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.
Here's To Now
Ugly Casanova Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Here's to now
Actually, I was thinking
Said everything out loud
Cause apricot seeds got arsenic
That we don't worry about
Waiting for you to come home or come out
Well, apple seeds have cyanide
That we don't care about
So here's to now
Here's to now
Buildings built sturdy rode up in every town
As the bees get aged and the bellies get to sag
Well the people fall right out
Pride is really falling
I'm proud that I'm not proud
And as the people get aged and the bellies get sagged
Well their instincts all fall out
Here's to now
Here's to now
Here's to now
Here's to now
The bus boy's younger brother
When he drinks he talks too much
He seemed normal to me
But at quarter to three
Well I could see he was a little bit touched
Actually, I was thinking
Said everything out loud
Cause apricot seeds carry arsenic
That we don't care about
Here's to now
Here's to now
Here's to now
Here's to now
Actually, I was thinking
Said everything out loud
Well actually I was thinking
So here's to right now
Here's to right now
Here's to now
Here's to now
Here's to now
The song "Here's To Now" by Ugly Casanova celebrates the present moment and the importance of living in the now. The lyrics imply that many people are preoccupied with worrying about things that may or may not happen in the future or dwelling on past mistakes, while ignoring what is happening in the present. The mention of apricot seeds carrying arsenic and apple seeds having cyanide is a metaphor for how even the things we consider safe can turn out to be harmful. It encourages listeners to enjoy the present moment and not be afraid to speak their minds or make mistakes.
The image of "buildings built sturdy rode up in every town" is a metaphor for society's structures and systems that people often take for granted until they fail. The lyrics suggest that as people grow older, their values and beliefs may change, causing them to lose touch with their instincts and innermost desires. The line "I'm proud that I'm not proud" means that the singer is proud of being humble and not putting too much value on material possessions or achievements.
Overall, "Here's To Now" is a song about embracing the present moment, living life to the fullest, and not worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. It encourages listeners to be true to themselves and not be afraid to take risks or make mistakes.
Line by Line Meaning
Here's to now
The singer is acknowledging the present moment and expressing appreciation for it
Actually, I was thinking
The singer is reflecting on their thoughts and observations
Said everything out loud
The singer is openly sharing their thoughts and observations with others
Cause apricot seeds got arsenic
The artist is pointing out a potential danger that is commonly overlooked
That we don't worry about
The artist is acknowledging that many people are unaware of this danger
Sittin on your doorstop
The singer is waiting for someone outside their house
Waiting for you to come home or come out
The singer is hoping to interact with the person they are waiting for
Well, apple seeds have cyanide
The artist is pointing out another commonly overlooked danger
That we don't care about
The artist is acknowledging that many people are not aware of this danger either
Buildings built sturdy rode up in every town
The artist is reflecting on the ubiquitous nature of modern infrastructure
As the bees get aged and the bellies get to sag
The natural world is changing and aging alongside human civilization
Well the people fall right out
As a result of these changes, people may be struggling and falling apart
Pride is really falling
The singer is reflecting on the decline of pride and confidence in modern society
I'm proud that I'm not proud
The singer is recognizing the irony of feeling proud about not feeling proud
And as the people get aged and the bellies get sagged
The singer is reiterating the idea of physical and societal decline with age
Well their instincts all fall out
Older people may lose touch with their instincts and intuition, causing confusion and vulnerability
The bus boy's younger brother
The artist is introducing a new character to the song
When he drinks he talks too much
The singer is sharing an observation about this character's behavior
He seemed normal to me
The singer is noting that this character seemed typical or average at first
But at quarter to three
The artist is noting a specific time when their opinion of the character changes
Well I could see he was a little bit touched
The artist now sees the character as being somewhat eccentric or crazy
Well actually I was thinking
The artist is once again reflecting on their thoughts and observations
So here's to right now
The singer is emphasizing the importance of appreciating the present moment
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ERIC JUDY, ISAAC BROCK, TOM PELOSO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gbraboy
Isaac: Please make an extended 27 minute version of this song where you make up lyrics as you go. I am nearly positive it would cure cancer and end hunger. Thanks.
@Jordcurious
major modest mouse fan here. as well as ugly casanova. I really love stumbling over these random tracks, it gives me the same sensation as discovering these bands for the first time
@thebellweather8732
Adventure Tribe You ever hear Mimicking Birds and the songs Isaac did with Nate on the “Not An Album, Just Songs” Record?
@thebellweather8732
Lazy Leverage & The Fear Parade, I believe. He played on Wormholes off the amazing Eons Album as well, which I believe he Produced.
@jfizzlesnatch
This is one of those songs that once you hear it, must be put on repeat.
@coryhika3639
Modest Mouse played this song in Bethlehem, PA last summer. I practically died.
@arcrs40
LOVE MODEST MOUSE
@alexandervines1337
That would have been such a great surprise.
@royvandijke6848
I heard this song under some vid and thought it was them ^^
@user-zz7se5fk9t
Cory Hika lucky;;! I would have too