The Whiskey Saints are a four-piece alt-roc… Read Full Bio ↴www.thewhiskeysaints.com
The Whiskey Saints are a four-piece alt-rock band out of Southern California. They released their debut LP "West" in 2008 and are releasing their sophomore follow-up album titled "24 Hours," produced by Jim Dineen and mixed by Joe McGrath (Morrissey, Ryan Adams, B.B. King), available early June 2011 on Unemployed Records. They have been described as having strong roots/southern rock influences, with some similarities to other contemporary indie pop/rock acts as well. They often draw comparisons to bands such as My Morning Jacket, Ryan Adams, Built To Spill, Wilco, Guided By Voices, Kings of Leon, Tom Petty and Band of Horses.
The Whiskey Saints formed in Los Angeles in 2006. Members include guitarist David Bloomfield, singer/guitarist David Sparrow, drummer Jeff Bell and bassist Rob Hughes.
Curtains
The Whiskey Saints Lyrics
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You can't replace
You can try all you want, but it seems to haunt
Every pretty new girl's face
With bitterness
One it seems
Only feels so uncertain, just lights then curtains
With nothing in between
Even when we dress up
Even when we go out
I'm just acting from an inch of truth
That I try to shout
With our plans
I'll hesitate
As years get colder, our skin grows older
And all I'll do is wait
Tying tongues
From playing games
I thought they were over, but they're never over
There's always someone else to blame
Even when we dress up
Even when we go out
I'm just acting from an inch of truth
That I try to shout
I'll try to shout
If I said I want you
It would be just for tonight
If I said I won't hurt you
It would only be a lie
It's just lights then curtains, just lights then curtains
With nothing in between
The Whiskey Saints' song "Curtains" is a poignant and introspective look at the singer's feelings of uncertainty and bitterness towards love and relationships. The opening lines of the song present a feeling of emptiness that cannot be filled with a new partner or a new love. The void is so deep that the singer finds it haunting every pretty new girl's face. This lyric suggests that the singer is deeply hurt and perhaps has been through a few failed relationships in the past.
As the song continues, the lyricist suggests that the singer is also self-aware of the fact that they are unable to commit to their current relationship. They feel uncertain and hesitant about future plans and cannot escape the fear that years will only bring colder feelings and older skin. Even when dressing up for a night out, the singer acknowledges that they are just putting on a façade of happiness.
The chorus sums up the singer's feelings succinctly. They say that if they were to express their longing for their partner, it would only be for one night. Moreover, if they offered to not cause any harm, it would be nothing but a lie. The repeated line, "It's just lights then curtains, just lights then curtains, with nothing in between" further emphasizes that while the idea of love and relationships seems attractive, there is a vast chasm of emptiness between the fantasy and the reality.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a void
There is a feeling of emptiness or lack that cannot be filled.
You can't replace
You cannot find something to fill the void completely.
You can try all you want, but it seems to haunt
Despite your best efforts, the feeling remains and affects you deeply.
Every pretty new girl's face
The void is evident in the faces of new potential partners.
With bitterness
This feeling is accompanied by a sense of regret or resentment.
One it seems
The feeling is powerful and all-encompassing.
Only feels so uncertain, just lights then curtains
Ultimately, the feeling is fleeting and temporary, like the brief moments of light before a show ends and the curtains close.
With nothing in between
There is no substantial or lasting solution or resolution that can fill the void.
Even when we dress up
Even when we put on a good front and present our best selves.
Even when we go out
Even when we try to move on and forget about the void.
I'm just acting from an inch of truth
We are only partially honest with ourselves and others, and are mostly pretending.
That I try to shout
We are attempting to express our feelings, but it comes out incomplete and muffled.
With our plans
Despite making future plans together.
I'll hesitate
We are unsure and reluctant about following through with those plans.
As years get colder, our skin grows older
Over time, we age and become more aware of our limitations and mortality.
And all I'll do is wait
We feel stuck and unsure about how to proceed or find fulfillment.
Tying tongues
Our ability to communicate or express ourselves is hindered by fear or doubt.
From playing games
We recognize that our previous actions or behaviors have been misleading or insincere.
I thought they were over, but they're never over
We hoped that our actions or mistakes were in the past, but they continue to affect us and our relationships.
There's always someone else to blame
We are quick to shift the responsibility for our problems onto others and avoid taking accountability.
If I said I want you
If I expressed desire or attraction to you.
It would be just for tonight
It would be a superficial or temporary feeling, not a genuine emotional connection or commitment.
If I said I won't hurt you
If I made a promise not to cause emotional pain or distress.
It would only be a lie
In reality, I cannot guarantee that I won't hurt you in some way.
It's just lights then curtains, just lights then curtains
Life and relationships are fleeting and uncertain, like the brief moments of light and applause before a show ends and the curtains close.
With nothing in between
There is no lasting or meaningful connection or meaning to be found in these brief moments.
Contributed by Amelia E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.