Ultimate Fakebook is a band from Manhattan, KS, whose style of pop-punk/pow… Read Full Bio ↴Ultimate Fakebook is a band from Manhattan, KS, whose style of pop-punk/powerpop sound helped ignite the emo explosion that included fellow Kansans the The Get Up Kids and the Anniversary in the late 1990s. They released three full-length albums; Electric Kissing Parties (1998; Noisome Records), This Will Be Laughing Week (2000; 550/Epic Records), and Open Up and Say Awesome (2002; Initial Records). Shortly after releasing their final EP, Before We Spark (2003), they broke up. Colby has been a part of indie supergroup Carrier, and both Colby and Melin are both currently members of The Dead Girls. Singer Bill McShane made his first musical appearance in over 7 years on 2010's multi-musician studio collaboration The Seven Degrees of Stephen Egerton. Because of the Egerton single, the band decided it was the perfect time to release some of the songs that they had recorded but never released. In July of 2010, they released their fourth album Daydream Radio is Smiling Static which is a collection of non-album tracks that didn't quite make it to the previous three albums. Their most recent album, The Preserving Machine, was released in 2020.

Red Elbows
Ultimate Fakebook Lyrics

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My head's a spider web of daydreams-whistles while it weaves,
Too many fantasies,
My arms are two legs of a table folded patiently,
Perched up so I can see.

I guess I'm red elbows not sore knees,
I guess I see what it is to be too far back to see,
Red elbows don't bleed.

I watch you flaunt your pain so proudly-scissors on your sleeve,

Like self destruction sheik,
I missed the reason I'm designed so sanitized and clean,
Mouthfull of dull teeth.
I'm not so high I can't be reached,

I'm not so dry I won't swim deep,
But I can't decide who I want to be.
I'd wish to rule over my castle wear the crown and be,
The Indecision King,

I'd kiss the princess' lips but with the fire that dragons breathe,
She might have to save me.
I'm not inspired to referee,
I can't pick sides at rivalries,

I can't decide who I want to be.

Overall Meaning

In the song "Red Elbows" by Ultimate Fakebook, the singer is describing his state of mind, which is filled with daydreams and fantasies. He compares his mental state to that of a spider web, constantly weaving new ideas and thoughts together. He also mentions his arms being like the legs of a table, indicating that he is in a state of waiting, unsure of what to do next. Despite his confusion and lack of direction, he takes comfort in the fact that he is not in pain like others around him, as he declares himself to be "red elbows not sore knees."

The singer then goes on to describe his observation of others, particularly a person who seems to be proud of their pain and self-destructive behavior. He admits that he does not understand why he himself is so "sanitized and clean," lacking the emotional depth and complexity of those around him. He longs to be able to make a decision about who he wants to be, such as ruling over his own castle as the "Indecision King."

Despite his aspirations, the singer admits that he is not inspired to take a side in any rivalries or to be a referee. He remains stuck in his own thoughts, unable to fully explore his desires and motivations. The lyrics of the song suggest a sense of isolation and confusion that many people can relate to, as the process of self-discovery can be both daunting and overwhelming.

Line by Line Meaning

My head's a spider web of daydreams-whistles while it weaves,
My mind is filled with numerous unrealistic thoughts and daydreams while I try to concentrate on something else.

Too many fantasies,
I have too many unrealistic desires that make it difficult for me to focus.

My arms are two legs of a table folded patiently,
My arms are folded on the table while I wait patiently for something to happen.

Perched up so I can see.
I am seated on a high place so that I can look and observe from a distance.

I guess I'm red elbows not sore knees,
I am not the one who experiences pain from physical work, but I am still a part of the process.

I guess I see what it is to be too far back to see,
I realize that sometimes being too far away from something can also mean not having a clear understanding of it.

Red elbows don't bleed.
Although I am involved in some way, I am not the one sacrificing my self-worth or pride in the situation.

I watch you flaunt your pain so proudly-scissors on your sleeve,
I observe you as you showcase your suffering publicly, like a badge of honor for surviving.

Like self destruction sheik,
Like a leader of self-destruction or someone who is proud of their unhealthy habits.

I missed the reason I'm designed so sanitized and clean,
I do not understand why I am made so pure and uncontaminated while others seem to struggle with a life full of dirt.

Mouthfull of dull teeth.
Although I have the tools to speak or stand up for myself, I possess none of the sharp wit or biting humor to do so.

I'm not so high I can't be reached,
I am not so far removed from others that they cannot approach or talk to me.

I'm not so dry I won't swim deep,
I am not so void of emotion that I am incapable of deeper connections or experiences.

But I can't decide who I want to be.
I am unsure of who I want to be or what direction to take in my life.

I'd wish to rule over my castle wear the crown and be,
I desire to be in control of my fate, to be the ruler of my own kingdom with a sense of authority and respect.

The Indecision King,
Yet I am still indecisive, unable to commit to a clear path or decision.

I'd kiss the princess' lips but with the fire that dragons breathe,
I would love to have a romantic relationship, but I fear the consequences or complications that may arise from it.

She might have to save me.
I may require someone else to save or rescue me from bad decisions or hardships.

I'm not inspired to referee,
I am not motivated to act as a mediator or settle disputes between others.

I can't pick sides at rivalries,
I am unable to choose between opposing groups or causes.

I can't decide who I want to be.
I am still struggling to figure out my true identity and what kind of person I want to become.

Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: ERIC MELIN, NICHELOS COLBY, WILLIAM G MC SHANE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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