Song of the Week: “Heydays”

Smokler on May 14, 2008

Song: "Heydays"  (video)

Artist: Great Lakes Myth Society

Sound: Epically sad, college rock. Semisonic with backbone. 

Source: Heard at SXSW.com as part of prep for 2008 SXSW Music Festival. Band is from my hometown. Didn’t get to see them but this song, about nostalgia, longing and regret, couldn’t have arrived at a better time. 

Listened to: In my rental car, a lot, combing the dark streets of Austin in the days immediately before the festival and everyone’s arrival.

Important Lyrics:

"
Uncertain the future,
Nostalgic the past.
Unable to recognize,
Moments that pass.

Heydays are passing.
Friendless and thin,
From back doors of cafes,
Hid by the din.

But don’t hold a candle,
Don’t carry a torch.
Those are for castles,
And you are long from their court.

But lift up a bottle,
And put back a glass.
Some years from tomorrow,
With your gut you’ll look back."

Actions: The aloud conclusion, parked one late night beside the Alamo Cinema and Drafthouse.

‘Some things we can hold onto forever. Most we can’t. And we rarely get to choose which."