It was one of those situations where I found a gem buried deep in the depths of the 16000 songs in my iTunes library (well maybe I was pointed to it). That gem is Pedro the Lion.
Pedro the Lion is an indie-rock band from Seattle that was formed by the front man, David Bazan. They are known for their "emotionally charged narratives", Bazan's deep and mournful voice, and their catchy but detailed melodies. At first listen, there wasn't a great deal that jumped out to me personally to catch my attention and pull me in. When listening superficially, the music seems somewhat flat. The genius of this band lies predominantly in the lyrics.
Today I want to talk more about their track, "Penetration" off of the album, Control. This concept album contains the narrative of a business man who is having marital and general life issues, focusing on themes such as infidelity, greed, vengeance, and the fear of death.
The song Penetration, co-written
with Casey Foubert, is an exceptionally interesting track off the album. Pitchfork calls it "a reasonably cathartic requiem for a dotcom layoff, with chiming, Edge-like guitars and a brash, anthemic chorus". It is a song that does a better job at that initial hook and the more and more times you give it time and really listen, the more it gives back to you.AESTHETICS
The track begins with catchy and heavy guitar rhythms and moves straight into Bazan's simple vocals. There is something very cathartic about this song. It feels almost like we're being massaged by the repetitive melody and and the switching back and fourth between the deep drum beat and the fast, higher pitched guitar riffs.
CONTENT
The song really reveals its cleverness and finesse in the lyrics. Every line hits you with poignancy and a critical air that joins multiple observations of society to make a unified introspective statement. The line, "Because if it isn't making dollars, then it isn't making sense" ties the song together, making the statement against corporate culture and how it has penetrated the ideals and actions of our society.
Have you ever seen an idealist
With gray hairs on his head?
Or successful men who keep in touch
With unsuccessful friends?
I could have sworn I saw it, too
But as it turns out
It was just a clever ad for cigarettes
Because if it isn't making dollars
Then it isn't making sense
If you aren't moving units
Then you're not worth the expense
If you really want to make it
You had best remember this
If it isn't penetration
Then it isn't worth a kiss
We're so sorry, sir
But you did not quite make the cut this time
We'd appreciate it if you'd get
Your stuff all out by five
Don't take it personal
Everyone knows you did your best
If it makes it easier
You should look at things from our perspective
Because if it isn't making dollars
Then it isn't making sense
If you aren't moving units
Then you're not worth the expense
If you really want to make it
You had best remember this
If it isn't penetration
Then it isn't worth a kiss
SOCIAL/HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The music of Pedro the Lion, in general, has been related to the writings of J. D. Salinger for their creations of narratives that observe the aspects of society such as alienation, family ties, death, religion, the loss of innocence, and and corruption. Bazan seems to write lyrics in the way that aligns more with a writer of literature than catchy songs, often taking him six to eight months to complete the process. He hides and reveals meaning in metaphors, references, and the stories that he creates.
I only just realized that this was the song that made me really think you would like this band, especially because of the first stanza of verses. I forgot that this was that song. Every time I heard it since I've known you, I've thought, man, Sarah would think this is brilliant. This is also one of my favorite songs by him.
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