Cleaver and Walker began playing together in 2001 as a result of Cleaver’s stage fright when asked to perform a brief run of solo shows. The duo’s first performance was largely unplanned and yet went without incident.. so they agreed to continue and expand. Mark Messerly joined in 2002 as bassist and utility man, and Dawn Burman joined on drums shortly thereafter. The four-piece has released three full-length albums and one EP on their native Cincinnati’s Shake It label. Klug joined the band shortly after Burman's departure in early 2009.
The band is known for its use of "an army of alternately droning and jangling guitars" (Uncut 6/09) to offset the traditional three-minute pop format. Lyrics are typically split evenly between Cleaver and Walker.
Their work has met with critical praise from Rolling Stone and SPIN, both of which gave the band’s second and third albums four stars each, in addition to favorable reviews from Village Voice, NPR, Washington Post, Uncut, and many other press outlets. The “Dean of American Critics” Robert Christgau placed the band’s first two albums (Funeral Dress and Left for Dead) on his Best of the Decade list, and their third album (Wussy) ranked tenth in his best of 2009 Dean’s List.
Conversation Lags
Wussy Lyrics
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Have taken to the air
The cat up in the window looks
But doesn't seem to care
There wasn't any warning
And she didn't pack her bags
But I still miss her singing voice
The conversation lags
Come to me and I will give you rest)
The gravedigger's sad for all the things
The things that go unsaid
It's hard to have a life
While you are living in your head
Now that she is missing
I can see most of the snags
But I still miss her laughingWhen the conversation lags
(Come to me you heavy laden
Come to me and I will give you rest)
The opening lines of Wussy's "Conversation Lags" describe a quiet suburban scene with birds gathered along power lines and a cat watching from a window. These details serve as the backdrop for a narrator who laments the absence of their partner, who has left without warning or explanation. The singer misses their significant other's singing voice and laughter, which used to fill the spaces in conversation that now feel empty and stagnant.
The second verse introduces the figure of a gravedigger, who seems to represent the ultimate loneliness and isolation that the singer fears. The gravedigger regrets the things left unsaid and the missed opportunities for connection in his own life, a fate the singer is determined to avoid. Despite the pain of the breakup and the uncertainty of what comes next, the singer is imploring someone ("Come to me you heavy laden") for comfort and solace.
Overall, "Conversation Lags" is a bittersweet meditation on the fragility of relationships and the importance of communication and connection. The mundane details of suburban life contrast with the weighty themes of loss and regret, creating a sense of both intimacy and distance that is characteristic of Wussy's music.
Line by Line Meaning
The birds along the power lines
The birds that perch on the power lines are taking off, possibly because of some disturbance in the surroundings.
Have taken to the air
The birds that were on the power lines are now flying in the sky.
The cat up in the window looks
There's a cat sitting in the window and looking outside.
But doesn't seem to care
The cat doesn't show any signs of being affected by what's happening outside.
There wasn't any warning
There was no indication or sign that something was about to happen.
And she didn't pack her bags
The person who's gone didn't have any preparations for leaving.
But I still miss her singing voice
Although the person is no longer around, the singer still reminisces about her singing voice.
The conversation lags
The conversation is not flowing smoothly or is losing momentum, perhaps due to grief or uncertainty.
(Come to me you heavy laden
The following lines are a quotation from the Bible, calling on those who are burdened to come to Jesus for rest.
Come to me and I will give you rest)
Jesus invites those who are weary and heavy laden to come to him for rest and relief.
The gravedigger's sad for all the things
The gravedigger is mourning for all the things that have been lost, or perhaps for things left unsaid.
The things that go unsaid
There are things that remain unspoken or unexpressed, perhaps leading to feelings of regret or sadness.
It's hard to have a life
Living a fulfilling life can be a challenge or struggle, especially if there are external or internal obstacles.
While you are living in your head
If one is too focused on their thoughts or their inner world, they may miss out on what's happening outside or around them.
Now that she is missing
The person who's no longer around is being noticed, and possibly missed, now that they are not there.
I can see most of the snags
With the benefit of hindsight, the singer can now see the issues or problems they were facing in the relationship or situation.
But I still miss her laughing
The singer still misses the person's infectious and joyous laughter, despite the difficulties they faced.
When the conversation lags
Even during moments of silence or awkwardness, the singer still remembers the person's laughter and enjoys their memories together.
Contributed by Mason B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.