Modest Mouse Teeth Like God's Shoeshine Lyrics
Modest Mouse is an American rock band formed in 1992 in Issaquah, Washington. The band's music is characterized by its raw and emotional lyrics, as well as its unique sound that blends elements of indie rock, punk, and folk. One of the band's most popular songs is "Teeth Like God's Shoeshine" from their 1997 album "The Lonesome Crowded West". In this article, we will explore the lyrics of this song and their meaning.
Verse 1
The song starts with the lines, "When we were little, we used to laugh / We played pretend, played pretend, went far." These lines are nostalgic and reflect on the innocence of childhood. The next line, "We didn't know then, we didn't know then / That life was just a waiting game," shows that the singer has grown up and now realizes that life is not as simple as it seemed when he was a child.
Chorus
The chorus of the song is one of the most memorable parts, with the lines, "Well, it took a lot of work to be the ass I am / And I'm pretty damn sure that anyone can, equally easily / Fuck you, you asshole, you whiny little bitch." The lyrics are angry and confrontational, and the use of profanity shows the frustration of the singer.
Verse 2
The second verse of the song continues the theme of frustration and anger. The lines, "I'm gonna bust out these windows / And kick down these doors / I'm gonna swim in the sand, burn up the sun / Fuck you, you son of a bitch," show the singer's desire to break free from his current situation and assert his independence.
Bridge
The bridge of the song is more introspective, with the lines, "I don't feel and it feels great / I sold my voice, but I've got legs / I used to play it safe, but that's not the case anymore." These lines show that the singer has become numb to his emotions and is willing to take risks to change his life.
Verse 3
The final verse of the song returns to the theme of childhood and innocence. The lines, "We laughed about, we talked about anything / Cause it's not what you're like, it's just the way you're packaged / And it seems like the older I get, the less I remember," show that the singer is longing for the simplicity of childhood and struggling to come to terms with the complexity of adulthood.
Conclusion
"Teeth Like God's Shoeshine" is a powerful song that explores the themes of frustration, anger, and nostalgia. The lyrics are raw and emotional, and the use of profanity adds to the intensity of the song. Overall, the song is a testament to Modest Mouse's unique sound and their ability to capture the complexities of human emotion in their music.