What song fits my lonely movie?
July 9, 2005 5:36 PM Subscribe
I need a song for a specific lonely situation. In my student film, a male college student reads the blog of a fellow male student, forming a creepy one-sided relationship bordering on cyberstalking. But the tone is lonely, not predatory, and the imagined relationship is platonic. Thus, in soundtracking, I need a lonely song that isn't slit-your-wrist, girl-hates-boy, or we-used-to-be-friends. I prefer sparse sounds (Devendra Banhart, Tom Waits), male or female voices. I have enough instrumental pieces; I just need a killer lyrical song to top it all off.
"Where Is Love" from the soundtrack to "Oliver!" by Lionel Bart.
posted by TiredStarling at 6:19 PM on July 9, 2005
posted by TiredStarling at 6:19 PM on July 9, 2005
Bottles and Bones - Califone
Very atmospheric and could easily be used for creepy effect, plus I've always seen it as a song about loneliness.
" forget your sweet decline / this is the longest goodbye / aching to get your pocket picked / bottles and bones shade and sympathy / kick the glass out of your path / calls you in / traps for your fingers / fire for your mouth / stones for your passage / brass for your jaded / underneath the baking clouds and hardening starless skies"
Poor Boy, Minor Key - M. Ward
Long bluesy intro, recorded very quietly and is compressed
"wide world / wide world of sorrow / won't stand a chance / one day they will be as giants / stronger than the sun / but that day ain't yet come
posted by cyphill at 6:19 PM on July 9, 2005
Very atmospheric and could easily be used for creepy effect, plus I've always seen it as a song about loneliness.
" forget your sweet decline / this is the longest goodbye / aching to get your pocket picked / bottles and bones shade and sympathy / kick the glass out of your path / calls you in / traps for your fingers / fire for your mouth / stones for your passage / brass for your jaded / underneath the baking clouds and hardening starless skies"
Poor Boy, Minor Key - M. Ward
Long bluesy intro, recorded very quietly and is compressed
"wide world / wide world of sorrow / won't stand a chance / one day they will be as giants / stronger than the sun / but that day ain't yet come
posted by cyphill at 6:19 PM on July 9, 2005
Oh, and whatever you pick, could you post it? I hate all these threads where people ask for songs for a compilation, or music for their wedding night and don't post what they finally picked.
posted by cyphill at 6:20 PM on July 9, 2005
posted by cyphill at 6:20 PM on July 9, 2005
I recommend something off Mark Kozelek's What's Next to the Moon. He's totally redone the original AC/DC Bon Scott stuff and the lyrics are amazing.
posted by princelyfox at 6:34 PM on July 9, 2005
posted by princelyfox at 6:34 PM on July 9, 2005
I suppose 'Gonna Get Close To You' would be too obvious? [Lyrics, MP3 clip]
posted by Wolfdog at 6:34 PM on July 9, 2005
posted by Wolfdog at 6:34 PM on July 9, 2005
A pretty vague suggestion - Jandek and the Mountain Goats are both pretty sparse-sounding, and both could fit in terms of lyrical content (actually, there's a pretty decent cover of Jandek's "White Box" by the Mountain Goats floating around too...). Both of these guys have hundreds of songs to choose from, but "Shadow Song" by the Mountain Goats might work...
If you're looking for comprehendibly lonely lyrics, the Mountain Goats is probably what you'd want of these two. If you're looking for deeply lonely-sounding music with semi-comprehendibly lonely lyrics, Jandek is.
Jandek lyrics can be found here, and Mountain Goats lyrics can be found here.
posted by bubukaba at 6:36 PM on July 9, 2005
If you're looking for comprehendibly lonely lyrics, the Mountain Goats is probably what you'd want of these two. If you're looking for deeply lonely-sounding music with semi-comprehendibly lonely lyrics, Jandek is.
Jandek lyrics can be found here, and Mountain Goats lyrics can be found here.
posted by bubukaba at 6:36 PM on July 9, 2005
"Lips of Ashes" by Porcupine Tree would be great. It's eerie, extremely vocal, and the lyrics are very minimalistic but seem to match up to your story.
posted by baphomet at 6:42 PM on July 9, 2005
posted by baphomet at 6:42 PM on July 9, 2005
Scrolling through my Mp3 player I find:
Bonnie "Prince" Billy or The Palace Brothers, "You will miss me when I'm gone." The Bonnie Prince Billy version has a steel guitar in it, which always helps with the unhappiness. It starts with the line, "When you have no-one, no-one can hurt you.
A.J. Roach, "Temporary"
It's folk music, but very good. There is an absolutely haunting female vocalist in the chorus that is so pretty and so sad I want to cry.
Johnny Cash, "Meet me in Heaven," off Unchained
Maybe more about death than loneliness, but it's the Man in Black.
Neko Case, "I wish I was the Moon"
Beautiful, wistful song. This one has a steel guitar solo by Jon Rauhouse that is only slightly marred by inclusion in the soundtrack of an episode of CSI.
Richard Buckner, "22"
I believe it's about suicide.
Richmond Fontaine, "Polaroid."
Actually, pretty much anything the band has ever performed is right up your alley. Willy writes some serious downers. Post to Wire should have a bunch of songs that'd fit.
Robbie Fulks, "Barely Human"
It's about being a drunk. It might not work because Fulks' delivery is such that he always sounds as though he's making fun of someone. In fairness, he usually is.
The Eels, "It's a motherfucker," "My Descent into Madness" "The Medication is Wearing Off."
Actually, about half of what E has recorded is basically exactly what you describe. "Electroshock Blues" is the album you'd do well to peruse.
posted by stet at 6:46 PM on July 9, 2005
Bonnie "Prince" Billy or The Palace Brothers, "You will miss me when I'm gone." The Bonnie Prince Billy version has a steel guitar in it, which always helps with the unhappiness. It starts with the line, "When you have no-one, no-one can hurt you.
A.J. Roach, "Temporary"
It's folk music, but very good. There is an absolutely haunting female vocalist in the chorus that is so pretty and so sad I want to cry.
Johnny Cash, "Meet me in Heaven," off Unchained
Maybe more about death than loneliness, but it's the Man in Black.
Neko Case, "I wish I was the Moon"
Beautiful, wistful song. This one has a steel guitar solo by Jon Rauhouse that is only slightly marred by inclusion in the soundtrack of an episode of CSI.
Richard Buckner, "22"
I believe it's about suicide.
Richmond Fontaine, "Polaroid."
Actually, pretty much anything the band has ever performed is right up your alley. Willy writes some serious downers. Post to Wire should have a bunch of songs that'd fit.
Robbie Fulks, "Barely Human"
It's about being a drunk. It might not work because Fulks' delivery is such that he always sounds as though he's making fun of someone. In fairness, he usually is.
The Eels, "It's a motherfucker," "My Descent into Madness" "The Medication is Wearing Off."
Actually, about half of what E has recorded is basically exactly what you describe. "Electroshock Blues" is the album you'd do well to peruse.
posted by stet at 6:46 PM on July 9, 2005
If you can use a fifteen minute instrumental, try Papa M's "I Am Not Lonely with a Cricket." Otherwise, some Modest Mouse might work.
posted by glibhamdreck at 6:48 PM on July 9, 2005
posted by glibhamdreck at 6:48 PM on July 9, 2005
You could probably use *almost* anything from M. Ward, particularly if you're in the market for something more on the contemporary side.
posted by awegz at 7:23 PM on July 9, 2005
posted by awegz at 7:23 PM on July 9, 2005
A hearty second for Califone's "Bottles & Bones"! "Fisherman's Wife " (off the same album, Roomsound) is probably even a little more sparse and lonely sounding.
posted by scody at 7:26 PM on July 9, 2005
posted by scody at 7:26 PM on July 9, 2005
Elliot Smith's Figure 8 is full of effusively sad yet upbeat and un-maudlin tunes. My perception of their un-maudlin status is kinda colored, now, by the knowledge that he eventually drove a hunting knife into his own heart, but still...
Also: "summer song" on the Rushmore Soundtrack is what came to mind first.
posted by scarabic at 7:31 PM on July 9, 2005
Also: "summer song" on the Rushmore Soundtrack is what came to mind first.
posted by scarabic at 7:31 PM on July 9, 2005
For some reason Bob Dylan singing "In my Time of Dying" pops into my head. I feel like it would depend on how technological the whole thing feels though, you probably need something more sterile and modern. It's powerful though, and the mood fits.
In other news, there's a Decembrists cover of Bjork's "Human Behavior" that might be worth checking out, and perhaps tangentially Hugh Masakela's Colonial Man album has some tracks on it (esp the title track) that hit hard on whats huge and cold about humans having to live in the universe.
lol, im completely into rap and electronica these days but I feel compelled to mention Joan Baez's "Silver Dagger" too. It still gives me chills.
I know you have a bunch of instrumentals set but I hope you checked out Sun Ra's "Interstellar Low Way's" on the way. If not, keep it in mind for your effort.
Best of luck, man!
posted by 31d1 at 7:32 PM on July 9, 2005
In other news, there's a Decembrists cover of Bjork's "Human Behavior" that might be worth checking out, and perhaps tangentially Hugh Masakela's Colonial Man album has some tracks on it (esp the title track) that hit hard on whats huge and cold about humans having to live in the universe.
lol, im completely into rap and electronica these days but I feel compelled to mention Joan Baez's "Silver Dagger" too. It still gives me chills.
I know you have a bunch of instrumentals set but I hope you checked out Sun Ra's "Interstellar Low Way's" on the way. If not, keep it in mind for your effort.
Best of luck, man!
posted by 31d1 at 7:32 PM on July 9, 2005
Angel by Sarah McLachlan
Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance
For a break that would make it okay
There's always one reason
To feel not good enough
And it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction
Oh beautiful release
Memory seeps from my veins
Let me be empty
And weightless and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight
In the arms of an angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort there
So tired of the straight line
And everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back
And the storm keeps on twisting
You keep on building the lie
That you make up for all that you lack
It don't make no difference
Escaping one last time
It's easier to believe in this sweet madness oh
This glorious sadness that brings me to my knees
In the arms of an angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort there
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here
posted by deborah at 7:39 PM on July 9, 2005
Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance
For a break that would make it okay
There's always one reason
To feel not good enough
And it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction
Oh beautiful release
Memory seeps from my veins
Let me be empty
And weightless and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight
In the arms of an angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort there
So tired of the straight line
And everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back
And the storm keeps on twisting
You keep on building the lie
That you make up for all that you lack
It don't make no difference
Escaping one last time
It's easier to believe in this sweet madness oh
This glorious sadness that brings me to my knees
In the arms of an angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort there
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here
posted by deborah at 7:39 PM on July 9, 2005
Jackson Browne: Sky Blue and Black or Two of Me, Two of You.
posted by plinth at 7:50 PM on July 9, 2005
posted by plinth at 7:50 PM on July 9, 2005
Nth the Mountain Goats. Them/him doing Jandek's "White Box" would be great (or just Jandek doing "White Box").
P.G. Six's "Old Man on the Mountain" would work.
Sodastream - Horses
*scrolls*
Lots of stuff from Nico's The Marble Index would work. I'm particularly fond of "No One Is There"—multitracked viola and vocals.
Tear Garden - Ascension Day
Talk Talk - Taphead (lots of instrumental bits, quite sparse)
Arab Strap - Cherubs or The Night Before the Funeral
Practically any Arthur Russell, something from World of Echo (cello, airy vocals)
Bert Jansch - The Needle of Death. Bit of a drug theme, who'da thunk it.
Brasil and the Gallowbrothers Band, mebbe.
Chris Connelly - Model Murmur
Nick Drake - Black-Eyed Dog
Fog - CheerupCheerily
David Sylvian - A Fire in the Forest
Current 93 - Lots. The live version of "Sleep Has His House" from Halo, say.
On preview, isn't "Maps" a little too boy-girlish?
posted by kenko at 8:01 PM on July 9, 2005 [1 favorite]
P.G. Six's "Old Man on the Mountain" would work.
Sodastream - Horses
*scrolls*
Lots of stuff from Nico's The Marble Index would work. I'm particularly fond of "No One Is There"—multitracked viola and vocals.
Tear Garden - Ascension Day
Talk Talk - Taphead (lots of instrumental bits, quite sparse)
Arab Strap - Cherubs or The Night Before the Funeral
Practically any Arthur Russell, something from World of Echo (cello, airy vocals)
Bert Jansch - The Needle of Death. Bit of a drug theme, who'da thunk it.
Brasil and the Gallowbrothers Band, mebbe.
Chris Connelly - Model Murmur
Nick Drake - Black-Eyed Dog
Fog - CheerupCheerily
David Sylvian - A Fire in the Forest
Current 93 - Lots. The live version of "Sleep Has His House" from Halo, say.
On preview, isn't "Maps" a little too boy-girlish?
posted by kenko at 8:01 PM on July 9, 2005 [1 favorite]
New Model Army: Queen of My Heart
"And there's nowhere far enough away from here;
the ringing ears and the closing air, and the cities and deserts all beat the same;
the radio waves crackle and phase, the satellites spinning slowly round.
The radar towers search and call
to the Queen of my Heart, from the King of Nowhere . . ." (full lyrics)
Thievery Corporation: Lebanese Blonde
"Too low to find my way
Too high to wonder why
I've touched this place before
Somewhere in another time (full lyrics)
Hope that helps!
posted by Zack_Replica at 8:14 PM on July 9, 2005
"And there's nowhere far enough away from here;
the ringing ears and the closing air, and the cities and deserts all beat the same;
the radio waves crackle and phase, the satellites spinning slowly round.
The radar towers search and call
to the Queen of my Heart, from the King of Nowhere . . ." (full lyrics)
Thievery Corporation: Lebanese Blonde
"Too low to find my way
Too high to wonder why
I've touched this place before
Somewhere in another time (full lyrics)
Hope that helps!
posted by Zack_Replica at 8:14 PM on July 9, 2005
Diamanda Galas cover of "My World is Empty Without You" might squeak through your requirements.
Harry Nilsson's original "One"
John Cale's "Chinese Envoy"?
Anything from Mark Hollis's s/t solo album (formerly of Talk Talk).
Six Organs of Admittance - Wind in My Palm
The The - Another Boy Drowning
Townes van Zandt - Tower Song
I will toss out the Microphones, but I'm not familiar enough to recommend a particular album, even.
posted by kenko at 8:22 PM on July 9, 2005
Harry Nilsson's original "One"
John Cale's "Chinese Envoy"?
Anything from Mark Hollis's s/t solo album (formerly of Talk Talk).
Six Organs of Admittance - Wind in My Palm
The The - Another Boy Drowning
Townes van Zandt - Tower Song
I will toss out the Microphones, but I'm not familiar enough to recommend a particular album, even.
posted by kenko at 8:22 PM on July 9, 2005
I totally second Bonnie "Prince" Billy! Some very slow (good for film and not taking the focus off the visual), very lonely, very honest lyrics. The guy has a perfectly unique voice that screams "recluse."
Specifically for this scene I'd recommend "I See a Darkness." Reading over the lyrics a second time it seems to be the perfect fit:
You can listen to 30 seconds of Bonnie "Prince" Billy's version here!
posted by themadjuggler at 8:27 PM on July 9, 2005
Specifically for this scene I'd recommend "I See a Darkness." Reading over the lyrics a second time it seems to be the perfect fit:
Well, you're my friendIf you want a more gruff version, I hear Johnny Cash did a cool cover of it.
And can you see
Many times we've been out drinking
Many times we've shared our thoughts
Did you ever, ever notice, the kind of thoughts I got
Well you know I have a love, for everyone I know
And you know I have a drive, for life I won't let go
But sometimes this opposition, comes rising up in me
This terrible imposition, comes blacking through my mind
And then I see a darkness
Oh no, I see a darkness
Do you know how much I love you
Cause I'm hoping some day soon
You'll save me from this darkness
You can listen to 30 seconds of Bonnie "Prince" Billy's version here!
posted by themadjuggler at 8:27 PM on July 9, 2005
Oh yes, "I See A Darkness" could be perfect - I second it.
posted by bubukaba at 8:29 PM on July 9, 2005
posted by bubukaba at 8:29 PM on July 9, 2005
Creepy? How about Creep, by Radiohead
Heart of Gold, by Neil Young
Ana Ng, by They Might Be Giants
Ana Ng and I are growing old,
But we still haven't walked in the glow
Of each other's majestic presence.
Listen Ana, hear my words,
Are they ones you would think I would say
If there was a me for you?
All alone at the '64 World's Fair
Eighty dolls yelling "Small girl after all"
Who was at the Dupont Pavilion?
Why was the bench still warm? Who had been there?
posted by CrunchyFrog at 8:33 PM on July 9, 2005
Heart of Gold, by Neil Young
Ana Ng, by They Might Be Giants
Ana Ng and I are growing old,
But we still haven't walked in the glow
Of each other's majestic presence.
Listen Ana, hear my words,
Are they ones you would think I would say
If there was a me for you?
All alone at the '64 World's Fair
Eighty dolls yelling "Small girl after all"
Who was at the Dupont Pavilion?
Why was the bench still warm? Who had been there?
posted by CrunchyFrog at 8:33 PM on July 9, 2005
What they said, plus anything off of Sun Kil Moon's album.
posted by matildaben at 8:33 PM on July 9, 2005
posted by matildaben at 8:33 PM on July 9, 2005
When I read your description, I immediatley thought of I see A Darkness By Bonny Prince Billy, so I second (or third) that rec.
posted by OmieWise at 9:16 PM on July 9, 2005
posted by OmieWise at 9:16 PM on July 9, 2005
This might be a little weird, but I feel like King Crimson's Waiting Man fits (although it's not quite as sparse towards the end):
I come back, come back
you see my return
my returning face is smiling
smile of a waiting man.
I be home soon, soon, soon
soon cry on your shoulder
your shoulder against my burning tears
tears of a waiting man.
one, two, three, four, one, two, three
I wait every moment
I wait, wait for my chance
I wait for my friend to say
hello, you waiting man
feel no fret, feel no fret, feel no fret
you can wait and feel no fret
and so I wait, so I wait, so I wait, so I wait
ah, return face is smiling
be home soon, cry on your shoulder
tears of a waiting man.
every moment, wait for my chance
my friend say hello, feel no fret, feel no fret
you can wait, and I wait, and I wait
and home I am.
posted by invitapriore at 9:18 PM on July 9, 2005
I come back, come back
you see my return
my returning face is smiling
smile of a waiting man.
I be home soon, soon, soon
soon cry on your shoulder
your shoulder against my burning tears
tears of a waiting man.
one, two, three, four, one, two, three
I wait every moment
I wait, wait for my chance
I wait for my friend to say
hello, you waiting man
feel no fret, feel no fret, feel no fret
you can wait and feel no fret
and so I wait, so I wait, so I wait, so I wait
ah, return face is smiling
be home soon, cry on your shoulder
tears of a waiting man.
every moment, wait for my chance
my friend say hello, feel no fret, feel no fret
you can wait, and I wait, and I wait
and home I am.
posted by invitapriore at 9:18 PM on July 9, 2005
Lots of good suggestions here already, but just to add one more: Novi Split has some good songs, and I think "Newborn Life Teething" (available from their mp3 page) or "You Sleep, I Drive" might work.
posted by jacobm at 10:35 PM on July 9, 2005
posted by jacobm at 10:35 PM on July 9, 2005
Any time I hear anything by Tom Brosseau, I get that inarticulate longing, not necessarily romantic longing, that you're talking about. I don't know his work well enough to recommend a particular song, however (I just hear him on the radio all the time).
I've also had a bunch of REM songs from Out of Time in my head, and maybe one of them would work? The lyrics are generally impenetrable enough to apply to all situations:
from Country Feedback:
We´ve been through fake-a-breakdown
Self hurt
Plastics, collections
Self help, self pain,
EST, psychics, fuck all
I was central
I had control
I lost my head
I need this
I need this
A paper weight, junk garage
Winter rain, a honey pot
Crazy, all the lovers have been tagged.
A hotline, a wanted ad
It´s crazy what you could´ve had
It´s crazy what you could´ve had
It´s crazy what you could´ve had
I need this
I need this
Or Belong:
This could be the saddest dusk
I´ve ever seen
Turn to a miracle
high alive
My mind is racing
As it always will
My hands tired my heart aches
I´m half a world away and go.
posted by occhiblu at 10:39 PM on July 9, 2005
I've also had a bunch of REM songs from Out of Time in my head, and maybe one of them would work? The lyrics are generally impenetrable enough to apply to all situations:
from Country Feedback:
We´ve been through fake-a-breakdown
Self hurt
Plastics, collections
Self help, self pain,
EST, psychics, fuck all
I was central
I had control
I lost my head
I need this
I need this
A paper weight, junk garage
Winter rain, a honey pot
Crazy, all the lovers have been tagged.
A hotline, a wanted ad
It´s crazy what you could´ve had
It´s crazy what you could´ve had
It´s crazy what you could´ve had
I need this
I need this
Or Belong:
This could be the saddest dusk
I´ve ever seen
Turn to a miracle
high alive
My mind is racing
As it always will
My hands tired my heart aches
I´m half a world away and go.
posted by occhiblu at 10:39 PM on July 9, 2005
I found a better Tom Brosseau link. The mp3 on this KEXP page of "Young and Free" is closer to what I was thinking. ("Remember that you're young and free / You shouldn't have to be alone / Cuz when you're down it bothers me / it chills me to the bone")
posted by occhiblu at 10:54 PM on July 9, 2005
posted by occhiblu at 10:54 PM on July 9, 2005
I'm not sure you'll be able to find this without buying the album, but there's also a great Brian Webb song (Boston folk singer) called "Wrestle the Ground" that could work.
He's got a few mp3 samples at CD Baby; "Bigger than I am" is closest to the sound of "Wrestle the Ground" (though not as good!).
The lyrics to the one I'm thinking of are here -- choose the album "Broken Folk" and then "Wrestle the Ground" from the drop-down.
If you're looking just to pour yourself out into something,
or maybe someone like me, who wants nothing
more than you
But this is desperate not bold
It might be callous, but it ain't cold
It has just been empty for so long
I figured anything should feel full
posted by occhiblu at 11:07 PM on July 9, 2005
He's got a few mp3 samples at CD Baby; "Bigger than I am" is closest to the sound of "Wrestle the Ground" (though not as good!).
The lyrics to the one I'm thinking of are here -- choose the album "Broken Folk" and then "Wrestle the Ground" from the drop-down.
If you're looking just to pour yourself out into something,
or maybe someone like me, who wants nothing
more than you
But this is desperate not bold
It might be callous, but it ain't cold
It has just been empty for so long
I figured anything should feel full
posted by occhiblu at 11:07 PM on July 9, 2005
I millionth "I see a Darkness." The most perfect song I can think of for your needs. Hauntingly profound.
posted by Falconetti at 11:20 PM on July 9, 2005
posted by Falconetti at 11:20 PM on July 9, 2005
Queen, "You're My Best Friend"
posted by kirkaracha at 11:29 PM on July 9, 2005
posted by kirkaracha at 11:29 PM on July 9, 2005
I'd definitely check out some Nick Drake. "Oh Poor Boy" comes to mind.
Good luck!
posted by trip and a half at 11:46 PM on July 9, 2005
Good luck!
posted by trip and a half at 11:46 PM on July 9, 2005
I got here too late! Will Oldam/ Bonnie Prince Billy would be excellent, as would most M. Ward. "I see a darkness" just brings up the hairs every time.
posted by slimslowslider at 1:24 AM on July 10, 2005
posted by slimslowslider at 1:24 AM on July 10, 2005
Well, I always wind up recommending one Wilco song or another every time I come across an AskMe thread like this, so why stop now?
There's a couple of tracks on Yankee Hotel Foxtrot that might fit:
"Radio Cure"
Cheer up, honey I hope you can
There is something wrong with me
My mind is filled with radio cures
Electronic surgical words
Picking apples for the kings and queens of things I've never seen
Oh, distance has no way of making love understandable
"Poor Places"
Someone ties a bow
In my backyard to show me love
My voice is climbing walls
Smoking and I want love
My jaw's been broken
My heart is wrapped in ice
My fangs have been pulled
And I really want to see you tonight
And it makes no difference to me
How they cried all over overseas
When it's hot in the poor places tonight
I'm not going outside
And of course there's "How To Fight Loneliness," though it might be a little too obvious and it was already used for a montage scene in Girl, Interrupted.
posted by gompa at 1:27 AM on July 10, 2005
There's a couple of tracks on Yankee Hotel Foxtrot that might fit:
"Radio Cure"
Cheer up, honey I hope you can
There is something wrong with me
My mind is filled with radio cures
Electronic surgical words
Picking apples for the kings and queens of things I've never seen
Oh, distance has no way of making love understandable
"Poor Places"
Someone ties a bow
In my backyard to show me love
My voice is climbing walls
Smoking and I want love
My jaw's been broken
My heart is wrapped in ice
My fangs have been pulled
And I really want to see you tonight
And it makes no difference to me
How they cried all over overseas
When it's hot in the poor places tonight
I'm not going outside
And of course there's "How To Fight Loneliness," though it might be a little too obvious and it was already used for a montage scene in Girl, Interrupted.
posted by gompa at 1:27 AM on July 10, 2005
OK, it was used on the Wicker Park soundtrack but my smart and musically sussed partner idest reminded me of it. I'm talking about the very lovely Strange and Beautiful by Aqualung:
I've been watching your world from afar,
I've been trying to be where you are,
And I've been secretly falling apart,
I'll see.
To me, you're strange and you're beautiful,
You'd be so perfect with me but you just can't see,
You turn every head but you don't see me.
I'll put a spell on you,
You'll fall asleep and I'll put a spell on you.
And when I wake you,
I'll be the first thing you see, lyricstop
And you'll realise that you love me.
Yeah...
Yeah...
Sometimes, the last thing you want comes in first,
Sometimes, the frist thing you want never comes,
And I know, the waiting is all you can do,
Sometimes...
I'll put a spell on you,
You'll fall asleep,
I'll put a spell on you,
And when I wake you,
I'll be the first thing you see,
And you'll realise that you love me.
I'll put a spell on you,
You'll fall asleep 'cos I'll put a spell on you,
And when I wake you,
I'll be the first thing you see,
And you'll realise that you love me, yeah...
posted by Decani at 5:29 AM on July 10, 2005
I've been watching your world from afar,
I've been trying to be where you are,
And I've been secretly falling apart,
I'll see.
To me, you're strange and you're beautiful,
You'd be so perfect with me but you just can't see,
You turn every head but you don't see me.
I'll put a spell on you,
You'll fall asleep and I'll put a spell on you.
And when I wake you,
I'll be the first thing you see, lyricstop
And you'll realise that you love me.
Yeah...
Yeah...
Sometimes, the last thing you want comes in first,
Sometimes, the frist thing you want never comes,
And I know, the waiting is all you can do,
Sometimes...
I'll put a spell on you,
You'll fall asleep,
I'll put a spell on you,
And when I wake you,
I'll be the first thing you see,
And you'll realise that you love me.
I'll put a spell on you,
You'll fall asleep 'cos I'll put a spell on you,
And when I wake you,
I'll be the first thing you see,
And you'll realise that you love me, yeah...
posted by Decani at 5:29 AM on July 10, 2005
Steve Burns: >1 (lyrics) - kind of a platonic love song, nice refrain (one day you and I will live on the moon)
Cat Power: He Turns Down (lyrics) - maybe too despairing, but about longing ( holding on for someone / feels like holding on too long / have you ever held on?)
I also agree that a Mountain Goats song sounds like it would fit, but the ones that embody that "lonely" sound to me tend to tell too-specific stories (Have to Explode, Game Shows Touch Our Lives, Original Air-Blue Gown). Even Shadow Song seems too specifically about death. Still, they're excellent and worth checking out.
posted by brookedel at 5:36 AM on July 10, 2005
Cat Power: He Turns Down (lyrics) - maybe too despairing, but about longing ( holding on for someone / feels like holding on too long / have you ever held on?)
I also agree that a Mountain Goats song sounds like it would fit, but the ones that embody that "lonely" sound to me tend to tell too-specific stories (Have to Explode, Game Shows Touch Our Lives, Original Air-Blue Gown). Even Shadow Song seems too specifically about death. Still, they're excellent and worth checking out.
posted by brookedel at 5:36 AM on July 10, 2005
dissenting opinion.
Film is a visual medium. Show, don't tell. You're using music to 'tell us' something that may be missing from the picture. Find a way to fix that, and the music isn't as important. Many people won't necessarily hear/get the lyrics, the meaning of the music without repeated showings.....
Unless, you have everyone be fairly non-communicative in your work, and early establish that it's all about the music.
posted by filmgeek at 6:19 AM on July 10, 2005
Film is a visual medium. Show, don't tell. You're using music to 'tell us' something that may be missing from the picture. Find a way to fix that, and the music isn't as important. Many people won't necessarily hear/get the lyrics, the meaning of the music without repeated showings.....
Unless, you have everyone be fairly non-communicative in your work, and early establish that it's all about the music.
posted by filmgeek at 6:19 AM on July 10, 2005
Jump Little Children "Cathedrals"
Red House Painters "All Mixed Up"
posted by softlord at 6:58 AM on July 10, 2005
Red House Painters "All Mixed Up"
posted by softlord at 6:58 AM on July 10, 2005
The Cure "More Than This"
For a second of your life
Tell me that it's true
Waiting for a sign
It's all I want of you
Your heart hides a secret
A promise of what is
Of something more than this...
posted by headspace at 9:53 AM on July 10, 2005
For a second of your life
Tell me that it's true
Waiting for a sign
It's all I want of you
Your heart hides a secret
A promise of what is
Of something more than this...
posted by headspace at 9:53 AM on July 10, 2005
How about Vanessa Daou's If I Could (What I Would Do)? The melody is dark and slow; to me it's about wanting to crawling into someone's head but it also betrays a little bit of longing. The lyrics go:
posted by Lush at 10:22 AM on July 10, 2005
If I could, I'd climb inside of youThat, or Wilco's How To Fight Loneliness.
And look out from your eyes
To see the world you do
If I could, I'd reach into your mind
I'd die a thousand times
Keep coming back to you
Now it's time for me to feel your pain
To understand your shame
To know you like I should
....
posted by Lush at 10:22 AM on July 10, 2005
Response by poster: Thank you so much, everyone! Filmgeek, I know what you mean, and while I agree, I want the lyrics to be right mostly to satisfy myself. On repeated viewings (and my dream is to demand the repeated viewings a Charlie Kaufman film demands), I don't want all the details to fall apart. But you might appreciate my desire for rare, unused music that won't make my viewers say "Oh, that was [in Garden State / the big hit last summer / a classic song far cooler than your film]."
I'm browsing all this stuff, and so far my favorites are:
Poor Boy, Minor Key - M. Ward
I See a Darkness - Bonnie Prince Billy
I See a Darkness - Johnny Cash cover (but I'm a bit afraid of Johnny Cash's famous voice overshadowing the scene)
There is No One - Nico
I think I have plenty now, and thanks again, all. You really read through my vague request and captured the flavor I sought.
posted by NickDouglas at 12:28 PM on July 10, 2005
I'm browsing all this stuff, and so far my favorites are:
Poor Boy, Minor Key - M. Ward
I See a Darkness - Bonnie Prince Billy
I See a Darkness - Johnny Cash cover (but I'm a bit afraid of Johnny Cash's famous voice overshadowing the scene)
There is No One - Nico
I think I have plenty now, and thanks again, all. You really read through my vague request and captured the flavor I sought.
posted by NickDouglas at 12:28 PM on July 10, 2005
(hopefully it's not too late!)
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's "I See A Darkness" would be good, but I might be even more inclined to suggest "Wolf Among Wolves" off of Master and Everyone...
as for an original suggestion:
Xiu Xiu's "Helsabot of Caraleebot" off of the Fleshettes EP--it's got to be the loneliest-sounding thing I've ever heard.
posted by hototogisu at 2:00 PM on July 10, 2005
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's "I See A Darkness" would be good, but I might be even more inclined to suggest "Wolf Among Wolves" off of Master and Everyone...
as for an original suggestion:
Xiu Xiu's "Helsabot of Caraleebot" off of the Fleshettes EP--it's got to be the loneliest-sounding thing I've ever heard.
posted by hototogisu at 2:00 PM on July 10, 2005
massive attack?
posted by chuckforthought.com at 3:01 PM on July 10, 2005
posted by chuckforthought.com at 3:01 PM on July 10, 2005
Response by poster: Heh, no Massive Attack, thanks.
posted by NickDouglas at 9:24 PM on July 10, 2005
posted by NickDouglas at 9:24 PM on July 10, 2005
Try The For Carnation- Empowered Man's Blues. If I'm not too late.
posted by klangklangston at 11:58 PM on July 19, 2005
posted by klangklangston at 11:58 PM on July 19, 2005
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by kenko at 5:46 PM on July 9, 2005