I’m going to start making these emails less formal I think. Some will be essays, some will be other things.
These are some of my favorite song lyrics. Consider this an experiment in textual collage poetry.
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Your picture is still on my wall
On my wall
The colors are bright, bright
As ever
The red is strong
The blue is pure
Some things last a long time
(Some Things Last A Long Time, Daniel Johnston)
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Earthquakes happen regularly down in California
Walls shake but I don’t move
I put the record on and enjoy it
I dance dancing in my underwear
I let the 70s rock and roll me
…
You can say what you really want
You can say what you really think
Just say goodbye to the sweet Pacific
Goodbye to your lonely queen
(Earthquakes, Lana Del Rey)
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Why should I turn from your face?
I look before you
And I still see you at times
I’ll be around
To pick up your thought
I’ll be around
(I’ll Be Around, Yo La Tengo)
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Sarah runs to feel the burning in her lungs
And clear her head
…
I can’t be what you need
I am stuck in a dream
I am stuck in a dream
(Sarah, Alex G)
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Snowqueen of Texas
Left Paris in a cloud of smoke
They say she may be beaten
But I know that she’s not broke
…
Boots of Spanish leather
I never meant you any harm
I’m on my knees, your majesty
Snowqueen, save a cold kiss for me
(Snowqueen of Texas, The Mamas and the Papas)
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I’d fly to you tomorrow
I’m not fighting in this war
I wanna drop my arms and take your arms
And walk you to the shore
(Simulation Swarm, Big Thief)
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It can hardly be conceived
Open yourself
You will become that which you seek
(Yellowcake, Kaki King)
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Rock on Gold Dust Woman
Take your silver spoon
Dig your grave
…
Rock on Ancient Queen
Follow those who pale in your shadow
Rulers make bad lovers
You better put your kingdom up for sale
(Gold Dust Woman, Fleetwood Mac)
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I told Althea, I’m a roving sign
That I was born to be a bachelor
She said “Okay, that’s fine”
So now I’m trying to catch her
(Althea, Grateful Dead)
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Tangerine, tangerine
Living reflection from a dream
(Tangerine, Led Zeppelin)
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Heels twist in a ballet
Whenever you’re in pain, don’t turn to blame
You see a lamb who’s fast asleep
Please don’t go out to stray
…
Billie by my lips my dear
I can almost taste a smoky trail of myrrh
(Billie Toppy, Men I Trust)
---
And now I know how Joan of Arc felt
Now I know how Joan of Arc felt
As the flames rose to her Roman nose
And her walkman started to melt
(Bigmouth Strikes Again, The Smiths)
---
And then along comes Mary
And does she want to set them free
And let them see reality
From where she got her name
…
When we met I was sure out to lunch
Now my empty cup tastes as sweet as the punch
(Along Comes Mary, The Association)
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Nine years old and climbing out the house
Through a song played on the piano
By my neighbors Les and Ray
I put my head up against the wall
To be closer to the music
That they played
You were my oxygen
The thing the made me think
I could escape
This is a thank you song for Les and Ray
(Les and Ray, Le Tigre)
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People so busy, makes me feel dizzy
Taxi light shines so bright
But I don’t need no friends
As long as I gaze up
Waterloo Sunset
I am in paradise
(Waterloo Sunset, The Kinks)
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You take what you want
You get what you take
But I’ve got something, man,
That your fucking money cannot buy
…
You don’t know what it’s like to be alive
(DemiRep, Bikini Kill)
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Your boots are high-hilled and are shining bright
The sun was sparklin’ on the shaft of your knife
Flower in the morning rain
Dyin’ in my hands
Was it all in vain?
Superstar in your own private movie
I wanted just a minor part
But I’m no fool
I know you’re cool
I never really wanted your heart
(Blue Flower, Mazzy Star)
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Sunny came home with a list of names
She didn’t believe in transcendence
“It’s time for a few small repairs,” she said
Sunny came home with a vengeance
She said “Days go by, I don’t know why
I’m walking on a wire
I close my eyes and fly out of my mind
Into the fire".”
(Sunny Came Home, Shawn Colvin)
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I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger
…
When I was stronger
(Ooh La La, Faces)
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You belong among the wildflowers
You belong in a boat out at sea
Sail away, kill off the hours
You belong somewhere you feel free
(Wildflowers, Tom Petty)
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Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme
Remember me to one who lives there
She once was a true love of mine
(Scarborough Fair, Simon and Garfunkel)