The legend of Ugly Casanova was based around the character of Edgar Graham, a.k.a. "Ugly Casanova", who (according to the Ugly Casanova press release) met the band Modest Mouse while backstage at a concert in Denver, Colorado.
"After some prodding, he shared his work with the band, and began performing it early before shows while some people were milling around. Whenever he completed these performances, he retreated quickly with a look of anger and shame. After a time, a few small recordings were created, after which Edgar vanished." The release goes on to mention that the batch of songs found on Sharpen Your Teeth was delivered to Sub Pop, "in a strange parcel filled with Silly Putty and pelts of three unidentifiable rodents."
In truth, Ugly Casanova is a side-project of Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock and a number of other collaborators. In fact, two U.C. tracks -- Baby's Clean Conscience and Parasites have appeared as unreleased Modest Mouse demos from their 1993 "Paracite Sessions".
The origin of the band name itself is contested. Brock has admitted he created the pseudonym to "escape having to do interviews", but Modest Mouse's 1996 EP The Fruit That Ate Itself was credited to the production company "Ugly Casanova", suggesting Brock may have used the name to retain creative control and publishing rights while under a major label.
Though Ugly Casanova is Brock's brainchild, he shares some co-writing and vocal duties with Holopaw's John Orth. The collective also included Tim Rutili (Califone, Red Red Meat), Pall Jenkins (The Black Heart Procession) and Brian Deck.
It seems that another release is unlikely, owing to contract issues between Modest Mouse's label, Epic Records, and the contract Brock signed with Sub Pop Records to produce the record.
Diggin' Holes
Ugly Casanova Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cause you're like diggin' holes in thin air
And we know that can't be done
I wish that you would cheat with someone
Cause you're like diggin' holes in water
And we know that can't be done
I guess that makes me the bravest man
I was quick to learn but slow to understand
Well, what can you do
My theories are borrowed from somewhere else
And i never had too many to talk about
But you were real quick, you were quick to point out
Well, that was borrowed too
I wish that you would move to the sun
Cause you're like diggin' holes in thin air
And we know that can't be done
I wish that you would cheat with someone
Cause you're like diggin' holes in water
And we know that can't be done
Bravery and stupidity go hand in hand
And i guess that makes me the bravest man
I was quick to learn but slow to understand
Well, what can you do
Rhetoric and smalltalk are marching on
And i probably am the biggest pawn
Cause i was quick to talk and the first to carry on
Well, what can you do
You need a permit if you're gonna build shit
And you can't get one so nothing gets built
And your house is standing on a foot and a half of silt
I wish that you would move to the sun
Cause you're like diggin' holes in thin air
And we know that can't be done
I wish that you would cheat with someone
Cause you're like diggin' holes in water
And we know that can't be done
Rhetoric and smalltalk are marching on
And i probably am the biggest pawn
Cause i was quick to talk and the first to carry on
Well, what can you do
The song "Diggin' Holes" by Ugly Casanova is a critique of a person who is constantly making futile attempts at achieving something impossible. The song begins with the singer wishing that this person should "move to the sun" because they are like "diggin' holes in thin air/ And we know that can’t be done." The metaphor of digging holes in thin air implies that this person is expending effort and energy on something that is ultimately fruitless. The chorus repeats this sentiment, this time using the metaphor of digging holes in water, which is also impossible to do.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of borrowed knowledge and ideas. The singer admits that their "theories are borrowed from somewhere else/ And [they] never had too many to talk about/ But you were real quick, you were quick to point out/ Well, that was borrowed too." This suggests that the person they are criticizing is hypocritical or overly critical of others' ideas despite not having original thoughts themselves.
The song also delves into the theme of bravery and stupidity. The singer acknowledges that "Bravery and stupidity go hand in hand/ I guess that makes me the bravest man/ I was quick to learn but slow to understand." This implies that the singer may have taken risks or made bold moves, but failed to fully comprehend the consequences of their actions or the repercussions of their words.
Overall, the song seems to be a commentary on human ambition and our tendency to strive for things that are impossible or unattainable. Additionally, it suggests that we should be mindful of our own limitations and the limitations of the world around us.
Line by Line Meaning
I wish that you would move to the sun
I wish you would change your ways by doing something impossible, like moving to the sun.
Cause you're like diggin' holes in thin air
Because what you're doing is pointless and impossible, like trying to dig a hole in thin air.
And we know that can't be done
It's clear that what you're doing is impossible and futile.
I wish that you would cheat with someone
I wish you would do something that's morally questionable, but at least it's possible for you to do it.
Cause you're like diggin' holes in water
Because you're trying to do something that's impossible and pointless, like digging a hole in water.
Bravery and stupidity go hand in hand
Acts of bravery might seem bold, but they're often foolish and unwise.
I guess that makes me the bravest man
Despite my lack of courage, I'm still the bravest because I'm willing to admit my fears and flaws.
I was quick to learn but slow to understand
I pick up new information quickly but struggle to fully comprehend what it means.
Well, what can you do
There's not much that can be done to change my shortcomings or the situation at hand.
My theories are borrowed from somewhere else
My ideas and beliefs aren't original; they come from someone else.
And I never had too many to talk about
I don't have many of my own ideas or opinions to share.
But you were real quick, you were quick to point out
You were eager to criticize me and point out my flaws.
Well, that was borrowed too
Even your criticisms weren't original; they were borrowed from someone else.
Rhetoric and smalltalk are marching on
Meaningless conversations and persuasive language continue to dominate society.
And I probably am the biggest pawn
I'm likely the most easily manipulated and controlled person in this situation.
Cause I was quick to talk and the first to carry on
I tend to talk a lot without fully understanding something or thinking it through.
You need a permit if you're gonna build shit
To create something significant, you need authorization and approval.
And you can't get one so nothing gets built
Since you can't obtain the necessary means to create something, nothing will come to fruition.
And your house is standing on a foot and a half of silt
Your foundation is unstable and reliant on things that aren't solid or dependable.
Contributed by Evelyn E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Andre Gracio
I wish that you would move to the sun
Cause you're like diggin' holes in thin air
And we know that can't be done
I wish that you would cheat with someone
Cause you're like diggin' holes in water
And we know that can't be done
Bravery and stupidity go hand in hand
I guess that makes me the bravest man
I was quick to learn but slow to understand
Well, what can you do
My theories are borrowed from somewhere else
And i never had too many to talk about
But you were real quick, you were quick to point out
Well, that was borrowed too
I wish that you would move to the sun
Cause you're like diggin' holes in thin air
And we know that can't be done
I wish that you would cheat with someone
Cause you're like diggin' holes in water
And we know that can't be done
Bravery and stupidity go hand in hand
And i guess that makes me the bravest man
I was quick to learn but slow to understand
Well, what can you do
Rhetoric and smalltalk are marching on
And i probably am the biggest pawn
Cause i was quick to talk and the first to carry on
Well, what can you do
You need a permit if you're gonna build shit
And you can't get one so nothing gets built
And your house is standing on a foot and a half of silt
I wish that you would move to the sun
Cause you're like diggin' holes in thin air
And we know that can't be done
I wish that you would cheat with someone
Cause you're like diggin' holes in water
And we know that can't be done
Rhetoric and smalltalk are marching on
And i probably am the biggest pawn
Cause i was quick to talk and the first to carry on
Well, what can you do
Michael Lobianco
No matter how many circles I walk in these lyrics will always ring bells in my mind.
Timothy Slone Slone
💀 thanks Isaac for all the wicked ass toons ..ile be listening ..awesome man .hope there's many more to come keep up the great work
Moonlit Sky Gaming
Easily one of Isaac's best!!
Iron Lung
Isaac made this album at one of his lowest points . Thanks u isaac hope u feel better these days
Michael Lobianco
Can you go a little more in depth with this?
Pato
the live rendition of this song on 2001 modest mouse atlanta show it's great
W A X
So is the live version from Houston I think it’s ‘01. Maybe ‘00 though
spider
holy fuck how is this my first time listening to this, its so good
Gummyworms511
I know right such a good song
Matt Binder
Welcome man