M79
Vampire Weekend Lyrics
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While you're waiting like a factory line
I'll ride across the park
Backseat on the 79
Wasted days you've come to pass
So go, I know you would not stay
It wasn't true, but anyway
Pollination, yellow cab
You walk up the stairs
See the French kids by the door
Up one more flight
See the Buddha on the second floor
Coronation, rickshaw grab
So go, I know you would not stay
It wasn't true, but anyway
Racist dreams you should not have
No excuse to be so callous
Dress yourself in bleeding madras
Charm your way across the Khyber Pass
Stay awake to break the habit
Sing in praise of Jackson Crowter
Watch your step along the arch of
No excuse to be so callous
Dress yourself in bleeding madras
Charm your way across the Khyber Pass
Stay awake to break the habit
Sing in praise of Jackson Crowter
Watch your step along the arch of glass
In Vampire Weekend's "M79," Ezra Koenig sings about a park in New York City that he rides through in the backseat of the M79 bus. The song's lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia, and Koenig's voice is wistful as he reflects on "wasted days" that have come and gone. The experience of riding the bus becomes a metaphor for the passing of time and the desire to hold on to meaningful experiences.
The song's lyrics also reference a number of other images and ideas, including the French kids by the door and the Buddha on the second floor. These references are somewhat cryptic and open to interpretation, but they contribute to the sense of exploration and discovery that characterizes the song.
Overall, "M79" is a beautiful, reflective song that captures the bittersweet nature of growing up and moving on from the past. It invites listeners to pause and reflect on life's fleeting moments and to cherish the memories that remain.
Line by Line Meaning
It's gonna take a little time
This situation is going to require some patience.
While you're waiting like a factory line
You're stuck waiting in a monotonous, repetitive way.
I'll ride across the park
I'll take a leisurely ride through the park.
Backseat on the 79
I'll be riding in the backseat of a specific bus, the 79.
Wasted days you've come to pass
You've wasted a lot of time and it's time to move on.
So go, I know you would not stay
You're going to leave, I know you're not going to stay.
It wasn't true, but anyway
What you said wasn't true, but let's move on anyway.
Pollination, yellow cab
Metaphors for the chaotic nature of life and love.
You walk up the stairs
You're going up a flight of stairs.
See the French kids by the door
There are some French kids standing by the door.
Up one more flight
There's another flight of stairs to climb.
See the Buddha on the second floor
There's a Buddha statue on the second floor.
Coronation, rickshaw grab
More metaphors for the chaotic nature of life and love.
Racist dreams you should not have
You shouldn't be having racist dreams, that's not okay.
No excuse to be so callous
There's no excuse for being insensitive or unfeeling.
Dress yourself in bleeding madras
Wear clothing made of a specific type of fabric that bleeds when washed.
Charm your way across the Khyber Pass
Use your charm to get through a difficult situation or location.
Stay awake to break the habit
Stay alert and avoid falling into bad habits.
Sing in praise of Jackson Crowter
Sing the praises of someone named Jackson Crowter.
Watch your step along the arch of glass
Be careful as you walk along a bridge made of glass.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Christopher Joseph Baio, Christopher William Tomson, Ezra Koenig, Rostam Batmanglij
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind