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Christians & Lions — Skinny Fists
Album: More Songs For Dream Sleepers And The Very Awake
Avg rating:
6.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1131









Released: 2006
Length: 3:49
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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Blue smoke and cider sounds
curled above our heads like tongues of fire
under wires in a big
City Hall stands tall and every pregnant pause
is giving birth to answers
I can't understand.
"We're only starting a racket 'cause you've started a racket!"
I scream, "We only want to level this city because
things are so uneven!" But I don't think they can hear me.
Like hot breaths between my praying hands
could make my fingers glow,
like the psalms between my palms are all
I'll ever need to know,
I count out hymns for hims and hims and hers and hers
and hims-for-hearses, turn to face the wind and silence
flying sins in words-like-curses.
"Church and state had their day in the centuries before,"
I say, "The future is unwritten if we hold what can erase."
But I still get sad ripping up ads that the Marines
send to friend every kid in my family.
('Cause I can afford to.)
I told her once, "There's a great line in this song I heard,
But I can't tell you unless something really big happens to us."
Comments (151)add comment
At the change in the song I almost expect them to start singing the Beatles song,  She's so heavy.
Posted 3 years ago by kazoo    [ Reply ]
This is why i listen to RP all day. 
I downloaded this song after hearing it on RP about 12 years ago and have played it regularly ever since. 
My 17 year old son can now sing along with the whole thing, word for word, and he's played it for friends who now have it on their Spotify lists... and the cycle continues. 
Posted 3 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
lol
Posted 5 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
 Michael_Dean wrote:
I'm cheering for the Lions!  {#Clap}

 
eh?
Posted 6 years ago by jambo    [ Reply ]
The Shins meet Calexico. Love it!
Posted 8 years ago by RoelantSiekman    [ Reply ]
 Michael_Dean wrote:
I'm cheering for the Lions!  {#Clap}

 
{#Roflol}
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
I'm cheering for the Lions!  {#Clap}
Posted 9 years ago by Michael_Dean    [ Reply ]
I like the transitions. Would have given it more than a 7 if I had also liked the uptempo part.
Posted 9 years ago by joempie    [ Reply ]
 SandwichBoy wrote:
At the start dude sounds an awful lot like Andrew Bird.

 
Yep.
Posted 9 years ago by laozilover    [ Reply ]
 scrubbrush wrote:
I have liked this song from the first time i heard it... I kinda-hear the Beatles, but i also hear Calexico... good combo in my book

 
"She's So Heavy" is in the bass line. And yes, Calexico's trumpet work and the guitar jangling in a certain key.

It is a cool song.  
Posted 9 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
I haven't listened to the album, but am attracted every time this song comes on.  Anyone got an opinion on the rest of the album?
Posted 10 years ago by Clarentine    [ Reply ]
I have liked this song from the first time i heard it... I kinda-hear the Beatles, but i also hear Calexico... good combo in my book
Posted 10 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
This post apparently contained an image that was dragged into the post editor. Sorry, but any text contained in the post after this point has been lost.
Posted 11 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]
H-E-A-V-Y-Y-Y-Y-Y-Y....
Posted 12 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
stealing the beatles riff there
hey that's alright we all do it : ) 
Posted 12 years ago by coy    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:

RIP? Has something happened to her? Please don't say it's so... :((

Edit: I've just seen the Sayonara Cynaera thread on the main forum. This is just so, so sad. She was a distinctive personality, made great comments, wore her heart on her sleeve, and an integral part of the RP community.
 
Fred, agreed in spades.
She was worth 10 of the self-proclaimed voices of authority. I, too, will miss her.
Posted 12 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 ziakut wrote:

Gee! I miss these kind of comments. Miss a fine human like Cynaera! Rest in peace.
 
RIP? Has something happened to her? Please don't say it's so... :((

Edit: I've just seen the Sayonara Cynaera thread on the main forum. This is just so, so sad. She was a distinctive personality, made great comments, wore her heart on her sleeve, and an integral part of the RP community.
Posted 12 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:

I was thinking the same thing!  This song doesn't really blow air up my skirt, but it's still pleasant. Maybe with a few more listens, it'll hit me.  For now, it just fwufffs me with a feather.

 
Gee! I miss these kind of comments. Miss a fine human like Cynaera! Rest in peace.
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Noooooo!   It's Walking Pubic Hair Monster Man on the cover attacking a regular retired pedestrian. {#Sorry}
Posted 12 years ago by superfido    [ Reply ]
 Sasha2001 wrote:
Wow! This is one of the most pretentious songs I've heard in long time - and I'm not just talking about the lyrics (which I can't decifer) but all of those musical influences worn like flair on a TGI Fridays waitress' vest.
 
Can't say I agree with the sentiment, but I love the metaphor.
Posted 12 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
 SandwichBoy wrote:
At the start dude sounds an awful lot like Andrew Bird.
 
I was thinking the same thing!  This song doesn't really blow air up my skirt, but it's still pleasant. Maybe with a few more listens, it'll hit me.  For now, it just fwufffs me with a feather.

Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
At the start dude sounds an awful lot like Andrew Bird.
Posted 13 years ago by SandwichBoy    [ Reply ]
This is a really, really cool song... what's with all the hatin'?

Posted 13 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
 HazzeSwede wrote:

Looong shades....{#Yes}
 
Dreamy sleepers. Sleepy drreamers. Brass can be so lilting when applied correctly. Thank you, CalexiLiions.

Posted 13 years ago by mcYammer    [ Reply ]
 socalhol wrote:
Shades of Calexico here...?
 
Looong shades....{#Yes}
Posted 13 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
 Sasha2001 wrote:
Wow! This is one of the most pretentious songs I've heard in long time - and I'm not just talking about the lyrics (which I can't decifer) but all of those musical influences worn like flair on a TGI Fridays waitress' vest.
 
Yes, well, you apparently would know pretention.
Posted 13 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
 Byronape wrote:
Or Connor what'shisname from Bright Eyes.
 C'mon, it's not that bad.

Posted 13 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
 mem_313 wrote:
{#Yes}sounds like rhett miller!!!!
 C'mon, it's not that good.

Posted 13 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
Wow! This is one of the most pretentious songs I've heard in long time - and I'm not just talking about the lyrics (which I can't decifer) but all of those musical influences worn like flair on a TGI Fridays waitress' vest.
Posted 13 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
Glad I gave it a chance... Too young/wordy/clever at start... but it gets some Ennio Marconne going and flows better.
Posted 13 years ago by AndyJ    [ Reply ]
Am I watching a spaghetti western?
Posted 13 years ago by Helchat    [ Reply ]
 mem_313 wrote:
{#Yes}sounds like rhett miller!!!!
 
Or Connor what'shisname from Bright Eyes.

Posted 13 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
{#Yes}sounds like rhett miller!!!!
Posted 13 years ago by mem_313    [ Reply ]
Shades of Calexico here...?
Posted 13 years ago by socalhol    [ Reply ]
Now if it would just suddenly en
Posted 14 years ago by soundprison    [ Reply ]
Beautiful!

{#Clap}
Posted 14 years ago by Sjaaks    [ Reply ]
Because - this song is awesome!! {#Angel}
Posted 14 years ago by Rp10v3r    [ Reply ]
Great song.

Echoes of a few Beatles songs? Maybe, but completely new and, besides, the Beatles were fairly influential. Their echoes are everywhere if you're listening for them.
Posted 14 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
This was really abrasive after James Yuill. If I could hear it in a different set, maybe I'd like it more. Not thrilled with it right now...
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

I think it's an obvious homage, besides, John Lennon didn't invent variations on D Minor.
 
I've always thought D minor was the saddest of keys.

Posted 14 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
Because the world is round it turns me on
Because the world is round...aaaaaahhhhhh Because the wind is high it blows my mind
Because the wind is high......aaaaaaaahhhh
Posted 14 years ago by BigIslandBlues    [ Reply ]
 nate917 wrote:

I thought John based "Because" on some of the chords (in reverse) from Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata (which is in C# minor).  Seems like people are pretty quick to conclude theft or plagiarism when the true answer may be, as Proclivities points out, simple influence, paying tribute, variations on a theme, sampling, or even pure coincidence.  Contrary to the errant legal decision, for example, George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord" did not plagiarize "He's So Fine," even if their respective verses used the same three chords.

 
I thought the legal decision was based on the melody.  You can't copyright chord progressions from what I understand, but melodies, yes.  I felt bad for George as I think he said he was guilty of "unconscious (subconscious?) plagiarisim."  I'm sure it was the last thing on his mind when we wrote the tribute to the deities.


Posted 14 years ago by RedGuitar    [ Reply ]
 Suzl wrote:
What's the Beatle song I'm catching here....??

 

She's So Heavy?
Posted 14 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
The ending reminds me of a CAKE song ending
Posted 14 years ago by figi    [ Reply ]
Love this song; yeah the horns are right on. One of only 5 songs I've ever purchased off I-tunes

Posted 14 years ago by pinem    [ Reply ]
 Suzl wrote:
What's the Beatle song I'm catching here....??
 
The first part of the song has the tempo of "I've Just Seen a Face"
Posted 14 years ago by Marcuse    [ Reply ]
Love the horns, good stuff!
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 Suzl wrote:
What's the Beatle song I'm catching here....??

 

"I Want You (She's So Heavy)" from Abbey Road
Posted 14 years ago by ice-9    [ Reply ]
 iransofaraway wrote:

And once again on 03-25-10
 
so? {#Ass}
Posted 14 years ago by jkhandy    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

I think it's an obvious homage, besides, John Lennon didn't invent variations on D Minor.
 
I thought John based "Because" on some of the chords (in reverse) from Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata (which is in C# minor).  Seems like people are pretty quick to conclude theft or plagiarism when the true answer may be, as Proclivities points out, simple influence, paying tribute, variations on a theme, sampling, or even pure coincidence.  Contrary to the errant legal decision, for example, George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord" did not plagiarize "He's So Fine," even if their respective verses used the same three chords.

Posted 14 years ago by nate917    [ Reply ]
What's the Beatle song I'm catching here....??

Posted 14 years ago by Suzl    [ Reply ]
 jbunniii wrote:
I was hoping we were going to hear actual Christians being fed to actual lions {#Lol}
 

It certainly would have sounded better than this....
Posted 14 years ago by stevo_b    [ Reply ]
Not bad!!
Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
 Laptopdog wrote:
This group reminds me of that commercial of the guys singing about FreeCreditReport.com

 
{#Roflol}

Posted 15 years ago by skyguy    [ Reply ]
Because, the world, is round......
Posted 15 years ago by biomedvgh    [ Reply ]
 travism wrote:
We go from this to David Bowie - Cat People (Putting Out Fire). ??
That's a rather jarring transition, RP.

 

And once again on 10-19-09
Posted 15 years ago by mrdak    [ Reply ]
nice.

 jbunniii wrote:
I was hoping we were going to hear actual Christians being fed to actual lions {#Lol}
 


Posted 15 years ago by natalita    [ Reply ]
I have an ancient copy of "The Grapes of Wrath". This looks like one of the illustrations from it.
Looks like the artist had one too many espressos.


Posted 15 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
I was hoping we were going to hear actual Christians being fed to actual lions {#Lol}
Posted 15 years ago by jbunniii    [ Reply ]
Because
Posted 15 years ago by Felix_The_Cat    [ Reply ]

You'd think if you took all the influences mentioned below and melded them together, you'd get something really original. I guess not always.
Posted 15 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
 coffee-eyes wrote:
Do Paul and Ringo know about this? {#Eek} 
She's so heavy, heavy, heavy . . . .
 

Yep, I hear it too.
Posted 15 years ago by keller1    [ Reply ]
 Laptopdog wrote:
This group reminds me of that commercial of the guys singing about FreeCreditReport.com

 
{#Roflol}YES!

Posted 15 years ago by SweTex    [ Reply ]
 coffee-eyes wrote:
Do Paul and Ringo know about this? {#Eek} 
She's so heavy, heavy, heavy . . . .
 
Totally. But listenable anyway, if only for the tip 'o the hat.
Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Said it before, I'll say it again. Old 97s meet Conner Oberst. With a little Cake or Calexico (horns) thrown in. And i still like it.
Posted 15 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Wasn't doing much for me . . . and then the trumpets.  Always a sucker for the trumpets. 
Posted 15 years ago by radams005    [ Reply ]
 coffee-eyes wrote:
Do Paul and Ringo know about this? {#Eek} 
She's so heavy, heavy, heavy . . . .
 
Exactly what I was thinking. Now if it would just end abruptly...

Posted 15 years ago by racerx    [ Reply ]
This group reminds me of that commercial of the guys singing about FreeCreditReport.com

Posted 15 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
 asbellem wrote:
I think the beatles could sue them for plagerism.
 
I think it's an obvious homage, besides, John Lennon didn't invent variations on D Minor.


Posted 15 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Do Paul and Ringo know about this? {#Eek} 


She's so heavy, heavy, heavy . . . .
Posted 15 years ago by coffee-eyes    [ Reply ]
I like this song and its feel.  The start kind of reminds me of hey there delilah which i also liked though not enough to remember who sung it i have to say.
Posted 15 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
This is about as banal as it gets. And the guy has the nerve to address the album to 'dreamsleepers and the very awake' — if you're very awake, you're sure as hell not gonna fall for the overproduction masking the total lack of substance.
Posted 15 years ago by jedley    [ Reply ]
Wow, I just walked in the room and thought "That's gotta be Ennio Morricone"
Posted 15 years ago by HarrO    [ Reply ]
Wow, suddenly there's a lot of Ennio Morricone influences in a lot of music - Love it!
Posted 15 years ago by bindi    [ Reply ]
Overplayed now!!  But love the song.
Posted 15 years ago by blueskymind    [ Reply ]
We go from this to David Bowie - Cat People (Putting Out Fire). ??
That's a rather jarring transition, RP.

Posted 15 years ago by travism    [ Reply ]
The beginning of this song reminds me of Windy by Greg MacPherson
Posted 16 years ago by OldFrenchie    [ Reply ]
 trekhead wrote:

"Hey there, Delilah..."

7.


 
The aforesaid Beatles, and...
{#Music}{#Yes}

Posted 16 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
I think the beatles could sue them for plagerism.
Posted 16 years ago by asbellem    [ Reply ]

"Hey there, Delilah..."

7.


Posted 16 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]

 

to the times songs exist that it seems equal to as much others........



Posted 16 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Perhaps this on should get on a horse and RIDE —->>>>
South of the border. {#Hand}
Posted 16 years ago by That_SOB    [ Reply ]
Papernapkin wrote:     
If I have to choose, I'm rooting for the lions.

AMEN!

Posted 16 years ago by tanstaafl    [ Reply ]
 Papernapkin wrote:
If I have to choose, I'm rooting for the lions.
 

You sound like a Roman
Posted 16 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]

. . . moving. . .

7 {#Arrow} 8

Posted 16 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
This is going to piss someone off, I'm sure, but I hear Old 97's and...Cake.  Me likey.
Posted 16 years ago by stewliscious    [ Reply ]
 Papernapkin wrote:
If I have to choose, I'm rooting for the lions.
 
ouch

Posted 16 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
If I have to choose, I'm rooting for the lions.
Posted 16 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]
I wish this song were longer, and the slow-down at the end shorter.
Posted 16 years ago by realsleep    [ Reply ]
copymonkey wrote:
That's spot on my friend.
Thank you. I've liked Old 97s for ages. Mr. Oberst is a bit more of an acquired taste. A band that sounds a bit like both suits me just fine. c.
Posted 16 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Because she's so heavy, the world is rooounnnnd....
Posted 16 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
Ooh! it just hit me! The acoustic with horns bit reminds me of "The Corn Years" era Death In June.
Posted 16 years ago by CafeRacer    [ Reply ]
I think this was one of the first songs I rated on RP. I never get tired of it.
Posted 16 years ago by CafeRacer    [ Reply ]
...i think the cover is kind of cool...
Posted 16 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
Wizzuvv_oz wrote:
This went from a four to a seven for me, but I sure do not like the cover. It looks like a bad, drug-fueled drawing that you would throw away in the morning. ugh
Look again. It's an action sketch; reactionary impulses of lines set down on paper by the artist witnessing movement over time often without even looking at the sketchpad. Back in the studio they would be refined down to a single frozen image to convey the chosen moment. Sometimes the sketch is more lively than the final result. Here: meh.
Posted 16 years ago by slartibart_O    [ Reply ]
This song is so heavy.
Posted 16 years ago by gjeeg    [ Reply ]
I really like the beginnin of this tune. Had the words all wrong, still like the ones in my head better than the real ones. Don't care much for the horns sounds like a different tune all together. Like Eagle Eye Cherry or something.
Posted 16 years ago by Grizzly_old_man    [ Reply ]
I love this, and overall, it has been an outstanding set!
Posted 16 years ago by tiare    [ Reply ]
DoctorHooey wrote:
I really like this song, especially that acoustic picking in the beginning. I like the journey it takes, even through Beatles country and back again. Really cool.
Me2
Posted 16 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
excellent drawing on the album cover.
Posted 16 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Sounds kinda Calexican. (That's good.)
Posted 16 years ago by diazo    [ Reply ]
cc_rider wrote:
Still likin' it, still sounds like Rhett Miller hangin' out with Conor Oberst. c.
That's spot on my friend.
Posted 16 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
Bright eyesesque lyric and vocals.
Posted 16 years ago by Taraincognito    [ Reply ]
I really like this song, especially that acoustic picking in the beginning. I like the journey it takes, even through Beatles country and back again. Really cool.
Posted 16 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
wferrier wrote:
I hear that too.
Same here. interesting tune beyond that.
Posted 16 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
I expect to hear 'Mean Mr. Mustard' in the middle... anyway...I'll take Lions, at least you know where they stand.
Posted 16 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
I love the cd cover art....and the horns...great they are....
Posted 16 years ago by SpaceCase    [ Reply ]
bdblinux wrote:
wtf
hehe...my vote went from 2 to 4 tonight. Perhaps it is the deadly cold out there that makes me more generous
Posted 16 years ago by sunny_day    [ Reply ]
wtf
Posted 16 years ago by bdblinux    [ Reply ]
pregister wrote:
At first I thought you people were nuts. Then i got to the middle of the song. I apologize.
same here
Posted 16 years ago by TheFriendlyCat    [ Reply ]
horstman wrote:
Reminds me of the Shins. And no, its really good, mellow, and indie is more of an aquired taste. Indy is the track down the street where the pigs race every Friday night. Can hear them squealing at the start up line.
When I first started listening to RP, I was amazed at how many bands were coming out of Indiana.
Posted 16 years ago by ellenaut    [ Reply ]
This went from a four to a seven for me, but I sure do not like the cover. It looks like a bad, drug-fueled drawing that you would throw away in the morning. ugh
Posted 16 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
joshfm wrote:
Mediocre indy hogwash.
Reminds me of the Shins. And no, its really good, mellow, and indie is more of an aquired taste. Indy is the track down the street where the pigs race every Friday night. Can hear them squealing at the start up line.
Posted 17 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
joshfm wrote:
Mediocre indy hogwash.
Wow, couldn't disagree more. Typical of the music I'd only hear on RP -- I like it!
Posted 17 years ago by Kaiser    [ Reply ]
Mediocre indy hogwash.
Posted 17 years ago by joshfm    [ Reply ]
cc_rider wrote:
I'm thinking 'Old 97s meet Bright Eyes', sort of. c.
Still likin' it, still sounds like Rhett Miller hangin' out with Conor Oberst. c.
Posted 17 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
The title makes me think of Godspeed You! Black Emperor's album "Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven"... would be interesting to hear some of their stuff here... (Yeah, that apparently random exclamation does go there)
Posted 17 years ago by Cruithne3753    [ Reply ]
The song developes nicely... Not bad.
Posted 17 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
DoctorHooey wrote:
To me it's a cross between "She's So Heavy" and "Because"
I hear that too.
Posted 17 years ago by wferrier    [ Reply ]
Nice Herb Alpert solo there .... but they need more Cowbell!
Posted 17 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]