Thrice - To Be Everywhere Is To Be Nowhere (May 27, 2016) Album • Page 12

I'm pretty sure most people don't take issue about what he is trying to say, but how he is saying it. Lyrics are awesome, they can also be interpreted in different ways, but if you don't like the way they are delivered then it's a perfectly valid point to vocalize that.

 

This whole "you can't criticize his lyrics, it's futile" thing is about one of the silliest things I've seen on the internet in recent memory. Like what the hell?

 

Yeah I've been limiting my listens to Blood on the Sand and will more than likely have to do the same with Black Honey. Already listened to it once, may just listen once or twice more and then not listen to anything else until I can listen all the way through.

 

I spend a lot of time reading the comments on political websites. So sadly, I can't share in your sentiment.

 

I haven't ignored you once, Jason. I just don't understand why you'd devalue a song when your interpretation of the lyrics could be completely wrong.

Who are we to say that we KNOW what Dustin is trying to say and whether he's done it effectively? Someone is putting their personal thoughts on display and he'll never stop to explain them one way or another.

Every person in this thread could have a different interpretation of what Dustin is saying.

But, somehow, we're arrogant enough to think we can surmise what he's saying in order to value or devalue a song?

Either way, lyrical content does not change the fact that this is a great song; the consensus has proven it.

 

Best thing to happen to me was the new Blink-182 song. I don't mind wearing that song out. Otherwise, I would have listening to Black Honey on repeat the whole rest of the day.

 

Even if I did KNOW exactly what Dustin intended to say I'm still allowed to dislike it or think he said it poorly.

I'd also argue that we have a pretty decent idea of what he is trying to say, based on the fact that he explained in the blurb that came along with the song stream.

 

Is it hard for you to understand that it's not the content, but maybe the delivery of the content that people don't like. No one said they don't like the subject matter of the song, just the way he's saying it.

 

If you want to draw conclusions that'll never be validated, be my guest. Me? I'm gonna enjoy the best Thrice song in years.

Swing away, Dustin, swing away.

 

Sure you have. No need to lie. Here's one example:

Read up about authorial intent, and how it's pretty widely accepted as meaningless, by starting with the recommendation in the other post I made to you ... that you ... obviously ignored.

 

While it's true that lyrics (and nearly every form of writing) have personal meaning to the author, that does not elevate them above critique. It's not like reading someone's diary, because no one publicizes their diary.

Seeking to understand what one of my favorite authors has written allows a greater connection with their art. Granted, some writers may use words for aesthetic effect, as you've mentioned, but I think that's hardly the case with a mind as philosophically and theologically inclined as Dustin's. I may not deduce the exact meaning that the author holds himself, but why include words, if not to convey meaning?

By the same token, how can you critique his performance or melodic structure when they have been chosen for reasons unknown to you?

 

Dude... He specifically explained the song in the blurb. From Dustins own mouth we know what the song is about. Lyrically, not the theme, is what is being criticized. Stop ignoring the part where Dustin himself validated what we think this song is about

 

"Bored to Death" has lyrics such as: "Life is too short to last long." That's a trend I've hated for years ever since Memento inspired lyricists to write more lines in the vain of, "I can't remember to forget you."

But, instead of playing armchair lyricist, I'm just going to say that I don't like the song as a whole.

If that's their best lead single despite writing 30-45 songs, then I'm concerned.

 

Blink 182 and Thrice have so little in common (from themes to genre) to even bother trying to compare the two outside of trying to "gotcha" the people disagreeing with you.

 

But. But.

In your first and second sentence you literally admit to critiquing the lyrics of others. And yet you aren't somehow playing armchair lyricist?

 

I like the song. I think the lyrics are fine. Not great, but fine. I just do not understand what leads you to believe that lyrics are a sacrosanct category of art that lies beyond any sort of criticism. I don't need Dustin to explicitly yell in my ear "this is what the song is about" to come up with an opinion on the song and its message. If you refuse to accept any personal interpretation of art, how can you truly appreciate it beyond a surface level of enjoyment?

 

Nobody puts their diary on display? Where do you think lyricists pull these thoughts from half the time? Countless songs originate from the most private of thoughts. But when you put them on display, without context, the listener will never know the difference.

Dustin pours his soul into his lyrics and we're going to sit back and think we can surmise what he means or critique how he conveys it after a couple listens? Gimme a break.

Still enjoying this song.

 

I sought further reasoning. That is all.

 

Not well.

 

Agreed, yet no matter their origin, the author still deliberately assembles and publishes the lyrics. They are chosen, not as an indiscriminate sonic layer, but to convey some meaning.

I don't think anyone has suggested that their meaning can be fully understood in such short order, but you've said it yourself: artists pour themselves into their music, writing, painting, and film. To ignore what they intend to communicate is to disrespect the effort they invest.

 

I thought this was very obvious on first listen. Love it love it love it

 

Also I feel that while bees are insects, they're pretty badass insects are they not?

And of course you can critique a persons lyrics. Let's dig into it.

 

I love the song. Really dig it. More so than Blood on the Sand.

 

I want this guy to realize that I think this is a solid song but I don't like the lyrics and that he can deal with it.

 

All I know is that I've listened to it once and the thing stuck in my head is the line "do what I want do what I need"