The New Pornographers — My Rights Versus Yours
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Total ratings: 528
Length: 4:14
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Under your wheels, the hope of spring,
Mirage of loss, a few more things.
You left your sorrow dangling,
It hangs in air like a school cheer.
Complex notes inside the chords,
On every wall, inflections carved.
Deep as lakes and dark as stars,
Remember we were the volunteers.
(Ooh...) Courts knew this and nothing more.
(Ooh...) Now it's my rights versus yours.
Under your wheels, your hopeless reign.
You fall too hard, we're up too late.
We hang suspended from the heights
Until it's safer to walk here.
Under your wheels, your chance is with
The easy call, the called-off search.
The medicine, it still won't work,
But there's dangerous levels of it here.
(Ooh...) Same thing as the other time,
(Ooh...) But now it's your rights versus mine.
The truth in one free afternoon,
The truth in one free afternoon.
Under my wheels, the chance is held,
Gave me to save me from myself.
Spectacles painted with my shaking hand.
Fingers in paints, in paints we brought,
Thinking we'd leave them when we're not,
Flying the flags of new empires in rags.
The new empire in rags, the truth in one free afternoon.
A new empire in rags, the truth in one free afternoon.
A new empire in rags, the truth in one free afternoon.
A new empire in rags, the truth in one free afternoon.
Under your wheels, the fits and starts,
The time to dabble in the arts,
To tease the packs of dogs in charge,
But, kid, it's always still me.
Under your wheels, the hope of spring.
Mirage of loss, a few more things.
The medicine, it still won't sing,
But there's dangerous levels of it here.
Your rights over my rights now,
We came to the right place.
Your rights over my rights now,
Your rights over my rights now,
We came to the right place.
Your rights over my rights now,
Your rights over my rights now.
Mirage of loss, a few more things.
You left your sorrow dangling,
It hangs in air like a school cheer.
Complex notes inside the chords,
On every wall, inflections carved.
Deep as lakes and dark as stars,
Remember we were the volunteers.
(Ooh...) Courts knew this and nothing more.
(Ooh...) Now it's my rights versus yours.
Under your wheels, your hopeless reign.
You fall too hard, we're up too late.
We hang suspended from the heights
Until it's safer to walk here.
Under your wheels, your chance is with
The easy call, the called-off search.
The medicine, it still won't work,
But there's dangerous levels of it here.
(Ooh...) Same thing as the other time,
(Ooh...) But now it's your rights versus mine.
The truth in one free afternoon,
The truth in one free afternoon.
Under my wheels, the chance is held,
Gave me to save me from myself.
Spectacles painted with my shaking hand.
Fingers in paints, in paints we brought,
Thinking we'd leave them when we're not,
Flying the flags of new empires in rags.
The new empire in rags, the truth in one free afternoon.
A new empire in rags, the truth in one free afternoon.
A new empire in rags, the truth in one free afternoon.
A new empire in rags, the truth in one free afternoon.
Under your wheels, the fits and starts,
The time to dabble in the arts,
To tease the packs of dogs in charge,
But, kid, it's always still me.
Under your wheels, the hope of spring.
Mirage of loss, a few more things.
The medicine, it still won't sing,
But there's dangerous levels of it here.
Your rights over my rights now,
We came to the right place.
Your rights over my rights now,
Your rights over my rights now,
We came to the right place.
Your rights over my rights now,
Your rights over my rights now.
Comments (133)add comment
I really hate every song this guy sings. Neko's New Pornographers songs are much better.
EDIT: I shall elaborate. His idea of melody seems to be wandering all over the scale, usually into areas his voice can't reach.
EDIT: I shall elaborate. His idea of melody seems to be wandering all over the scale, usually into areas his voice can't reach.
would that be John Holmes on the cover?
DaveW42 wrote:
One of the elements that you might characterize as "grating" also happens to be Neko's tenor guitar.
Neko Case is great. This song is grating. 
One of the elements that you might characterize as "grating" also happens to be Neko's tenor guitar.
This reminds me of something ... late 80s early 90s? really damn familiar....
NP has a new record coming in May!!!
....including Neko...can life get any better?
shakitten wrote:
Amen!!
Uhm, let's just cut to the chase and play NEKO!!!!
Amen!!
* y a w n *
Perfect bland cookie-cutter background nap time music.
Perfect bland cookie-cutter background nap time music.
I do like this song, but would highly recommend against buying the full album...only a couple good tracks, but this is definitely one of them.
LikesEarCandy wrote:
I was thinking " Is this the Monkeys on RP?!" in the beginning.
Monkees? Beach Boys? ELO?
I was thinking how much they sound like Belle & Sebastian. The first few times I heard
this, I assumed it was them without checking.
I was thinking " Is this the Monkeys on RP?!" in the beginning.
Monkees? Beach Boys? ELO?
I was thinking how much they sound like Belle & Sebastian. The first few times I heard
this, I assumed it was them without checking.
tm wrote:
I was thinking " Is this the Monkeys on RP?!" in the beginning.
I actually heard the Beach Boys in the beginning. Love it!
I was thinking " Is this the Monkeys on RP?!" in the beginning.
forgettable...
All these comments back and forth on whether Bill's doing the right thing or not with a song called 'My Rights Versus Yours'. Seems to me that his right's win. Too funny
RParadise wrote:
Boy, do I hear ELO in this tune. Talk about influence!
Totally! R.I.P Kelly GroucuttI actually heard the Beach Boys in the beginning. Love it!
RParadise wrote:
ELO with The Monkeys
Boy, do I hear ELO in this tune. Talk about influence!
ELO with The Monkeys
I'm still happy with this CD after playing it a jillion times. I still prefer the song Failsafe, but this will do just fine.
RadioDoc wrote:
4->3. Really stale now. Since I actually know how all this works both technically and politically, I prefer instead to help Bill make Radio Paradise better both critically and financially. My first assignment is to send him $20 every month and an occasional $100 in addition when I've had a particularly good month. My second assignment is to assist in weeding out dreck like this song and the awful Death Cab for Cutie track that preceded it. Bill is a great programmer and Rebecca is a great music director but they can't do it alone. So, what have you done besides complain about people's opinions?
It would appear from your resume that I've done about as much as you have. I'd have to say that complaining about other people's opinions is not what I do much of here. Telling people to get off Bill's back about the choices he makes concerning his business is a personal choice I make in as much as he has the good sense not to do it himself. (If someone wants to argue that he doesn't need my help I'd accept that criticism) What makes you think he can't do it himself? He's been in the business for more than 25 years!
If those who dislike an artist, song or it's frequency would clarify their opinion rather than just take cheap shots then I would never feel the need to speak up. Most of my responses are reality checks for rude people who don't appear to have enough sense to understand that RP appeals to a wide variety of tastes.
Uhm, let's just cut to the chase and play NEKO!!!!
Boy, do I hear ELO in this tune. Talk about influence!
At a recent show, here in Madison, they encored with ELO's "Don't Bring Me Down". It was a great song to close an awesome show.
4->3. Really stale now.
MonkeyPod wrote:
The internet is such an awesome technology! ...and I can't wait until all of you complainers start your own internet music station since you all seem to think you could do a better job than Bill.
Your first assignment should be to list the last ten great rock albums (compact discs).
Since I actually know how all this works both technically and politically, I prefer instead to help Bill make Radio Paradise better both critically and financially. My first assignment is to send him $20 every month and an occasional $100 in addition when I've had a particularly good month. My second assignment is to assist in weeding out dreck like this song and the awful Death Cab for Cutie track that preceded it. Bill is a great programmer and Rebecca is a great music director but they can't do it alone.
So, what have you done besides complain about people's opinions?
Played too too too too many times.
Neko Case is great. This song is grating.
It was an 8 at first heard; but it grows everyday. Love it forever.
I AM SO SICK OF HEARING THIS SONG as much as we hear this song hear Bill, by now they are the old pornos . . .
I hear The Monkeys...Another pleasant valley Sunday...Here in status symbol land..RParadise wrote:
Boy, do I hear ELO in this tune. Talk about influence!
New Beachboyographers
Boy, do I hear ELO in this tune. Talk about influence!
KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:
Never been in Asia perhaps ? 
Agree with your other comments though.
Love Neko too. The other stuff... not so sure.
I do think we're the hardest working nation out there. If that makes us arrogant, self serving, imperialistic... whatever.
I like it here.
USA hardest working nation Never been in Asia perhaps ? Agree with your other comments though.
Excelsior wrote:
I am seriously getting sick of this song.
First time I've heard it. Gave it 7.
Then changed it to 8 as the relentless, passionate pounding took me towards a climax not experienced in recent times...
dunno wrote:
overplayed.
I am seriously getting sick of this song.
MonkeyPod wrote:
Underappreciated
From 8 to 9, I love it.
dunno wrote:
overplayed.
Underappreciated
overplayed.
musikalia wrote:
Is it fair to rate a song 1 that would normally be a 4, just because you're being driven insane by hearing it repeatedly?
I don't care, I'm bumping this down to a 1.
Yes.
horstman wrote:
That would be correct if you were from the United States where (regardless of whether we are justified or not, our rights seem to be paramount). 
I however, do not subscribe to this philosophy but merely state it as fact. We are, as a nation, both arrogant, self serving, imperialistic.
That being said, you live in a beautiful country and a beautiful city that I love to visit. Peace!
Oh, and the song is great. Love Neko.
Love Neko too. The other stuff... not so sure.
I do think we're the hardest working nation out there. If that makes us arrogant, self serving, imperialistic... whatever.
I like it here.
I however, do not subscribe to this philosophy but merely state it as fact. We are, as a nation, both arrogant, self serving, imperialistic.
That being said, you live in a beautiful country and a beautiful city that I love to visit. Peace!
Oh, and the song is great. Love Neko.timc wrote:
I however, do not subscribe to this philosophy but merely state it as fact. We are, as a nation, both arrogant, self serving, imperialistic.
That being said, you live in a beautiful country and a beautiful city that I love to visit. Peace!
Oh, and the song is great. Love Neko.
My rights win. End of story.
That would be correct if you were from the United States where (regardless of whether we are justified or not, our rights seem to be paramount).
I however, do not subscribe to this philosophy but merely state it as fact. We are, as a nation, both arrogant, self serving, imperialistic.
That being said, you live in a beautiful country and a beautiful city that I love to visit. Peace!
Oh, and the song is great. Love Neko.
RussNelson wrote:
The truth in one free afternoon ... a new empire in rags.
The truth in one free afternoon ... a new empire in rags.
The truth in one free afternoon ... a new empire in rags.
The truth in one free afternoon ... a new empire in rags.
If they can say it four times in a row without being boring, so can I (sarcasm.)
Ya, okay, but first write it play it and then sing and record it (boo boo).
The internet is such an awesome technology! ...and I can't wait until all of you complainers start your own internet music station since you all seem to think you could do a better job than Bill.
Your first assignment should be to list the last ten great rock albums (compact discs).
musikalia wrote:
Is it fair to rate a song 1 that would normally be a 4, just because you're being driven insane by hearing it repeatedly?
I don't care, I'm bumping this down to a 1.
That's what I did too.
Is it fair to rate a song 1 that would normally be a 4, just because you're being driven insane by hearing it repeatedly?
I don't care, I'm bumping this down to a 1.
twp wrote:
I don't have a problem with that, but we may differ on what constitutes "new." This song has been in fairly constant rotation on RP for about eight months. I passed the point where it felt "new" to me quite a while ago.
And yes, I'm sure I'd feel differently if the song excited me more. It's an okay song but didn't grab me that much in the first place, so now I'm really ready to give it a rest for a while.
I do understand your point. Perhaps if I liked this one less myself I might possibly feel the same way. But at the same time, I don't think I hear this one more than once or twice a week (and I listen every day at work). Even songs I don't like I can stand to hear that often.
Marr wrote:
I suspect that most of us have grown up listening to clearchannel muck with overplayed hits. So we are all overly sensitive to "overplaying". I think in a more sane world playing something new every other day would be just fine.
I don't have a problem with that, but we may differ on what constitutes "new." This song has been in fairly constant rotation on RP for about eight months. I passed the point where it felt "new" to me quite a while ago.
And yes, I'm sure I'd feel differently if the song excited me more. It's an okay song but didn't grab me that much in the first place, so now I'm really ready to give it a rest for a while.
Song after song is either from Mar 4, or Mar 19th....what's going on here?!?!?!?
My rights win. End of story.
This is mind-blowing.
musikalia wrote:
Can't we just get through one day without hearing this song?
Apparently not!
Can't we just get through one day without hearing this song?
fantomas wrote:
nice cover, nice song, nice afternoon 
you think that's a nice album cover?! you sir, must have an interesting set of aesthetic values. personally, that album cover makes my eyes vomit.
jwb wrote:
This song isn't really _that_ bad, but it's not nearly good enough to justify the four-times-daily play frequency here on RP.
Seriously. RP has two songs from this album on its playlist, and if you pick any random 4 hour block of listening, you're almost guaranteed to hear one of them.
nice cover, nice song, nice afternoon
The truth in one free afternoon ... a new empire in rags.
The truth in one free afternoon ... a new empire in rags.
The truth in one free afternoon ... a new empire in rags.
The truth in one free afternoon ... a new empire in rags.
If they can say it four times in a row without being boring, so can I (sarcasm.)
This song isn't really _that_ bad, but it's not nearly good enough to justify the four-times-daily play frequency here on RP.
Aud wrote:
The first sounds reminded me of Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys....Sorry!
It didn't just remind me. The entire tune is lifted from the Beach Boys.
davin wrote:
Now you're sounding Canadian! ;) Fair points I'd say.
The first sounds reminded me of Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys....Sorry!
This song is played far too often 
davin wrote:
Now you're sounding Canadian! ;) Fair points I'd say.
Some days I wish I was. Sigh.
Marr wrote:
My point was more that I don't hear any effort to sound english. And lots of Canadians (though not all) sound at least similar to americans (and viseversa) anyway. And many people lose their accent when they sing anyway.
Still, no offense intended. :)
Now you're sounding Canadian! ;) Fair points I'd say.
bluematrix wrote:
not one of bills better segues (from the clash to this). also not one of the stronger cuts in his rotation imho.
Agree on both counts. This could disappear from the playlist and not be missed.
a fine album from an intersting canuck band.I laughed at their comment that they were the only large pop band where nobody had a tattoo!
not one of bills better segues (from the clash to this). also not one of the stronger cuts in his rotation imho.
Frater_Kork wrote:
Sigh, not compared to corporate radio where they can repeat their heavily rotated tracks every 2-4 hours. However, on the wonderfully diverse and sponsor-unencumbered RP with its very large playlist it is.
True, not all tracks in the playlist get equal airtime, the fresher stuff hogs a good chunk.
But the fresh turn pretty unfresh once youve heard it enough to have it on repeat in your head.
It is a great track, from a possibly great album, all I've heard from it are the two tracks in the list. If we all help with upping the rest of the tracks maybe we can hear both fresh and interesting.
I suspect that most of us have grown up listening to clearchannel muck with overplayed hits. So we are all overly sensitive to "overplaying". I think in a more sane world playing something new every other day would be just fine.
I just read the lyrics and I have absolutely no idea what this song is supposed to be about.
Electric Light Orchestra lives!
Marr wrote:
So overplayed is what, every other day?
Sigh, not compared to corporate radio where they can repeat their heavily rotated tracks every 2-4 hours. However, on the wonderfully diverse and sponsor-unencumbered RP with its very large playlist it is.
True, not all tracks in the playlist get equal airtime, the fresher stuff hogs a good chunk.
But the fresh turn pretty unfresh once youve heard it enough to have it on repeat in your head.
It is a great track, from a possibly great album, all I've heard from it are the two tracks in the list. If we all help with upping the rest of the tracks maybe we can hear both fresh and interesting.
rtkmusic wrote:
Austin is closer to Berkeley than any location within the Texas border. (That would be a good thing...)
Great BBQ, migas for breakfast and the best live music scene anywhere.
Don't forget the "Magnolia"...and Ruby's BBQ..."Keep Austin Weird"!
If this is the new,how much did the old ones suck?
everyday this song? oh no.
really tired of hearing this one...maybe it would different if i liked it.
The first album was a really nice discover thanks to Radio Paradise (thank you Bill!). The new one seems to be on the same level
FluorideFreeMN wrote:
I agree....I'd hate to burn it out so soon after the album was release!
I have listened to enough of this album enough times to realize I'm just not down with it
twp wrote:
This isn't a bad song but I'm finding it *really* overplayed on RP.
So overplayed is what, every other day?
twp wrote:
This isn't a bad song but I'm finding it *really* overplayed on RP.
I agree....I'd hate to burn it out so soon after the album was release!
I absolutely LOVE this song...pertinent lyrics and great sound. This song reminds me of Belle & Sebastian.
This isn't a bad song but I'm finding it *really* overplayed on RP.
meloman wrote:
I've travelled on business to all these cities, yet you don't mention the town I like most in Texas. The one that seems the most laid-back, the grittiest, and the most genuine, El Paso.
Honestly, I have never been. I imagine you are probably right that it is laid-back, gritty, and genuine; but I don't know I would say the most.
GChevy410 wrote:
Austin - Greatest all around city in Texas. If I know some one who has never been to Texas and they want to visit but don't know where to go Austin is the best bet. Good tourism; beautiful countryside, women, and weather (Spring and Fall); fun places to eat and go out; and great people/live music scene. Good business environment.
Austin is closer to Berkeley than any location within the Texas border. (That would be a good thing...)
Great BBQ, migas for breakfast and the best live music scene anywhere.
What a great little song and curious album cover, reminds me of those crazy exercise diagrams they had on the walls in elementary school.
Those were the days eh? I always thought or hoped that 'recess time' would continue all throughout life!
GChevy410 wrote:
To end the Texas debate:
I've travelled on business to all these cities, yet you don't mention the town I like most in Texas. The one that seems the most laid-back, the grittiest, and the most genuine, El Paso.
these guys are great. thanks rp for the introduction.
To end the Texas debate:
Austin - Greatest all around city in Texas. If I know some one who has never been to Texas and they want to visit but don't know where to go Austin is the best bet. Good tourism; beautiful countryside, women, and weather (Spring and Fall); fun places to eat and go out; and great people/live music scene. Good business environment.
Houston - All around ugly and miserable. Bad weather, terrible traffic/zoning laws, and not much to do unless you are from there. That said some of the most wonderful people are from Houston or live there now. Great place if you actually know people who live there, and is also a good business hub (particularly for energy and finance)
Dallas - Classic soulless big city. Lots of jobs, lots of young people, and lots of places to drink. Not many good "touristy" things to do and not much to see. My favorite place to visit now because so many friends now live there for the favorable job market.
San Antonio - I personally don't like it much, but it does have good things to offer. Good tourist stuff, but hot and kind of ghetto. The few people I know from here are good folks. Good history, good places to go out.
Fort Worth - I have to include it (it's my home town. If you are not into Western stuff or good art you can probably skip it for now. That said great people plent of things to do now. Decent tourism for rodeo, cowboy stuff, wonderful arts programs (has 4 or 5 internationally recognized art galleries/performance halls)
Over all best city is Austin hands down, but when I go back to Texas I prefer Dallas/Fort Worth area unless I have a bunch of friends going back to Austin.
I grew up in Fort Worth and went to school in Austin and know at least 15 people who grew up in each of the cities named. If you had any questions on why I would know the things I do.
This album is really good!
htowncoog wrote:
Yea, don't hear the English accent.
Dreaming of Austin ehh...I'll stay here in Htown, that way I'm not surrounded by pretentious, self absorbed Austin folks. I loved it in the late 80's into the 90's, but it's changed.
Born and raised in Austin. So my heart is still there even with all the changes. And lots of people are pretentious and self absorbed no matter where you go. But I do agree it's changed.
htowncoog wrote:
Yea, don't hear the English accent.
Dreaming of Austin ehh...I'll stay here in Htown, that way I'm not surrounded by pretentious, self absorbed Austin folks. I loved it in the late 80's into the 90's, but it's changed.
right, because Houston isn't full of people who are self-absoarbed. i'll stay in Austin, you can have Houston.
I know that they are saying "A new empire in rags" but when my brain plays this song back, it persists in saying "A new empire in drag".
I saw these guys live at the Hard Rock Cafe about two weeks ago here in San Diego. It was a really good show, but I'll be honest. The only reason I went was to see Neko Case up close. I was literally 20 feet (at the most) away from her. It was so cool to see such a great band so up close.
Not only that, but three days before I saw Guster in the same venue and was only a little bit further away. Now, that show was awesome! I was amazed at how few people showed up (although there were a lot). You'd think with a band like Guster the place would have been filled to way past the fire code, but nope...
I was stunned and very pleased to hear this on local FM radio the other morning. Then I found myself wondering if I wanted to share TNP with everybody else 
htowncoog wrote:
Yea, don't hear the English accent.
Dreaming of Austin ehh...I'll stay here in Htown, that way I'm not surrounded by pretentious, self absorbed Austin folks. I loved it in the late 80's into the 90's, but it's changed.
HOOK EM HORNS!
davin wrote:
Funny 'cos they're Canadian (except Neko who would be Canadian if she could be)
My point was more that I don't hear any effort to sound english. And lots of Canadians (though not all) sound at least similar to americans (and viseversa) anyway. And many people lose their accent when they sing anyway.
Still, no offense intended. :)
NO MORE ELO PLEEEES
Marr wrote:
Gotta say I'm not hearing that anywhere in this song. Sounds pretty american to me.
Funny 'cos they're Canadian (except Neko who would be Canadian if she could be)
Marr wrote:
Gotta say I'm not hearing that anywhere in this song. Sounds pretty american to me.
Yea, don't hear the English accent.
Dreaming of Austin ehh...I'll stay here in Htown, that way I'm not surrounded by pretentious, self absorbed Austin folks. I loved it in the late 80's into the 90's, but it's changed.
shakitten wrote:
Neko has too great a voice to be just a backup singer....what a let-down.
She's part of the band.. she sings lead on some of the songs. But there's backup singer from Immaculate Machine in the New Pornographers who is amaaaaazing.
By the way there is nothing wrong with singing backup vocals. They're very important and a good singer doing backup for another good singer is a beautiful thing indeed.
Not my favorite by this band but still good.
I'd like to buy this album, but the cover it is so bad, I won't out of protest.
Haha. Quite right.
EssexTex wrote:
Hey it's great to see ELO back!
Odyzzeuz wrote:
I'm always amused when non-British bands affect an English accent.
Gotta say I'm not hearing that anywhere in this song. Sounds pretty american to me.
EssexTex wrote:
Hey it's great to see ELO back!
ELO! LOL!
Hey it's great to see ELO back!
DoctorHooey wrote:
I miss Neko. :(
She's on the album. Lead voice on title track "Challengers" and "Go Places".
I really like the album.
.
Hmmm...hints of the 80's with overtones of The Postal Service...I'll pass. 
stebe wrote:
Sounds a lot like Brian Wilson on lead vocals. Even has a Beach Boys rhythm to the song.
the 1st few lines sounds like the monkees
Sounds a lot like Brian Wilson on lead vocals. Even has a Beach Boys rhythm to the song.
saw these guys live on Letterman; they were tight, but I was surprised to see eight (8) band members, they sound like a four or five peice band, max. Neko looked good though . . . :)
I saw them do this song on Letterman and it was really good. Neko was there in her spectacular radiance, of course. This song has a really nice build and has a kind of energy when performed live that is only hinted at in the recording. I like it a lot better now.
Neko has too great a voice to be just a backup singer....what a let-down.
ematt wrote:
whatever happened to the old ponographers?
i agree, don't like this much .. bring back the old new pornographers.
Somewhere John Lennon is screaming out in anger and Paul McCartney is calling his lawyers...
I miss Neko. :(
ematt wrote:
whatever happened to the old ponographers?
The old pornographers are usually just called pornographers, in the same way black is still black, even if brown is "the new black".
I\'m always amused when non-British bands affect an English accent.
I\'ll use this Korean Flag-esk symbol to express my opinion 
Meh
Mehthemotion wrote:
incipient
–adjective
beginning to exist or appear; in an initial stage: an incipient cold.
... still doesn't make much sense, does it?
Maybe he meant "lobster claw".
Arianrhod wrote:
The love child of the Shins and Jack Black?
With a little ELO just for fun?
Love this song
whatever happened to the old ponographers?
Misterfixit wrote:
What do you think that word means?
Did you mean, perhaps, "insipid"?
incipient
–adjective
beginning to exist or appear; in an initial stage: an incipient cold.
... still doesn't make much sense, does it?
Incipient
mattt wrote:
What do you think that word means?
Did you mean, perhaps, "insipid"?Beach Boys-ish.
Well. . . all the blood seems to have drained from his head and torso for some reason.