cross over and turn / feel the spot, don't let it burn / we all want, we all yearn / be soft, don't be stern / lullaby / was not supposed to make you cry / i sang the words i meant / i sang
Alan's Notes:
a reflection of our shoegazer fandom at the time, but i think mim's vocal is what makes it.
Personal Thoughts:
If you asked me what despair sounded like, I'd answer with this song. This is the third-longest song in Low's studio discography, and it really makes the most of it. Starting out with simple three-note riffs that get tears welling up from the get-go, and then adding Mimi's beautiful singing on top (with delay effect to taste). From there begins a slow and steady build in intensity to a climax that lets the gothic guitar tone Alan's got really shine. Back a few years ago, when I was really struggling a lot with depression, I would put this song on to just... cry to. It hits a certain kind of way when you're in that sorrowful state where you feel almost completely hopeless. Listening back with a more stable mind, it still kinda hurts to listen to, but in a very very good way. One of the peaks of Low's songwriting, for sure.
Background:
This was the first song that Mimi wrote for the band, according to the liner notes on A Lifetime of Temporary Relief.
Live:
This song never made appearances too often, but when it did it easily stole the show. The kind of build this song has carries so well in a live setting and can leave you genuinely speechless.
