The Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter waits until anything—an idea, an emotion, a memory—gnaws at her, tearing at her fingers and throat until she releases it in song. Scott escaped the confines of her churning mind in order to find herself by recording Sprinter in the market town of Bridport in Dorset, England; and then at the Bristol studio of Portishead's Adrian Utley. With his guitar riffs and synthesizers lingering in the background like a lowland mist and PJ Harvey's Robert Ellis and Ian Olliver on rhythm—the two fortuitously reuniting 23 years after the release of Dry, and in Scott's 23rd year of living—she crafted a "space cowboy" record. "That's as simply as I can say it," says Scott, who cites inspirations as diverse as Funkadelic and Nirvana, Ray Bradbury and Joan Didion.
"I wanted something that very clearly stemmed from my Southern conservative roots but that sounded futuristic and space-y at the same time." It seems like an odd thing to look for in the picturesque seaside green, rolling hills in the south of England, but Scott had never been there before, and as a stranger in a strange land she found what she was looking for: a lost childhood. Sprinter was recorded in a room that had formerly been used as a children's nursery, which combined with the alien landscape fuels the self-searching that roils TORRES' music.
Following her self-titled debut in 2013, TORRES pushes herself to even noisier extremes on Sprinter, a punishing self-examination of epic spiritual and musical proportions.
Dressing America
Torres Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know that you feel every eye on you
In any given room
You tend to keep your kitchen brimming
And when we all go home
The quiet's enough to crack you up
You think that I don't know
Come on
You're always telling me
"I don't know who you are"
Come on, woman
I tend to sleep with my boots on
Should I need to gallop over dark waters
To you, on short notice
To you, on short notice
You tend to keep the scales tipping
One steady eye narrowing on a clock
That's spinning out
It's easier for you to insist
That I can't remember
Then to admit
That you can't forget
You think that I don't know
You don't wanna be alone
Come on
You're always telling me
"I don't know who you are"
Come on, woman
I tend to sleep with my boots on
Should I need to gallop over dark waters
To you, on short notice
To you, on short notice
To you, on short notice
To you, on short notice
In "Dressing America" by Torres, the lyrics convey a complex dynamic between two individuals. The first verse explores the idea that one person enjoys maintaining an air of mystery and captivation. They are aware of the attention they receive and are conscious of every gaze directed toward them. Despite this, their public persona contrasts with their private reality. When everyone leaves and they are alone, the intense silence makes them feel vulnerable and prone to cracking under the pressure of their facade.
The second verse suggests a disconnect in their relationship. There is a sense that the person being addressed in the lyrics remains emotionally distant, deliberately keeping their guard up. They often express doubt about the other person's true identity, claiming not to know who they really are. However, the singer challenges their unwillingness to open up and understand one another better, emphasizing the need for deeper connection.
The bridge reveals some insights into the singer's own tendencies. They admit to being prepared for uncertain situations, symbolized by sleeping with their boots on. This readiness to gallop over dark waters implies a willingness to overcome obstacles and traverse difficult emotional terrain in order to be with the other person. It signals their commitment and readiness to be there at a moment's notice, suggesting a desire to bridge any gaps that exist between them.
The final repetition of the chorus reinforces the ongoing communication struggles within the relationship. The person being addressed is shown to constantly deny their desire for companionship and to assert their lack of understanding about the singer's true self. The repeated plea for them to come to a deeper understanding and acceptance of one another reflects a longing for genuine connection and the desire to be seen and understood for who they truly are.
Line by Line Meaning
I know you like to keep us wondering
You enjoy creating a sense of mystery and uncertainty around yourself, making others curious about you.
I know that you feel every eye on you
You are constantly aware of the attention and scrutiny you receive from others.
In any given room
Regardless of the setting or situation,
You tend to keep your kitchen brimming
You always maintain a full and bustling environment around you.
And when we all go home
After everyone leaves or the day comes to an end
The quiet's enough to crack you up
The sudden silence is enough to make you laugh uncontrollably, perhaps due to discomfort or relief.
You think that I don't know
You believe that I am unaware or ignorant
That you stay cold
About your emotional detachment and aloofness
Come on
Seriously, let's be honest or straightforward
You're always telling me
You frequently express to me
"I don't know who you are"
"I don't understand your true nature or identity"
Come on, woman
Let's have an open conversation, addressing the issue
I tend to sleep with my boots on
I have the habit of being prepared and ready for any unexpected situation
Should I need to gallop over dark waters
If the need arises to swiftly overcome challenging and uncertain circumstances
To you, on short notice
To come to you without delay or hesitation
You tend to keep the scales tipping
You maintain a delicate balance or control over a situation
One steady eye narrowing on a clock
You remain focused with an unwavering gaze on a clock
That's spinning out
As it continues to rotate rapidly
It's easier for you to insist
You find it simpler to persist in your narrative or belief
That I can't remember
That I am incapable of recalling or understanding
Then to admit
Than acknowledging or accepting
That you can't forget
That you are unable to erase from your memory
You think that I don't know
You hold the belief that I am unaware or uninformed
You don't wanna be alone
You have a fear or aversion to being by yourself
Come on
Seriously, let's address this issue openly
You're always telling me
You frequently express to me
"I don't know who you are"
"I don't understand your true nature or identity"
Come on, woman
Let's have an open conversation, addressing the issue
I tend to sleep with my boots on
I have the habit of being prepared and ready for any unexpected situation
Should I need to gallop over dark waters
If the need arises to swiftly overcome challenging and uncertain circumstances
To you, on short notice
To come to you without delay or hesitation
To you, on short notice
To come to you without delay or hesitation
To you, on short notice
To come to you without delay or hesitation
To you, on short notice
To come to you without delay or hesitation
Lyrics © Mute Song Limited
Written by: Mackenzie Scott
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ida Kim
Such a great album, needs more views.
David Adams
Been a fan since the debut. Laura Marling, Torres, Fiona Apple, and Nightwish have rounded out my 2020.
Eir Wood
Loved her since Three Futures. Keep killing it
Jonathan B
Big tune! Getting a lot of airplay on KUTX, and this one hits well whenever it comes on.
Ruhee S
Only listened to her songs before and now watching the music video for the first time, i love it! love the space cowboy energy and shes gorgeous!
Jeffrey David
Love your music. Thank you for sharing it with the world.
IronChefWong
Well that put a smile on my face. Go Mackenzie!!
Logan Profitt
Wow this is such a cinematic music video. I love it.
THUDreacts
Sweet song! I'm excited for the new record.
Gravitagitation
Absolutely one the best of 2020 already, both song and video, Mackenzie sets a high standard, as always.