Throwing Muses is known for performing music with shifting tempos, creative chord progressions, unorthodox song structures, and surreal lyrics. The group was set apart from other contemporary acts by Hersh's stark, candid writing style; Donelly's pop stylings and vocal harmonies; and David Narcizo's unusual drumming techniques eschewing use of cymbals. Hallucinatory, febrile songs by Hersh occasionally touched on the subject of mental illness, more often drawing portraits of characters from daily life or addressing relationships.
Donelly left the band in 1991 and was a member of The Breeders and Belly, before starting to perform solo. She also contributed vocals to the Throwing Muses self-titled album in 2003. Hersh has also worked solo, and fronts the power trio 50 Foot Wave (which also includes Muses bassist Bernard Georges). Narcizo works in graphic design and has a musical project Lakuna.
In March 2003, Throwing Muses came back with their eighth album, Throwing Muses, which also saw the return of Tanya Donelly who provided backing vocals on the album. A greatest hits compilation titled Anthology was released in 2011. The band's ninth album, Purgatory / Paradise was released on October 29, 2013 in the UK and November 11 in the US. In early 2014, the band toured a few U.S. cities, with Donelly opening for the East Coast dates.
Dark Blue
Throwing Muses Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'd be a better dreamer
and if I were a better dreamer you'd be a dream come true
dark blue
if I were under you
I'd be underwater
and lighting matches under water I found you
coming down
coming down sleeping in Reykjavík
"I'm dreaming about crabella Station"
and you can shout about what coming down I cried about:
a freak suspended animation
coming down
violet chrysanthemum
violated carnations
dark blue
The lyrics to Throwing Muses's song "Dark Blue" seem to be exploring themes of longing, unfulfilled desires, and the complexities of relationships. The song opens with the line "if you were a sore loser, I'd be a better dreamer." This line suggests that the singer's partner may not be as skilled in the art of dreaming or maintaining hope, while the singer believes they possess this ability in abundance.
The next line, "and if I were a better dreamer, you'd be a dream come true," highlights the singer's desire for their partner to fulfill their dreams and expectations. It implies that the singer believes their partner falls short of these expectations, but by being a better dreamer themselves, they could see their partner as the perfect embodiment of their dreams.
The chorus, which simply repeats the phrase "dark blue," adds an element of mystery and emotional depth to the lyrics. The color blue often symbolizes sadness or melancholy, suggesting that the relationship may be tinged with a sense of longing or unfulfillment.
The second verse delves into more imagery, as the singer states, "if I were under you, I'd be underwater." This line conveys a sense of being overwhelmed or submerged in their partner's presence. The following line, "and lighting matches under water I found you," could be interpreted as the singer's effort to ignite a spark or connection in the relationship, even in challenging circumstances.
The following line, "coming down, sleeping in Reykjavík," seems to evoke a specific location and situation. Reykjavík is the capital city of Iceland, and the phrase "coming down" could refer to a physical or emotional descent. The mention of dreaming about "crabella Station" adds an enigmatic touch, leaving the exact context or symbolism open to interpretation.
The repeated phrase "coming down" suggests a recurring theme or ongoing emotional state. The following line, "violet chrysanthemum, violated carnations," adds an intriguing contrast between the colors violet and dark blue, while also suggesting a sense of violation or disruption within the relationship. The song concludes with the repetition of "dark blue," leaving the listener with a continued sense of mystery and yearning.
Overall, the lyrics to "Dark Blue" by Throwing Muses paint a complex emotional landscape, exploring themes of unfulfilled desires, longing, and the challenges experienced within relationships. The use of vivid imagery and enigmatic phrases adds depth to the song, allowing listeners to interpret and connect with the lyrics in their own personal way.
Line by Line Meaning
if you were a sore loser
If you were someone who is consistently unsuccessful and unable to cope with failure
I'd be a better dreamer
I would possess enhanced imaginative abilities
and if I were a better dreamer you'd be a dream come true
And if I had the capacity to dream more vividly, you would be the embodiment of a perfect dream
dark blue
Representing a state of melancholy or sadness
if I were under you
If I were in a position beneath you
I'd be underwater
I would be submerged in a literal or metaphorical sense
and lighting matches under water I found you
And by engaging in futile or impossible actions, I discovered you
coming down
Descending or experiencing a decline
coming down sleeping in Reykjavík
Experiencing a decline while resting or sleeping in Reykjavík
"I'm dreaming about crabella Station"
Expressing a dream or vision related to a fictional location called Crabella Station
and you can shout about what coming down I cried about:
And you can vocalize or express with intensity what caused my emotional distress during the decline
a freak suspended animation
An abnormal state of being temporarily immobilized or paused
violet chrysanthemum
A purple flower known as a symbol of death or loss
violated carnations
Flower buds that have been disrespected, harmed, or violated
dark blue
Continuing to represent a state of melancholy or sadness
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kristin Hersh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Indieguy64
She remains of one the most important artists of my lifetime. New music from her is a gift.
Indieguy64
Sarah Having grown up in Boston with the wonderful college radio the city has to offer, I was fortunate to hear the Throwing Muses early on and see them live many times. Immediately hooked by her words and voice and I remain that way to this day. Brilliant.
church mouse
Oh how I know the feeling...since 1991 for me. How incredibly lucky we are to have her as a soundtrack for our lives...
Grow Vibrant Portugal
Love this! It's like back in 80's in the 120 Minutes days when MTV was legit. New TM soothes my soul :)
Royce Grubic
Cool vid....I love the color palette of this and the animation has a wonderful sense of movement and rhythm. It makes the song jump to life. God bless the Muses.
Sim Barr Fidel
It amazes me that new music from Throwing Muses in 2020 sounds like new music from Throwing Muses in 1990. I think Kristen Hersh has discovered the fountain of youth!
Luis D Caldero
Great song & video. Throwing Muses never disappoint! ❤
DX Satellite Rock
Powerful track!
TheReverendM
New stuff shaping up to be their best since Limbo to my ears :)
upstart3r
One of my favorite shows ever was during the 2007 Learn to Sing Like a Star tour. Not Throwing Muses I know, but would love to hear my Kristin Hersh favorites mixed with some of the new Muses tunes live one day. Will be nice to see some more of the COVID-delayed stuff released soon.