02-23-19
When I first heard this song I was immediately transported to an old western. There isn’t much to suggest this particular atmosphere beyond a guitar progression that lends itself to the theme of the west with it’s changing chord progressions sounding like an old diddy from a Sergio Leone film. Through what seems like a non-stop action thriller the pulsing drums, and quickened pace throughout this song brings a near panic-inducing feeling. This feeling reminds me of what apprehension feels like; the moment which anxiousness and anticipation meet casting one into a shroud of both fear and uncontrollable excitement fueled by adrenaline.
The dialogue in the song accompanied by the music creates perfect cut scenes that are gripping without having to go in any serious detail. As the song comes to its climax, the lead singer drops his volume to a whisper, a technique reminiscent of Nick Cave, until ultimately leading back to a final satisfying crescendo.
This momentary break in the song feels like its an opportunity for the main character to lay their full honest self out for judgment, leading to a moment of resolution, a point where whatever action is taken it’s everlasting, it’s something that can never be taken back — a moment anchored in every contributing actors’ lives.
The balance between lyrical paces helps create a sense of chaos I also find in apprehension. It’s an emotion that is fueled by automated responses as opposed to logical thinking; it pushes us very close to fight or flight responses. It’s not practical to assume people make their best decisions from points of apprehension.
Lyrics:
Kelly the insistor
Your brother is a blister
I’ll be had if I’m in your dress tonight
When you go and you’re all alone
Are you still afraid of home
Do you lie in bed with fright
Your father said I lost her
Your brother said I fought her
But I stood still and I’m in your arms tonight
And when you rush I’ll call your name
Like Harvard Square holds all inane
And don’t you know I’ll be your badger
And don’t be terse and don’t be shy
Just hug my lips and say good lies
And know that I will be your bail bond
Mickey the ol’ lithper
Said hey there hey mister
My cold razor’s edge will meet you in the light
When you go and you’re on stage
Is your heart still filled with rage?
Do you still fight for lover’s rights?
Challenge is for lovers
But I run my feet hurt
So I’ll stay here and fight for lover’s rights
And when you rush I’ll call your name
Like Harvard Square holds all inane
And don’t you know I’ll be your badger
And don’t be terse and don’t be shy
Just hug my lips and say good lies
And know that I will be your bail bond
Oh Kelly don’t you go
Kelly don’t you go
Kelly don’t you go
I want you to know
That I’ve been trying, I’ve been lying
I’ve been stealing, I’ve been hiding
I will meet you in the grave
Kelly, Kelly, it’s not your right
To be cheating, fighting and starting life
When my head and hands are tied to you so tight
Oh Kelly just tell me one more thing
Is it mine or is it some other ring
That you wear as we lie in bed tonight?
And Kelly, who’s the logger?
Oh, Kelly, who’s the logger?
Oh Kelly, who’s the logger who’s trees were felled with might?
And Kelly, hold your water
Oh Kelly, hold your water
Oh Kelly, Kelly, hold your water tight
And when you rush I’ll call your name
Like Harvard Square holds all inane
And don’t you know I’ll be your badger
And don’t be terse and don’t be shy
Just hug my lips and say goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
Goodbyebyebyebyebyebyebyebyebye