Andrew Bird — A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head
Album: The Mysterious Production of EggsAvg rating:
Your rating:
Total ratings: 477
Length: 4:55
Plays (last 30 days): 0
share
tweet
Overprescribed
Under the mister
We had survived to
Turn on the History Channel
And ask our esteemed panel
Why are we alive?
And here's how they replied
You're what happens when two substances collide
And by all accounts you really should have died
Stretched out on a tarmac
Six miles south of North Platte
He can't stand to look back
Sixteen tons of hazmat
It's what goes undelivered
Undelivered
It's a nervous tic motion of the head to the left
It's a nervous tic motion of the head to the left
Of the what, of the head to the left
So exercise yourselves to your bereft
'Cause it's a nervous tic motion of the head to the left of the, of the, to the
Splayed out on a bath mat
Six miles north of South Platte
He just wants his life back
What's in that paper nap sack
It's what goes undelivered
Undelivered
It's a nervous tic motion of the head to the left
A nervous tic motion of the head
Head to the left
It's a nervous tic motion of the, of the, to the
Left
It's a nervous tic motion of the head to the, of the, of the head of the head to the
Over imbibedUnder the mister
Barely alive we cover the blisters in flannel
Though the words we speak are banal
Now one of them's a lie
Now one of them's a lie
You're what happens when two substances collide
And by all accounts you really should have died
Under the mister
We had survived to
Turn on the History Channel
And ask our esteemed panel
Why are we alive?
And here's how they replied
You're what happens when two substances collide
And by all accounts you really should have died
Stretched out on a tarmac
Six miles south of North Platte
He can't stand to look back
Sixteen tons of hazmat
It's what goes undelivered
Undelivered
It's a nervous tic motion of the head to the left
It's a nervous tic motion of the head to the left
Of the what, of the head to the left
So exercise yourselves to your bereft
'Cause it's a nervous tic motion of the head to the left of the, of the, to the
Splayed out on a bath mat
Six miles north of South Platte
He just wants his life back
What's in that paper nap sack
It's what goes undelivered
Undelivered
It's a nervous tic motion of the head to the left
A nervous tic motion of the head
Head to the left
It's a nervous tic motion of the, of the, to the
Left
It's a nervous tic motion of the head to the, of the, of the head of the head to the
Over imbibedUnder the mister
Barely alive we cover the blisters in flannel
Though the words we speak are banal
Now one of them's a lie
Now one of them's a lie
You're what happens when two substances collide
And by all accounts you really should have died
Comments (101)add comment
Can't believe all the negative comments on this song. Obviously, most of the listeners agree with me - this is a solid song (I give it an 8). Sorry it bothers so many of you. Andrew Bird may not be for everyone, but you can't deny that he has some serious whistling skills....
Someone used the phrase "self-indulgent schmaltz" - this guy's pain is all clear but it comes essentially without musical value to support it. He fails as an ARS musical stylist (ARS: Agonized Rambling Screeching). The band, if indeed there is a "band" and not just cluster of crappy microcircuits, needs a few more years woodshedding. This song says zero.
very soothing sounds to this celestially cosmic existence in spatial continuum..
My head usually tics to the right.
I love this song but there seems to be several different recordings of this song by Mr. Bird and this is not the best of those.
oldsaxon wrote:
yeah, maybe, not sure....I AM sure he has a cool amp....check this baby out https://www.specimenproducts.com/single-ended-octoblock-tube-amplifier/
Very cool amp set up! Thanks for posting this link, oldsaxon!
yeah, maybe, not sure....I AM sure he has a cool amp....check this baby out https://www.specimenproducts.com/single-ended-octoblock-tube-amplifier/
Very cool amp set up! Thanks for posting this link, oldsaxon!
okelle wrote:
indubitably!
I enjoy this quirky stuff a lot more than David Gilmour's self-indulgent schmaltz. Yay Bird and yay Sufjan Stevens.
indubitably!
i'm here now
That is a perfect example of an occasion when you have nothing to say but you insist on saying...
oldsaxon wrote:
It was played ONCE in the last month....tune in more often!
Could we stretch that out to once a year? Or three?
Music like this makes the PSD button absolutely vital.
It was played ONCE in the last month....tune in more often!
Could we stretch that out to once a year? Or three?
Music like this makes the PSD button absolutely vital.
tony620d wrote:
I HAVE A NERVOUS TICK ITS WHENEVER RP PLAYS THE SAME DEPRESSING NAUTIOUS CRAP THAT I GET FVCKING TERRETS!
You are getting this? Good luck with that!
meloman wrote:
yeah, maybe, not sure....I AM sure he has a cool amp....check this baby out https://www.specimenproducts.com/single-ended-octoblock-tube-amplifier/
And I thought there couldn't be anyone in this genre worse than Sufjan. Silly album cover art, overlong and cutesy song title, infantile voices... Make them go away, please!
yeah, maybe, not sure....I AM sure he has a cool amp....check this baby out https://www.specimenproducts.com/single-ended-octoblock-tube-amplifier/
Good heavens this sounds like a very confused song. Not typical Andrew Bird. Mute button... take me away!!!
redeyespy wrote:
Remind me not to stand near you if your luck is that bad.
This one seems to be on every time I tune in. Odd coincidence? Wanton overplay? Some absence may make the heart grow fonder. 
Remind me not to stand near you if your luck is that bad.
pusswah wrote:
kinda there
It was played ONCE in the last month....tune in more often!
kinda there
It was played ONCE in the last month....tune in more often!
redeyespy wrote:
kinda there
This one seems to be on every time I tune in. Odd coincidence? Wanton overplay? Some absence may make the heart grow fonder.
kinda there
It was actually Pandora that surfaced this song for me when I had never heard of Andrew Bird. I love it.
This guy really likes the whistling in his songs!
manbirdexperiment wrote:
I can't articulate how sick I am of hearing tracks from this CD.
I actually used to like it.
That's funny... I bought this album a couple of years ago, and i wasn't sure about it at first... but the more i listen to it, the better it gets. I think it's brilliant
tony620d wrote: I HAVE A NERVOUS TICK ITS WHENEVER RP PLAYS THE SAME DEPRESSING NAUTIOUS CRAP THAT I GET FVCKING TERRETS!
then go away and find another station, my dear sir. no one has you chained to this website.
I think there are more good tracks off this cd, and if someone would be lovely and upload them that would be wonderful. this is a good album.
This one seems to be on every time I tune in. Odd coincidence? Wanton overplay? Some absence may make the heart grow fonder.
And I thought there couldn't be anyone in this genre worse than Sufjan. Silly album cover art, overlong and cutesy song title, infantile voices... Make them go away, please!
I can't articulate how sick I am of hearing tracks from this CD.
I actually used to like it.
Geecheeboy wrote:
Never would have thought of that, but...yeah.
"Back, and to the left; back, and to the left..."
tony620d wrote: I HAVE A NERVOUS TICK ITS WHENEVER RP PLAYS THE SAME DEPRESSING NAUTIOUS CRAP THAT I GET FVCKING TERRETS! Tony Tony Tony.....it will be over in a minute...much like Peter Gabriel !! 
Actually, I like this song....yeah she's a little weird too!
Actually, I like this song....yeah she's a little weird too!
I thought it was Rufus Wainwright at first...but then it broke into this Beatles/Radiohead/Flaming Lips riff. Kind of odd, but keeps you listening just to see where it'll go.
"Back, and to the left; back, and to the left..."
i wish, if people must scream on the boards, that they at least SPELL correctly...
tony620d wrote: I HAVE A NERVOUS TICK ITS WHENEVER RP PLAYS THE SAME DEPRESSING NAUTIOUS CRAP THAT I GET FVCKING TERRETS!
What's that tony? I believe you made a joke, but I didn't quite get it. Maybe you need to type it louder?
markE wrote:
A lot like Rufus Wainwright.
I was just thinking the same thing!! Oh what a world and that kind of music springs to mind...
I enjoy this quirky stuff a lot more than David Gilmour's self-indulgent schmaltz. Yay Bird and yay Sufjan Stevens.
Sounds a little like the singer from Jump Little Children.
Odyzzeuz wrote:
Sufjan Stevens followed by Andrew Bird. The minions of Satan are really having a field day. *blows brains out*
I like this song a lot, but that comment's hilarious.
amcallis wrote:
He said "North Platte" - is that North Platte, Nebraska? North Platte is a small city located in Lincoln County in southwestern Nebraska on I-80 where the South Platte River and the North Platte River join to form the Platte River. The Platte River is a tributary of the Missouri River, approximately 310 mi. (499 km) long in the western United States. One of the most significant river systems in the watershed of the Missouri, it drains a large portion of the central Great Plains in Nebraska and the eastern Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Wyoming. Although it is not navigable, the river was highly significant in the westerward expansion of the United States, providing the route for several major westward trails, including the Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail. In the 18th century, it was also known among French fur trappers who explored it as the Nebraska River. (WIKIPEDIA!)
"6 miles South of North Platte"
Would that be...in Platte?
I too find the lyrics hard to understand and a bit pretentious. I'm sorry to say that, because Bird's obviously very talented. I'd like to see him live, so I hope he comes out to California sometime. I suspect his sheer musicality might get him past his apparent desire to be obscure and biting...at the same time.
aekl wrote:
You should see the illustrations on the inside, for each song. Interesting stuff, don't know exactly what to make of it (much like Bird's lyrics, for me).
This whole album is fantastic. Andrew Bird is such a creative musician - just look at that album cover!
A lot like Rufus Wainwright.
Elenore Rigby meets Sergeo Leone 
"Quirky" is right. Interesting stuff, lots of elements at work here.
This song just moved to a 10 because of the woman I was thinking of yesterday and once again thank you Bill
This whiney guy is driving me nuts. I'd rather tend to 41 tired 3 year olds.
give this one a rest - its overplayed and annoying!
squidish wrote:
It's kinda epic, like Bohemian Rhapsody
I agreee. A 7.
It's kinda epic, like Bohemian Rhapsody
algrif wrote:
I didn't like this at all at first. But it's growing on me now
Same here, except for it's getting worse.
i agree guys... PURE CRAP!
too much airtime. Less is more.
This song is as crappy as its name...
Saw this guy in the natti opening for Guster, one man band, not a bad show but he is a weird guy
timc wrote:
Two songs from this album today? 
I guess it's a good thing that I like it.
me too, but i like the snack song more.
I guess it's a good thing that I like it.algrif wrote:
I didn't like this at all at first. But it's growing on me now
same excpet I liked it at first, but now I really like it - gets an 8 from me whoa whao whoa whoa whaoooo.
timc wrote:
Two songs from this album today?
I guess it's a good thing that I like it.
Same thing I was thinking. But I'm kinda tired of this one.
I guess it's a good thing that I like it.Two songs from this album today?
I guess it's a good thing that I like it.
I guess it's a good thing that I like it.
I didn't like this at all at first. But it's growing on me now
aly25 wrote:
wow I am pleasantly surprised by this song. I at first thought it was ho hum, but the more I listened, the more I was held under it's spell. 
a lot of the music picked out by RP is like that. Pre-screened by an artist.
wow I am pleasantly surprised by this song. I at first thought it was ho hum, but the more I listened, the more I was held under it's spell.
Odyzzeuz wrote:
I much prefer songs with either genuine depth or no pretensions of depth at all. The more closely you examine these lyrics the more obvious that they're only masquerading
I like the lyrics - don't find them pretentious at all. There's a story suggested here - in my mind it's something about a truck driver and drugs and a terrible accident - but it's not made too explicit, so you're left wondering.
Odyzzeuz wrote:
I much prefer songs with either genuine depth or no pretensions of depth at all. The more closely you examine these lyrics the more obvious that they're only masquerading:
I dunno, I read the lyrics, it seems like they're obviously about a guy who was exposed to toxic waste of some kind. Makes me think of a Greenpeace documentary I saw years ago... Had a guy whos job was toxic waste disposal with this horrible tic. Then they had a clip of some guy currently working in the field saying "yeah this shit isn't dangerous at all. Those goddamn hippie granola eaters, look I'll show you it's safe", and then he eats a spoonful of this toxic ash he's hauling...
and musically I think it's pretty creative. Certainly creative enough I'm interested in hearing the rest of the CD
This comes from a great album. It's refreshing to hear some non-guitar based contemporary music. Check out "Sovay" and "/=/" on the same album. A unique modern. Play more Andrew Bird.
bob789 wrote:
insipid
Roger that, brother.
Sufjan Stevens followed by Andrew Bird. The minions of Satan are really having a field day. *blows brains out*
insipid
reminds me of a McCartney or wings song.
But then again many many songs have aspects of the beatles in them.
Love Andrew Bird!
I like this a lot.
Wow!
The Clangers on backing vocals.
UltraNurd wrote:
Wow, Bill really loves this one!
So do I !
UltraNurd wrote:
Wow, Bill really loves this one!
Yeah. I like it too, fortunately.
Wow, Bill really loves this one!
Helchat wrote:
Masquerading as what? As lyrics with depth? Initially they appear to be deep, but....... boring, shallow AND enigmatic? Dude, your list contradicts! I think the song writer's messing with us!!
It's intentionally enigmatic. Just doesn't amount to anything.
Odyzzeuz wrote:
I much prefer songs with either genuine depth or no pretensions of depth at all. The more closely you examine these lyrics the more obvious that they're only masquerading:
*snip*
I particularly agree with this line: though the words we speak / are banal / not one of them's a lie.
Great. It's boring and shallow and enigmatic, but hey, it's all true. Ish.
Masquerading as what? As lyrics with depth? Initially they appear to be deep, but....... boring, shallow AND enigmatic? Dude, your list contradicts! I think the song writer's messing with us!!
I much prefer songs with either genuine depth or no pretensions of depth at all. The more closely you examine these lyrics the more obvious that they're only masquerading:
Over prescribed / under the mister / we had survived to / turn on the history channel / and ask our esteemed panel / why are we alive / and here's how they replied / you're what happens when two substances collide / and by all accounts you really should've died / stretched out on the tarmac / six miles south of North Platte / he can't stand to look back / at sixteen tons of HAZMAT / and it's what goes / undelivered undelivered / and it's a nervous tic motion of the head to the left / it's a nervous tic motion of the head to the left / exorcise your cells till you're bereft / 'cause it's a nervous tic motion of the head to the left / splayed out on a bathmat / six miles north of South Platte / and he just wants his life back / what's in that paper knapsack / it's what goes undelivered / over imbibed / under the mister / barely alive we / cover the blisters in flannel / though the words we speak / are banal / not one of them's a lie / not one of them's a lie / you're what happens when two substances collide / and by all accounts you really should've / died
I particularly agree with this line: though the words we speak / are banal / not one of them's a lie.
Great. It's boring and shallow and enigmatic, but hey, it's all true. Ish.
I've always wanted to play a theremin! Great use of it here. I love this CD!
Odyzzeuz wrote:
Like the other songs off this album, has a certain veneer that initially appeals, but the effect grows thinner and thinner with each listen. A veneer of apparent depth. It's a ditty. Lowered my rating to a 3. Tomorrow it's a 2.
Well said.
steeler wrote:
Giving me a nervous tic.
Me, too.
Like the other songs off this album, has a certain veneer that initially appeals, but the effect grows thinner and thinner with each listen. A veneer of apparent depth. It's a ditty. Lowered my rating to a 3. Tomorrow it's a 2.
Yep, this is going on my Amazon wish list. 
sick of this song ..... 
Why did he get Axl Rose to guest on the whistling?
I kinda like this - I'm not sure if it would start to grate, though
Hey, this is good !
Giving me a nervous tic.
amcallis wrote:
He said "North Platte" - is that North Platte, Nebraska? North Platte is a small city located in Lincoln County in southwestern Nebraska on I-80 where the South Platte River and the North Platte River join to form the Platte River. The Platte River is a tributary of the Missouri River, approximately 310 mi. (499 km) long in the western United States. One of the most significant river systems in the watershed of the Missouri, it drains a large portion of the central Great Plains in Nebraska and the eastern Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Wyoming. Although it is not navigable, the river was highly significant in the westerward expansion of the United States, providing the route for several major westward trails, including the Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail. In the 18th century, it was also known among French fur trappers who explored it as the Nebraska River. (WIKIPEDIA!)
As it passes through portions of Colorado the Platte turns into basically a big wide muddy spot. As the early settlers said, it's too thick to drink and too thin to plow.
Uh, I.....uh....
I saw Andrew open for Ani Difranco. He's an outstanding performer...our mouths were agape. He creates layer on layer of sound all by his lonesome.
Go see him if you get the chance!!
He said "North Platte" - is that North Platte, Nebraska? North Platte is a small city located in Lincoln County in southwestern Nebraska on I-80 where the South Platte River and the North Platte River join to form the Platte River. The Platte River is a tributary of the Missouri River, approximately 310 mi. (499 km) long in the western United States. One of the most significant river systems in the watershed of the Missouri, it drains a large portion of the central Great Plains in Nebraska and the eastern Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Wyoming. Although it is not navigable, the river was highly significant in the westerward expansion of the United States, providing the route for several major westward trails, including the Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail. In the 18th century, it was also known among French fur trappers who explored it as the Nebraska River. (WIKIPEDIA!)
Originally I liked this tune but every tenth time I hear it on RP I give it a lower rating - it's down to a 4 now.
His voice reminds me a bit of Paul Simon
You really start to wonder when the artist name is Andrew Bird and the title is The Mysterious Production of Eggs. Something is just not right here... 
I think we need more songs that feature the slide whistle. Seriously (who am I kidding?), I like this and I'm really digging the variety lately. 3/4 of the last songs I've never heard before, and the other one was Lyle Lovett -- yeah!!!
catmaven wrote:
Why do record labels have to keep producing vocalists who cannot carry a tune? This guy isn't even the worst, either.
At least Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen had a good excuse--they were oral readers rather than singers, so that made them OK . . .
Maybe because there's more to music than just American Idol vocals?
At least Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen had a good excuse--they were oral readers rather than singers, so that made them OK . . . catmaven wrote:
Why do record labels have to keep producing vocalists who cannot carry a tune? This guy isn't even the worst, either.
At least Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen had a good excuse--they were oral readers rather than singers, so that made them OK . . .
Interesting rationalization, but that's a pretty empty distinction, no?
At least Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen had a good excuse--they were oral readers rather than singers, so that made them OK . . . Love it!! One of my favorites from this great album.
jxngrl wrote:
i really like this! funny cover art, too.
You should see the illustrations on the inside, for each song. Interesting stuff, don't know exactly what to make of it (much like Bird's lyrics, for me).
Why do record labels have to keep producing vocalists who cannot carry a tune? This guy isn't even the worst, either.
At least Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen had a good excuse--they were oral readers rather than singers, so that made them OK . . .
At least Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen had a good excuse--they were oral readers rather than singers, so that made them OK . . . Wow. That was cool. Bonus points for the album name/cover.
huh, good stuff.
This is really quirky and nice, so far. I like it.
i really like this! funny cover art, too.