Covering the years 2005 to 2006, in which I traveled to Europe (with my mom), met my first true girlfriend, and finally re-moved to California. There I failed in L.A., but I did make some short films. And I began to write…
With no irony, no declarations of guilty pleasures, I admit am a shameless sincere full-on fan of the epic rock band Fun.. Among my very favorite bands, especially current music. And what a singer.
I prefer this live version of the bonus song from the seminal album Some Nights (of which the eponymous song “Some Nights” is of course brilliant, among many others…). I’ve listened to many of those songs on repeat again and again, and this one in particular like no other.
If you pay attention you will see Mr. Ruess’s songwriting contains some consistent themes, and again I ask the question: Dude, who broke your poor heart?
Now, these lyrics don’t necessarily apply to what I’ve specifically done, y’know making a scene and all, but I’ve been pretty damn close. I can relate to the feelings a bit. Most of all, I relate to the part about knowing I can be more clever and strong and mostly clever.
That’s it. End of the series, no more heartache music from me. I’m over it, and I’ll spare you Bright Eyes. Lucky you.
Still, hope you give this a listen and if you’ve been there I hope it’s a small comfort:
I set all my regrets on fire Cause I know I’ll never take the time To unpack my missteps and call all of our friends I figured they would take your side
I make the bed, just not that well Your name comes up a lot When I talk to my mom Oh, I think she can tell
I was out on the town So I came to your window last night I tried not to throw stones But I wanted to come inside Now I’m causing a scene Thinking you need a reason to smile Oh no, what have I done? There’s no one to keep me warm
So maybe I should put up a fight I’ll call them back and borrow a box knife So I can learn to live with all the stupid shit I’ve been doing since ’99
And I know I could be more clever And I know I could be more strong But I’m waiting for the day You’ll come back and say “Hey, maybe I should change my mind”
I drink a lot I’m not sure if that’s new But these days when I wake up From a night I forgot I just wish that it never came true
I was out on the town So I came to your window last night I tried not to throw stones But I wanted to come inside Now I’m causing a scene Thinking you need a reason to smile Oh no, what have I done? There’s no one to keep me warm
And I know I could be more clever And I know I could be more strong And I know I could be more clever And I know I could be more CLEVER
I knew there’d come a day When all was said and done (And I know I could be more clever) Everything I was Is everything but gone (And I know I could be more strong) All my big mistakes Are bouncing off your wall (And I know I could be more clever) The bottles never break The sun will never comes (And I know I could be more clever) So come on let me in I will be the sun (And I know I could be more CLEVER) I will wake you up I am who I was (And I know I could be more strong) So beat up your heart, oh beat up your heart, oh beat up your heart (And I know I could be more CLEVER And I know I could be more)
I was out on the town So I came to your window last night I tried not to throw stones But I wanted to come inside Now I’m causing a scene Thinking you need a reason to smile Oh no, what have I done? There’s no one to keep me warm