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.
Teller
Throwing Muses Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't wanna go"
I said to the teller
"If this is the future
I don't wanna know
I don't wanna know"
"Fives and tens" said the guy behind the bar
"Twenty-five says he don't
I don't know
I don't know
I have a fear of flying
I think I have a fear of him
I'm afrais of meaning
Nothing again
After all this is over
This is over after all
We cut a nice figure of a family
I don't know
I don't know
Can I be stupid for a minute?
I was looking at that half-empty glass
Waiting for the waiter
You don't have to listen to this
Tell me what to say"
The lyrics to “Teller” by Throwing Muses are a reflection on the fear of the future and confrontation with life’s uncertainties. The singer seems to be grappling with the idea of leaving and struggles to accept the implications of the future.
The opening lines, “I leave in the morning, I don't wanna go,” capture the singer's reluctant attitude towards going away from their current situation. They then say to the teller that they don't want to know what the future holds. The singer seems to be anxious and possibly overwhelmed with insecurity, which is brought to the surface when the bartender says, “Fives and tens” and “Twenty-five says he don't”. This suggests that someone has placed a bet on the singer not wanting to leave, and he has a fear of being alone.
The lyrics, “We cut a nice figure of a family, I don't know, I don't know,” refer to the singer's current circumstances that, while seemingly idyllic, could be fraught with hidden issues. The singer admits to a fear of flying, but the fear of meaning nothing is more significant. The singer seems to be contemplating the worth of their existence or the impact they will make. The song ends with a reflective and confused tone, with the singer asking if they can be “stupid for a minute” and wondering what to say.
Line by Line Meaning
I leave in the morning
I will depart from this place tomorrow
I don't wanna go
I am hesitant to leave
I said to the teller
I spoke to the person handling my transaction
If this is the future
If this is what is to come
I don't wanna know
I don't want to be aware of it
Fives and tens" said the guy behind the bar
The bartender mentioned various denominations of currency
Twenty-five says he don't
Someone is betting that I won't leave
You cut a nice figure of a family
You resemble a pleasant, happy family
I don't know
I'm uncertain
I have a fear of flying
I am scared to travel by plane
I think I have a fear of him
I suspect that I am afraid of him
I'm afraid of meaning
I'm scared of the implications
Nothing again
The possibility of experiencing nothingness again
After all this is over
When everything comes to an end
This is over after all
Ultimately, this will be concluded
We cut a nice figure of a family
We seem like a happy family
Can I be stupid for a minute?
May I express foolishness for a brief moment?
I was looking at that half-empty glass
I was staring at my partially empty cup
Waiting for the waiter
Anticipating the server's arrival
You don't have to listen to this
You need not hear what I have to say
Tell me what to say
Instruct me on what to express
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: KRISTIN HERSH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Harrietthespy
One of the best songs ever.
jspanos500
I am rediscovering this album. It was one of my favorites in the nineties. Forgot how good it is. Shame on me.
Lare Clark
musical genius at work. .
Cornflake0750
Great song, great album, great voice :)
tom jacobs
University, Real Romana, and Red Heaven are some of the best albums I've ever heard, and Kristen is a musical savant! Thanks for posting!
LC Ashba
This is a special gem.takes me somewhere I wish I was
jameseno32
Seriously amazing, in every way.
John Jones
5's and +10's yeah
LC Ashba
I live for this vibe.90s melancholy.i live it alone.sucks.
Matt Soltez
I know the feeling