Ascending Forth
black midi Lyrics

Everyone loves ascending fourths
Reiterates the central theme of the song - that ascending fourths are beloved by all.

And everyone loves ascending fourths
Repeats the sentiment expressed in the first line.

Ooh, everyone loves ascending fourths
Emphasizes the enthusiasm people have for this musical feature.

Everyone loves ascending fourths
Repeats the central theme of the song yet again.

Everyone loves
Highlights the popularity of ascending fourths as a musical element.

Paintings of orthodox monks on the wall
Describes the visual art on display around Markus.

Impotent Mark puts his pen to forehead
Indicates Markus's creative block and frustration in trying to create something new.

Waiting for proof of his unquestioned gift
Suggests Markus's uncertainty about his own ability as a composer.

Three open windows bring air to his cheeks
Describes Markus's physical surroundings and the open windows providing ventilation to cool him down.

The rest of him smothered in three sweat drenched sheets
Highlights the oppressive heat Markus is experiencing, despite the open windows.

With commission spent and date drawing near
Indicates Markus's financial obligations and deadline pressure as a professional composer.

And no newborn zeal or written ideas
Reinforces Markus's creative block and inability to generate fresh ideas.

A receding hum, akin to pink noise
Describes the sound in Markus's head as he struggles to compose, comparing it to white noise or static.

Escapes his cerebral hand that toys
Suggests that ideas are eluding Markus, as if they are playing games with him.

Miserably clutching it never avails
Highlights Markus's inability to grasp onto ideas or inspiration, regardless of how hard he tries.

Without resorting to kitschy entrails
Suggests Markus is unwilling to resort to cheap or tacky methods of composing, even if it might help him break through his creative block.

To stand up tall and straight is to break one leg
Metaphorically reflects the idea that trying to excel or succeed in one area might cause harm or complication in another area of life.

Since last Third Quarter he has not got out of bed
Suggests Markus is suffering from depression or a loss of motivation, and has been unable to leave his bed for quite some time.

Meanwhile, envoys follow the stars, and the arcs of the larks, further north to collect the work promised to their employer noblemen
Contrasts Markus's lack of progress, describing the success of others who have ventured north in pursuit of artistic fulfillment and recognition.

He tries in vain for one pure line
Reinforces Markus's struggle in trying to create something new and original.

Under the weight of tired eyes
Indicates Markus's physical and emotional exhaustion.

He slips into the warm, soft night
Suggests Markus resigns himself to rest, hoping to rejuvenate his creative energy overnight.

To drift carefree beyond imagined bright eyes
Indicates Markus's desire to escape into a dream-like state, unhindered by anxiety or stress.

In dreams he finds a cure that for now will suffice
Indicates Markus's hope for creative inspiration to come to him in his dreams, and that for now, this will be enough to sustain him.

The paintings of orthodox monks on the wall
Repeats the earlier description of Markus's artistic surroundings.

Watch Markus spill ink freely on his finest scores
Indicates Markus's renewed creative energy, as he finally overcomes his block and starts making progress.

Sixty-five repetitions of ascending fourths
Describes the specific musical elements that Markus has added - sixty-five repetitions of ascending fourths - that have unlocked his creativity.

At day breaks men arrive in droves, and force the door
Indicates Markus's workplace has attracted attention and a crowd has gathered, storming in to see his progress.

His work unfinished, they do not accept and throw him to the floor
Describes the overwhelming pressure Markus faces as people find his unfinished work unsatisfactory, and take violent action against him.

He comes to in chains
Suggests Markus has been arrested and imprisoned for his perceived failure in finishing his work.

Brought in front of judges
Indicates Markus will face legal consequences for his inability to deliver on his promised work.

For testing good faith
Suggests that Markus will be put on trial to determine if he acted in good faith, and if not, what punishment he will receive.

To try, to risk, and to fail
Highlights the importance of trying and risking in artistic endeavors, even if failure is a possibility.

Unanimously condemned
Indicates that Markus's work has been deemed a complete failure by those judging him.

His masterpiece of schmaltz
Suggests Markus's work was recognized as cheesy and lacking in artistic merit.

Impure, no heart, no taste
Reinforces the criticism that Markus's work was not good enough, and lacked the necessary heart and soul required for true creativity.

But everyone loves
Repeats the song's central theme, but in a way that emphasizes how insincere the sentiment truly is.

Everyone loves
Reinforces the idea that the love for ascending fourths is tainted by commercial and social pressure, rather than a genuine appreciation for artistic expression.

Everyone loves ascending fourths
Repeats the idea that the love for this musical element is inherent in people, even if their reasons for loving it may be flawed or superficial.

Markus ascends forth in the heart of the common man
Suggests that Markus's work may not have been recognized, but that his influence or spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of those who were inspired by his work ethic and dedication.

Everyone loves ascending fourths
Repeats the central theme of the song one final time.

Everyone loves ascending fourths
Repeats the central theme of the song in a final flourish, emphasizing the widespread love for this musical element.