image of a heavy hand taking hold adds to the oppressive tone of the song, suggesting a sense of helplessness and powerlessness in the face of a difficult situation. The television, too loud and intrusive, serves as a metaphor for the distraction and noise of modern society, adding to the sense of disconnect and unease that permeates the song. The repeated lines "there's people downstairs" give a sense of urgency and desperation, as if the singer is seeking some kind of escape or resolution.
Overall, "Reflection of the Television" is a powerful and evocative song that speaks to the universal human experience of grappling with loneliness, mortality, and regret. It is a particularly poignant example of The Twilight Sad's unique brand of emotionally charged and atmospheric music.
Line by Line Meaning
There's people downstairs
The presence of people downstairs is acknowledged
I'm more than a fighter, you know
Assuming the role of being a fighter is not everything I am
There's people downstairs
The fact that people are still downstairs is reiterated
It wasn't even yours to share
You did not own it, yet you still decided to share it
I know you're old
Your age is understood
And heavy hand takes hold
A heavy weight in your hand is felt
Television's too loud
The volume of the television is too high
He leaves without a sound
He exits silently
And I know you're old
Your age is known
And heavy hand takes hold
A heavy weight in your hand is felt
There's people downstairs
The presence of people downstairs is reiterated again
I stole it from a letter, off your tongue it rolled
I took this information from a letter, it was something you spoke of without caution
And sheltered from the weather, you could be so bold
You were brave enough to share this information, despite the potential consequences
You told me it'd get better, I know you're old
You mentioned that this situation would improve, I understand that age is a factor for you
There's people downstairs
The presence of people downstairs is brought up again
I'm more than a fighter, you know
Being considered a fighter is not my only identity
Heavy hand takes hold
A heavy weight in your hand is felt
And I know you're old
Your age is known
There's people downstairs
The presence of people downstairs is brought up once more
There's people downstairs
The fact that people are still downstairs is reiterated
Contributed by Anthony H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@melancholycruz
That second time he says "Heavy Hand Takes Hold" is just amazing..
@kaylagarcia1511
One of my favorites in their growing catalogue of Greatness... KG415
@mojotheaverage
Truly one of the best bands in the world at the minute. It is a complete travesty that they are not more well known!
@Vulmen311
Your comment is 10 years old but still holds the same truth!
@ButterflyRoseX
I lovey this ♥
@kamaleonrosalesmondragon4857
Buen Bajista el mejor de la Banda recordandome a The Cure
@RenaudBernardin
Bon mélange de Cure (pornography) et Joy Division (voix). C'est bon et c'est tout!!!! Bravo!!
@Thesunshinesinvain
A D I C T A
@HexNottingham
Sadly, this song is not on Prime.
*Edit*: IT IS NOW!!!
@samwhooper1
my nilla!