Andrew Bird — Oh No
Album: Noble BeastAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 307
Length: 4:14
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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In the salsify mains of what was thought but unsaid
all the calcified arithmatists were doing the math
And it would take a calculated blow to the head
to light the eyes of all the harmless sociopaths
oh arm in arm we are the harmless sociopaths
oh, arm in arm with all the harmless sociopaths
calcium mines are buried deep in your chest
oh the calcium mines you buried deep in your chest.
Ooh,
you're deep in a mine
Ooh,
a calcium mine
o-o-oh
let's get out of here
past the atmosphere
squint your eyes and no one dies or goes to jail
past the silver bridge
oh the silver bridge wearing nothing but a one-sie and a veil.
Ooh,
you're deep in a mine, o-o-oh
Ooh,
a calcium mine
oh-no-no
arm in arm we are the harmless sociopaths
oh arm in arm with all the harmless sociopaths
in the calcium mines buried deep in your chest
oh the calcium mines buried deep in your chest.
Ooh,
deep in a mine, oh-no
Ooh,
a calcium mine
oh-no
so let's get out of here
past the atmosphere
squint your eyes and no one dies or goes to jail
past the silver bridge
oh the silver bridge wearing nothing but a one-sie and a veil.
oh-no
oh-no
oh-no
oh-no
all the calcified arithmatists were doing the math
And it would take a calculated blow to the head
to light the eyes of all the harmless sociopaths
oh arm in arm we are the harmless sociopaths
oh, arm in arm with all the harmless sociopaths
calcium mines are buried deep in your chest
oh the calcium mines you buried deep in your chest.
Ooh,
you're deep in a mine
Ooh,
a calcium mine
o-o-oh
let's get out of here
past the atmosphere
squint your eyes and no one dies or goes to jail
past the silver bridge
oh the silver bridge wearing nothing but a one-sie and a veil.
Ooh,
you're deep in a mine, o-o-oh
Ooh,
a calcium mine
oh-no-no
arm in arm we are the harmless sociopaths
oh arm in arm with all the harmless sociopaths
in the calcium mines buried deep in your chest
oh the calcium mines buried deep in your chest.
Ooh,
deep in a mine, oh-no
Ooh,
a calcium mine
oh-no
so let's get out of here
past the atmosphere
squint your eyes and no one dies or goes to jail
past the silver bridge
oh the silver bridge wearing nothing but a one-sie and a veil.
oh-no
oh-no
oh-no
oh-no
Comments (50)add comment
RadioDoc wrote:
Wizzuvv_oz wrote:
lord, did he ever.there's a fine line between clever and....stupid.
And Andrew Bird has whistled way past it. Cynaera wrote:
Don't love it, don't loathe it, it just doesn't interest me — 5/10
Andrew Bird's music is the type that people seem to either love or loathe. I love it,
partly because I usually have to listen to one of his songs at least five times before I can figure out what he's trying to convey, but mostly because his music is so tuneful and quirky. The flip-side of genius is insanity, and Bird's a wobbling genius walking a tightrope without a net.
And he can whistle.
partly because I usually have to listen to one of his songs at least five times before I can figure out what he's trying to convey, but mostly because his music is so tuneful and quirky. The flip-side of genius is insanity, and Bird's a wobbling genius walking a tightrope without a net.And he can whistle.
Don't love it, don't loathe it, it just doesn't interest me — 5/10
Cynaera wrote:
What she said.....
Andrew Bird's music is the type that people seem to either love or loathe. I love it,partly because I usually have to listen to one of his songs at least five times before I can figure out what he's trying to convey, but mostly because his music is so tuneful and quirky. The flip-side of genius is insanity, and Bird's a wobbling genius walking a tightrope without a net.
And he can whistle.
partly because I usually have to listen to one of his songs at least five times before I can figure out what he's trying to convey, but mostly because his music is so tuneful and quirky. The flip-side of genius is insanity, and Bird's a wobbling genius walking a tightrope without a net.And he can whistle.
What she said..... mindless wrote:
Or maybe some people don't like whistling in a song....
Love this song and the album. Surprised it hasn't rated better. Perhaps the songs all sound better in context with the album. Or maybe it'll grow on people, like it did for me.
Or maybe some people don't like whistling in a song....
I've always enjoyed the lyrics of music. I've always enjoyed hearing composers sing their lyrics. I suppose Andrew Bird can sing his lyrics for some to understand, but so far, he still sounds like he is deliberately throwing a mouthful of mush at me. Now, I suppose I could google all his lyrics...but you know, it's not worth it. If that's his style...(I just shrugged my shoulders)...eh....
Andrew Bird's music is the type that people seem to either love or loathe. I love it,partly because I usually have to listen to one of his songs at least five times before I can figure out what he's trying to convey, but mostly because his music is so tuneful and quirky. The flip-side of genius is insanity, and Bird's a wobbling genius walking a tightrope without a net.
And he can whistle.
partly because I usually have to listen to one of his songs at least five times before I can figure out what he's trying to convey, but mostly because his music is so tuneful and quirky. The flip-side of genius is insanity, and Bird's a wobbling genius walking a tightrope without a net.And he can whistle.
AMEN CORNER!
ziggytrix wrote:
Maybe you're just being (intentionally?) dense? I'm mean it's certainly not as clear as a bell, but you didn't get that vibe even a little bit?
I bet you're a real treat at modern art exhibits. Yes, we all know your kid could draw that.
LOL.
Maybe you're just being (intentionally?) dense? I'm mean it's certainly not as clear as a bell, but you didn't get that vibe even a little bit?
I bet you're a real treat at modern art exhibits. Yes, we all know your kid could draw that.
LOL.
Love this song and the album. Surprised it hasn't rated better. Perhaps the songs all sound better in context with the album. Or maybe it'll grow on people, like it did for me.
Very nice, and so very much like The Hidden Cameras.
Has a Beach Boys flavor?
liveinthewire wrote:
Doesn't really matter what the songwriter says it's about - if the meaning isn't communicated, at some level, by the song, well, then it's not there.
Maybe you're just being (intentionally?) dense? I'm mean it's certainly not as clear as a bell, but you didn't get that vibe even a little bit?
I bet you're a real treat at modern art exhibits. Yes, we all know your kid could draw that.
Doesn't really matter what the songwriter says it's about - if the meaning isn't communicated, at some level, by the song, well, then it's not there.
Maybe you're just being (intentionally?) dense? I'm mean it's certainly not as clear as a bell, but you didn't get that vibe even a little bit?
I bet you're a real treat at modern art exhibits. Yes, we all know your kid could draw that.
skyguy wrote:
Thanks for the link, and the context. I couldn't make this song out, either. Calcium mines? The article helps. His process seems so abstract, and intuitive at the same time. I've not been a fan of his, but now I like this particular song very much. It's on his MySpace page.
https://measureformeasure.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/26/words-will-tell/
Thanks for the link, and the context. I couldn't make this song out, either. Calcium mines? The article helps. His process seems so abstract, and intuitive at the same time. I've not been a fan of his, but now I like this particular song very much. It's on his MySpace page.
Jelani wrote:
Casio Mons?
Sorry to reply to my own post, but....Musical pubis?Not a big fan of Bird's. Though I understand he was quite the basketball player.
Casio Mons?
Love Andrew Bird- thanks Bill
Love the saw and the whistle ...
skyguy is just a little bit shy - he gave the link (about ten comments back) to the article where Andrew Bird explains this quirky song:
https://measureformeasure.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/26/words-will-tell/
Andrew Bird wrote:
EDIT - same link from ziggytrix also! 
https://measureformeasure.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/26/words-will-tell/
Andrew Bird wrote:
In the instance of this song I was on a flight from New York back to Chicago and a young mother and her 3-year-old son sat in front of me and it was looking to be the classic scenario of the child screaming bloody murder. However, I was struck by the mournfulness of this kid's wail... MORE
EDIT - same link from ziggytrix also! When I first got this rekkid, husband complained constantly (because I played it that much) about 'that Casio mine' song. I told him it was 'calcium mines', which I reckon is a pretty neat lil metaphor for the hardening of the heart, emotionally speaking.
(And once I let him know the song's real title, he stopped griping. But he does whinge 'Oh noooo!' when I play AB...)
(And once I let him know the song's real title, he stopped griping. But he does whinge 'Oh noooo!' when I play AB...)
Sorry, this really sucks... The whistling intro is annoying as Hell and just ruins the rest, which would only be a marginally acceptable and cheesy pop radio filler.
What's up with that, Bill?
What's up with that, Bill?
Wizzuvv_oz wrote:
there's a fine line between clever and....stupid.
And Andrew Bird has whistled way past it.Oh NO !!!
I think I know what the writer is trying to say but it is a poor misleading use of the term sociopath.
ziggytrix wrote:
It's a song about (according to the songwriter) how we, as adults, do not express our feelings, don't let people see us cry, or see us be afraid. The lyrics aren't completely meaningless, but you are right in that they were chosen as much if not more for textural reasons than for literal meaning. But there is some meaning in there, even if it isn't clear.
Doesn't really matter what the songwriter says it's about - if the meaning isn't communicated, at some level, by the song, well, then it's not there.
It's a song about (according to the songwriter) how we, as adults, do not express our feelings, don't let people see us cry, or see us be afraid. The lyrics aren't completely meaningless, but you are right in that they were chosen as much if not more for textural reasons than for literal meaning. But there is some meaning in there, even if it isn't clear.
Doesn't really matter what the songwriter says it's about - if the meaning isn't communicated, at some level, by the song, well, then it's not there.
Cue the bearded guy with messy hair in a hemp sweater as he gets into his VW with a girl way too pretty to be his girlfriend in real life.
Fade out as they drive away.
Fade out as they drive away.
ziggytrix wrote:
It's a song about (according to the songwriter) how we, as adults, do not express our feelings, don't let people see us cry, or see us be afraid. The lyrics aren't completely meaningless, but you are right in that they were chosen as much if not more for textural reasons than for literal meaning. But there is some meaning in there, even if it isn't clear.
yeah, that comes through (approximately). It's just the jumbled imagery and self-conscious/ultra-"clever" lyrics that bother me. Like I say, I really don't listen much to lyrics unless they are fanned out like a peacock's tail for all to admire. The tunes are effortless and beautiful. I just wish he would sort of leave it at that. Or maybe bounce the lyrics off his wife or girlfriend or roommate or whatever. For the record, I did upload a song from this very album. It had the most awesome lyrics. ;-)
ed: some examples of nonsens lyrics that I like a lot: "...crab-a-locker fishwife, pornographic priestess...", or "...the hands of a government man...", or the thoroughly unintelligible lyrics of "Radio Free Europe". Because they are obviously there for the way they sound. And they sound good I think.
It's a song about (according to the songwriter) how we, as adults, do not express our feelings, don't let people see us cry, or see us be afraid. The lyrics aren't completely meaningless, but you are right in that they were chosen as much if not more for textural reasons than for literal meaning. But there is some meaning in there, even if it isn't clear.
ed: some examples of nonsens lyrics that I like a lot: "...crab-a-locker fishwife, pornographic priestess...", or "...the hands of a government man...", or the thoroughly unintelligible lyrics of "Radio Free Europe". Because they are obviously there for the way they sound. And they sound good I think.
Wizzuvv_oz wrote:
It's a song about (according to the songwriter) how we, as adults, do not express our feelings, don't let people see us cry, or see us be afraid. The lyrics aren't completely meaningless, but you are right in that they were chosen as much if not more for textural reasons than for literal meaning. But there is some meaning in there, even if it isn't clear.
My theory is that he does all the whistling because he "struggles" with lyrics (trying to be diplomatic). Don't get me wrong. I have this album and dig it _a lot_, with respect to the music. Quite amazing tunes, really. I listen to it often. I gave this song an 8.
But those are some questionable lyrics (as near as I can tell). I think "cryptic" doesn't do it justice. I mean seriously, there's a fine line between clever and....stupid. Same with his first album. I generally don't listen much to lyrics, but hearing "sociopaths" over and over (and over) prompted me to investigate and then ask myself "WTF?". Don't even get me started on "Nomenclature". One might argue that the words are only there because he likes the sound of them. Michael Stipe, David Byrne and (many) others have taken that approach successfully (IMO). But the wacky words that AB uses (and invents) are just grating to me. I used to dislike the whistling but I am rethinking that position. Just my opinion.
But those are some questionable lyrics (as near as I can tell). I think "cryptic" doesn't do it justice. I mean seriously, there's a fine line between clever and....stupid. Same with his first album. I generally don't listen much to lyrics, but hearing "sociopaths" over and over (and over) prompted me to investigate and then ask myself "WTF?". Don't even get me started on "Nomenclature". One might argue that the words are only there because he likes the sound of them. Michael Stipe, David Byrne and (many) others have taken that approach successfully (IMO). But the wacky words that AB uses (and invents) are just grating to me. I used to dislike the whistling but I am rethinking that position. Just my opinion.
It's a song about (according to the songwriter) how we, as adults, do not express our feelings, don't let people see us cry, or see us be afraid. The lyrics aren't completely meaningless, but you are right in that they were chosen as much if not more for textural reasons than for literal meaning. But there is some meaning in there, even if it isn't clear.
https://measureformeasure.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/26/words-will-tell/
Wizzuvv_oz wrote:
so what are the "calcium mines" in your opinion?
(...)
But those are some questionable lyrics (as near as I can tell). I think "cryptic" doesn't do it justice.
(...)
But those are some questionable lyrics (as near as I can tell). I think "cryptic" doesn't do it justice.
(...)
so what are the "calcium mines" in your opinion?
My theory is that he does all the whistling because he "struggles" with lyrics (trying to be diplomatic). Don't get me wrong. I have this album and dig it _a lot_, with respect to the music. Quite amazing tunes, really. I listen to it often. I gave this song an 8.
But those are some questionable lyrics (as near as I can tell). I think "cryptic" doesn't do it justice. I mean seriously, there's a fine line between clever and....stupid. Same with his first album. I generally don't listen much to lyrics, but hearing "sociopaths" over and over (and over) prompted me to investigate and then ask myself "WTF?". Don't even get me started on "Nomenclature". One might argue that the words are only there because he likes the sound of them. Michael Stipe, David Byrne and (many) others have taken that approach successfully (IMO). But the wacky words that AB uses (and invents) are just grating to me. I used to dislike the whistling but I am rethinking that position. Just my opinion.
But those are some questionable lyrics (as near as I can tell). I think "cryptic" doesn't do it justice. I mean seriously, there's a fine line between clever and....stupid. Same with his first album. I generally don't listen much to lyrics, but hearing "sociopaths" over and over (and over) prompted me to investigate and then ask myself "WTF?". Don't even get me started on "Nomenclature". One might argue that the words are only there because he likes the sound of them. Michael Stipe, David Byrne and (many) others have taken that approach successfully (IMO). But the wacky words that AB uses (and invents) are just grating to me. I used to dislike the whistling but I am rethinking that position. Just my opinion.
In the salsify mains
of what was thoughtful and sad
all the calcified arhythmatists
were doing the math.
And it would take a calculated
blow to the head to
blind the eyes of all the harmless
sociopaths. Oh
Arm in Arm we are the harmless
sociopaths. Oh
arm in arm with all the harmless
sociopaths
Calcium mines you buried
deep in your chest. Oh the
calcium mines you buried
deep in your chest.
Hoo-oo-oo
you're deep in a mine,
hoo-oo-oo
a calcium mine
o-o-oh.
Letâs get out of here
past the atmosphere,
squint your eyes and no one
dies or goes to jail,
past the silver bridge
oh the silver bridge
wearing nothing but a
one-sie and a veil.
Hoo-oo-oo
you're deep in a mine,
hoo-oo-oo
a calcium mine
o-o-oh.
Arm in arm we are the harmless
sociopaths. Oh
arm in arm with all the harmless
sociopaths
In the calcium mines buried
deep in your chest. Oh the
calcium mines buried
deep in your chest.
Hoo-oo-oo
you're deep in a mine,
Oh-no
a calcium mine
Oh-no.
So letâs get out of here
past the atmosphere,
squint your eyes and no one
dies or goes to jail,
past the silver bridge
oh the silver bridge
wearing nothing but a
one-sie and a veil.
Whistling with reverb? Must be Andrew Bird!
Pieter wrote:
Yeah, something wrong there, but those are some awesome lyrics as well...
Anyone checked the Tunezee lyrics?
Yeah, something wrong there, but those are some awesome lyrics as well...
yup and i think this is some amazing shit!
Pieter wrote:
Pieter wrote:
Anyone checked the Tunezee lyrics?
Anyone checked the Tunezee lyrics?
johnny fever is setting in.
tnt_thomas wrote:
He toured down here a while back. One reviewer called him a 'serial whistler'.
No one whistles like Andrew BIIIIRRRD! Bwa-hahahahaha!
He toured down here a while back. One reviewer called him a 'serial whistler'.
No one whistles like Andrew BIIIIRRRD! Bwa-hahahahaha!
Oh Yes!
mybaldbird wrote:
The bird man has the most distinctive oddly likeable incomprehensible pronunciation!
Calcium ions buried deep in your chest? Nice.
(I know it's wrong, but that's what I hear anyways)
(I know it's wrong, but that's what I hear anyways)
The bird man has the most distinctive oddly likeable incomprehensible pronunciation!
contractor07 wrote:
Any song with the word "sociopath" in the lyrics will get at least an 8 from me! This gets an 8 for now, but it's getting closer to a 9 for each listen.
Great song, crazy lyrics
Any song with the word "sociopath" in the lyrics will get at least an 8 from me! This gets an 8 for now, but it's getting closer to a 9 for each listen.
Great song, crazy lyrics
annersjen wrote:
Me too, but I don't have to check anymore. If it's whistling, it's Andrew Bird!
This album is totally growing on me. I keep hearing good songs and checking to see who it is...
Me too, but I don't have to check anymore. If it's whistling, it's Andrew Bird!
mybaldbird wrote:
ions > mines, but other than that you nailed it, which I never would have without looking up the lyrics. Who'da thought?!?
Calcium ions buried deep in your chest? Nice.
(I know it's wrong, but that's what I hear anyways)
(I know it's wrong, but that's what I hear anyways)
ions > mines, but other than that you nailed it, which I never would have without looking up the lyrics. Who'da thought?!?
Calcium ions buried deep in your chest? Nice.
(I know it's wrong, but that's what I hear anyways)
(I know it's wrong, but that's what I hear anyways)
Very nice....interesting lyrics.
And whistling!
And whistling!
This album is totally growing on me. I keep hearing good songs and checking to see who it is...
Brilliant!