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Elliott Smith is considered one of the greatest songwriters of his generation. His lyrics were melancholic and introspective, with themes that touched on love, addiction, anxiety, and depression. One of his most famous songs, “Between the Bars”, is a poignant and haunting ballad that has been covered by several artists over the years.
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The song was featured in Smith’s album “Either/Or”, which was released in 1997. It was written during a period when Smith was struggling with addiction and was trying to get sober. The lyrics are full of imagery that relates to alcoholism and addiction, specifically the idea of being trapped between the bars of a cell, unable to escape.
The song’s opening lines “Drink up baby, stay up all night, with the things you could do, you won’t but you might” suggest a drunken night out, with the protagonist trying to soothe himself with liquor and temporary pleasures. As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the protagonist knows his addiction is a prison that he cannot escape from: “But I won’t let you near me, not even if you kill me”.
FAQs
1. What inspired Elliott Smith to write “Between the Bars”?
Elliott Smith was struggling with addiction and was trying to get sober when he wrote “Between the Bars”. The song reflects his experience of feeling trapped and unable to escape his alcoholism.
2. What do the lyrics “Drink up baby, stay up all night, with the things you could do, you won’t but you might” mean?
These lyrics suggest the protagonist is trying to drown out his problems with alcohol and temporary pleasures. He knows that the things he should be doing to escape his addiction, such as seeking help or changing his behavior, are difficult and daunting.
3. What is the meaning behind the song’s title, “Between the Bars”?
The title “Between the Bars” refers to being trapped within the confines of addiction. The bars can represent a cell or a cage, suggesting that the protagonist is unable to escape the confines of his addiction.
4. What is the significance of the lyric “Love is watching someone die”?
The lyric “Love is watching someone die” reflects the pain and sadness that comes with watching someone you care about struggle with addiction. The protagonist is aware that he is hurting the people around him, and that they are watching him deteriorate.
5. Who has covered “Between the Bars” over the years?
Several artists have covered “Between the Bars” over the years, including Madeleine Peyroux, Metric, and Elliot Smith’s former girlfriend, Mary Lou Lord.
6. What other songs on “Either/Or” touch on similar themes?
Other songs on “Either/Or” that touch on similar themes include “Rose Parade”, “Angeles”, and “Miss Misery”.
7. What is the overall mood of “Between the Bars”?
“Between the Bars” has a melancholic and introspective mood, reflecting the pain and sadness that comes with addiction and the feeling of being trapped.
8. What is the significance of the line “The potential you’ll be that you’ll never see, the promises you’ll only make”?
This line suggests that the protagonist is aware of the potential he has to change his life for the better, but he is unable to follow through on his promises to himself.
9. Why do you think “Between the Bars” has become one of Elliott Smith’s most famous songs?
“Between the Bars” has become one of Elliott Smith’s most famous songs because it resonates with people who have struggled with addiction or have been close to someone who has. The song’s introspective lyrics and haunting melody make it a powerful and emotional experience.
10. What is the significance of the song’s closing line, “People you’ve been before that you don’t want around anymore”?
This line suggests that the protagonist is aware of the people he has hurt or the mistakes he has made in the past. He is trying to distance himself from those negative influences in order to move forward and escape his addiction.
11. What is the tone of Elliott Smith’s vocals in “Between the Bars”?
Elliott Smith’s vocals in “Between the Bars” are fragile and vulnerable, reflecting the pain and sadness behind the song’s lyrics.
12. How has “Between the Bars” been interpreted by fans and critics over the years?
“Between the Bars” has been interpreted by fans and critics as a devastating portrait of addiction and the pain it causes. The song has been praised for its emotional depth and haunting melody.
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