Although not a single, Horchata received its own unique album artwork when it premiered. The song's name, "horchata", is a traditional drink from the Spanish region of Valencia. "Horchata" was available for download in the band's official webpage and for streaming in social network MySpace.
Horchata
Vampire Weekend Lyrics
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I'd look psychotic in a balaclava
Winter's cold is too much to handle
Pincher crabs that pinch at your sandals
In December, drinking horchata
Look down your glasses at that Aranciata
With lips and teeth to ask how my day went
Here comes a feeling you thought you'd forgotten
Chairs to sit and sidewalks to walk on
You'd remember drinking horchata
You'd still enjoy it with your foot on Masada
Winter's cold is too much to handle
Pincher crabs that pinch at your sandals
Here comes a feeling you thought you'd forgotten
Chairs to sit and sidewalks to walk on
Oh, you had it but oh, no, you lost it
Looking back, you shouldn't have fought it
In December, drinking horchata
I'd look psychotic in a balaclava
Winter's cold is too much to handle
Pincher crabs that pinch at your sandals
Years go by and hearts start to harden
Those palms and firs that grew in your garden
Are falling down and nearing the rosebeds
The roots are shooting up through the tool shed
Those lips and teeth that asked how my day went
Are shouting up through cracks in the pavement
Here comes a feeling you thought you'd forgotten
Chairs to sit and sidewalks to walk on
Oh, you had it but oh, no, you lost it
You understood so you shouldn't have fought it
Here comes a feeling you thought you'd forgotten
Chairs to sit and sidewalks to walk on
Here comes a feeling you thought you'd forgotten
Chairs to sit and sidewalks to walk on
In Vampire Weekend's "Horchata," the singer sings about drinking the refreshing, cinnamon-spiced Mexican drink horchata in December, when the winter's cold is too much to handle. In the chorus, the singer alludes to a feeling that is coming back--one that they had forgotten but are now remembering. The chairs and sidewalks mentioned in the chorus are a metaphorical representation of the comfort and familiarity of the past. The singer realizes that they had lost this feeling but now understands that they shouldn't have fought it.
The lyrics are ambiguous and open to interpretation, but it's possible to see them as an exploration of nostalgia and the passage of time. The singer longs for the simplicity and familiarity of the past while acknowledging that time has passed and things have changed. The image of the pincher crabs that pinch at sandals adds a touch of whimsy to the lyrics, but it also illustrates the feeling of being overwhelmed by small frustrations, especially during the winter months. In keeping with the theme of nostalgia, the singer's memories of drinking horchata in December provide comfort and a sense of belonging, even as they acknowledge the inevitability of change.
Line by Line Meaning
In December, drinking horchata
During a cold winter month, enjoying a traditional Mexican drink made from rice and spices.
I'd look psychotic in a balaclava
Wearing a ski mask would make me appear crazy or suspicious.
Winter's cold is too much to handle
The harsh temperatures of the season are difficult to bear.
Pincher crabs that pinch at your sandals
Small crabs with claws that can hurt or snag your footwear.
Look down your glasses at that Aranciata
Observing a type of Italian soda with a critical or judgmental attitude.
With lips and teeth to ask how my day went
Communicating with someone about your daily experiences and thoughts.
Boots and fists to pound on the pavement
Using physical force and aggression to express oneself on the streets.
Here comes a feeling you thought you'd forgotten
An emotion that previously seemed distant or forgotten is resurfacing.
Chairs to sit and sidewalks to walk on
The simple pleasures of being able to sit or walk outside in public spaces.
You'd remember drinking horchata
Reflecting on a past experience of enjoying horchata.
You'd still enjoy it with your foot on Masada
Even at a significant distance from the original source, horchata is still a noteworthy and satisfying beverage.
Years go by and hearts start to harden
As time passes, people become less open and more guarded.
Those palms and firs that grew in your garden
The trees and plants that once flourished on your property.
Are falling down and nearing the rosebeds
The natural surroundings are declining and eventually impacting other areas of life.
The roots are shooting up through the tool shed
The roots of nature are still potent and can grow in surprising, unexpected ways.
Those lips and teeth that asked how my day went
The physical aspects of a person associated with communication and being present in the moment.
Are shouting up through cracks in the pavement
Even when things seem broken or challenging, human connection can still prevail and thrive.
You understood so you shouldn't have fought it
Realizing the truth of a situation and accepting it, rather than resisting or struggling against it.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Christopher Joseph Baio, Christopher William Tomson, Ezra Koenig, Rostam Batmanglij
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind