Ardor & Tyranny

(chords)

This track was built up from a demo that I nearly scrapped due to the significant hiss from the fan on my 2012 MacBook. Despite the cleaner takes I tried, I couldn't recapture the feel of that original performance, so I leaned into the grain of the recording. I added layers of fuzzy distortion with analog-sounding synths, mellotrons, and electric pianos, embracing the imperfections and making them part of the song’s character.

While writing "Ardor & Tyranny," I was thinking about how archaeologists piece together stories of the past by interpreting the objects found buried near each other. I wondered what stories might be told about the time in which I wrote this song—late 2020. I also reflected on how alien many periods of history seem to me when I focus only on the differences from my own life. Yet, as I read an epic historical novel written over 150 years ago, I'm often struck by how relatable it feels, especially the love stories. I’m a giant softie when it comes to romance, so I wrote one into this song as well.

Those are the broad strokes, but I’ll leave it to you to piece the whole thing together if you’re interested.

One day, when we’re gone
Will all our names fade from use?
And when they dig up old spoons and shoes
What could they possibly say?

One day, long from now
The blood they made up to spill
This perforated world held you
And all of my favorite days

Search the earth
Try the sky
Come on back
Tell us why
Teeth and shells, tambourines
Inches apart
Was there ardor in the daze of tyranny?

Eyes shine red then blue
The poison leaving our lungs
We walked together past curfew
Ashamed of loving today

Search the earth
Try the sky
Come on back
Tell us why
Teeth and shells, tambourines
Inches apart
Was there ardor in the daze of tyranny?