Just prior to forming GLMS, Monger released his debut solo album Summer Cherry Ghosts in 2004. The lush baroque-pop song cycle earned favorable comparisons to Elliot Smith, Electric Light Orchestra and early Bee Gees and was re-released in Japan the following year. Plans for a follow-up, however, would have to wait as GLMS began to take off with the arrival of their self-titled debut in early 2005.
The success of GLMS's literate folk-tinged rock eventually landed them a deal with Michigan indie Quack! Media in 2006 and their sophomore effort Compass Rose Bouquet was released in 2007 to glowing reviews. The two years that followed included several national tours, multiple appearances at SXSW and shows with Patti Smith, British Sea Power, The Hidden Cameras and The Hold Steady among others.
In 2010, with the members of GLMS taking a mutually agreed upon hiatus, Monger finally began recording his second solo album and started performing regularly both as a solo artist and with his newly formed backing band Timothy Monger State Park.
Monger's sophomore album The New Britton Sound is a beautiful melding of elegant pop, and lyrical folk-rock named for the small rural town of Britton, Michigan where the bulk of it was recorded and written. Released in June 2011 on his own Northern Detective record label, the album was a stylistic leap forward for Monger, moving away from the orchestral leanings of his debut in favor of a more organic, rural pop sound.
In the summer of 2014, Monger began recording material for his third LP.
Guitar Case
Timothy Monger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Romancing the girls
They can′t help but look as you go past
With your black handle
And buckles of brass
Guitar case
Diplomat to the world
Conversation is what you demand
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Guitar case
Softly showing your age
You gave your best years to the band
With your patina of stickers and cracks
Held together by smoke
And two old callused hands
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh
In Timothy Monger's song "Guitar Case," the lyrics depict the life and journey of a musician, symbolized by his guitar case. The guitar case becomes a metaphor for the musician's identity, his ability to captivate others, and his passion for life and connection.
The first verse describes how the musician's guitar case catches the attention of onlookers wherever he goes. The black handle and brass buckles represent the musician's style and flair, making him an intriguing figure to those around him. The guitar case becomes a symbol of the musician's ability to charm and romance others, drawing them in with his music and charisma.
In the second verse, the guitar case becomes a symbol of the musician's role as a cultural ambassador. It represents his ability to connect with people from different places and backgrounds. Whether in South Carolina or Japan, the musician's guitar case becomes a conversation starter, highlighting his ability to create meaningful connections through music. It emphasizes the power of music as a universal language that transcends borders and brings people together.
In the final verse, the guitar case takes on a more personal and introspective tone. It showcases the wear and tear of the musician's journey. The patina of stickers and cracks on the guitar case reflects the musician's experiences and memories, each representing a different place or gig he has played. The guitar case is held together by smoke, a symbol of the musician's dedicated practice and the sacrifices he makes to pursue his passion. The two old callused hands symbolize the musician's hard work and perseverance, underscoring the dedication and love he has for his craft.
Overall, "Guitar Case" portrays the guitar case as a physical embodiment of the musician's journey, identity, and connection to the world through his music.
Line by Line Meaning
Guitar case
The symbol of the musician's craft and passion
Romancing the girls
Attracting attention and admiration from women
They can't help but look as you go past
Drawing the eyes of onlookers due to your captivating presence
With your black handle
A sturdy grip on your music and life
And buckles of brass
Symbolizing the timeless beauty and durability of your music
Guitar case
Embarking on a journey as a cultural ambassador
Diplomat to the world
Representing different cultures and connecting through music
In South Carolina or Japan
Engaging with diverse audiences across different countries
Conversation is what you demand
Using your music as a catalyst for meaningful exchanges and discussions
Guitar case
Showing the wear and tear of time and experience
Softly showing your age
The instrument carrying the stories and memories of countless performances
You gave your best years to the band
Devoting your prime years to the pursuit of musical excellence
With your patina of stickers and cracks
Adorned with mementos and signs of resilience that tell your musical journey
Held together by smoke
Persisting through challenges and hardships, united by the love for music
And two old callused hands
The mark of a seasoned musician, shaped by years of dedication and practice
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
The emotional and evocative power of the music produced by the guitar
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
The captivating and resonant impact of the guitar on the audience
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
The passion and soul infused into the music played with the guitar
Writer(s): Timothy Monger
Contributed by Anthony D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.