The Lumineers — Cleopatra
Album: CleopatraAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2864
Length: 3:15
Plays (last 30 days): 5
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I was Cleopatra, I was young and an actress
When you knelt by my mattress, and asked for my hand
But I was sad you asked it, as I laid in a black dress
With my father in a casket, I had no plans, yeah
And I left the footprints, the mud stained on the carpet
And it hardened like my heart did when you left town
But I must admit it, that I would marry you in an instant
Damn your wife, I'd be your mistress just to have you around
But I was late for this, late for that, late for the love of my life
And when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time
While the church discouraged, any lust that burned within me
Yes my flesh, it was my currency, but I held true
So I drive a taxi, and the traffic distracts me
From the strangers in my backseat, they remind me of you
But I was late for this, late for that, late for the love of my life
And when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time
And the only gifts from my Lord were a birth and a divorce
But I've read this script and the costume fits, so I'll play my part
I was Cleopatra, I was taller than the rafters
But that's all in the past now, gone with the wind
Now a nurse in white shoes leads me back to my guestroom
It's a bed and a bathroom
And a place for the end
I won't be late for this, late for that, late for the love of my life
And when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time
When you knelt by my mattress, and asked for my hand
But I was sad you asked it, as I laid in a black dress
With my father in a casket, I had no plans, yeah
And I left the footprints, the mud stained on the carpet
And it hardened like my heart did when you left town
But I must admit it, that I would marry you in an instant
Damn your wife, I'd be your mistress just to have you around
But I was late for this, late for that, late for the love of my life
And when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time
While the church discouraged, any lust that burned within me
Yes my flesh, it was my currency, but I held true
So I drive a taxi, and the traffic distracts me
From the strangers in my backseat, they remind me of you
But I was late for this, late for that, late for the love of my life
And when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time
And the only gifts from my Lord were a birth and a divorce
But I've read this script and the costume fits, so I'll play my part
I was Cleopatra, I was taller than the rafters
But that's all in the past now, gone with the wind
Now a nurse in white shoes leads me back to my guestroom
It's a bed and a bathroom
And a place for the end
I won't be late for this, late for that, late for the love of my life
And when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time
Comments (88)add comment
This song, and band, is a perfect example of how to become popular and get a lot of spins by making music like this. aka, it’s terrible but “everyone loved them”. Same with DMB, Arcade Fire, etc…. Nothing original.
GingerandMe wrote:
Theda Bara... old-time silent movie actress. She played the title character in a movie of the same name._01.jpg)
Absolutely love the album cover.
Theda Bara... old-time silent movie actress. She played the title character in a movie of the same name.
A bit of a Mumford & Sons vibe? Same era, +/-.
This is not a criticism, just an observation.
I like this song just fine. : )
This is not a criticism, just an observation.
I like this song just fine. : )
Absolutely love the album cover.
BeckyB wrote:
AGREED on both fronts! Can we be friends? ;o)
The difference is that Radio Paradise is sincere. Number 1 for me.
AGREED on both fronts! Can we be friends? ;o)
The difference is that Radio Paradise is sincere. Number 1 for me.
Way underrated at 7, I have it a 9 personally
lily34 wrote:
good init!
i like the lyrics.
good init!
i like the lyrics.
unclehud wrote:
theda bara on cover
she was also the mata hari
Damn fine hat, Cleopatra. Nice photo, too, or is that a hieroglyphic?
theda bara on cover
she was also the mata hari
instantly forgettable
Damn fine hat, Cleopatra. Nice photo, too, or is that a hieroglyphic?
dwhayslett wrote:
There is no zero rating.
Correct. Null is not equal to zero.
There is no zero rating.
Correct. Null is not equal to zero.
mattenuttall wrote:
AGREED on both fronts! Can we be friends? ;o)
"The greatest achievement of the internet is Wikipedia. I rank Radio Paradise number two and support them both when I can."
AGREED on both fronts! Can we be friends? ;o)
thewiseking wrote:
Mirror.
One day we shall look back upon this and declare thusly, Behold, the Hipster Crap!
Mirror.
dwhayslett wrote:
There is no zero rating.
Shame.
There is no zero rating.
Shame.
Ohio_Dog wrote:
There is no zero rating.
Why isn't there an 11 rating available? This is an 11 point system, 0 to 10. 11 integers.
There is no zero rating.
I will see them live this February in Madrid 
Why isn't there an 11 rating available?
This is an 11 point system, 0 to 10. 11 integers.
brianlj wrote:
That number is already assigned to "Spinal Tap."
Why isn't there an 11 rating available?
That number is already assigned to "Spinal Tap."
m_logie wrote:
Why do people keep referring to The Lumineers as hipsters? I think maybe the definition of a hipster is different wherever you are, than in the UK.
I'd say The Lumineers are pretty much the antithesis of hipsters, and I think if a hipster café tried playing these guys they'd quickly lose their hipster clientèle (unless they played them ironically). Not that British hipsters go to cafés - you're more likely to see them at that pop-up vegan street stall selling snacks from an obscure region of kyrgyzstan with music played by a 90-year old underappreciated kalimba virtuouso.
For what it's worth, I quite like these guys.
I am not a hipster.
FEED ME MORE PICKLES! THEN I'LL BE HAPPY!
Why do people keep referring to The Lumineers as hipsters? I think maybe the definition of a hipster is different wherever you are, than in the UK.
I'd say The Lumineers are pretty much the antithesis of hipsters, and I think if a hipster café tried playing these guys they'd quickly lose their hipster clientèle (unless they played them ironically). Not that British hipsters go to cafés - you're more likely to see them at that pop-up vegan street stall selling snacks from an obscure region of kyrgyzstan with music played by a 90-year old underappreciated kalimba virtuouso.
For what it's worth, I quite like these guys.
I am not a hipster.
FEED ME MORE PICKLES! THEN I'LL BE HAPPY!
wow
theda bara on cover
she was also the mata hari
theda bara on cover
she was also the mata hari
mattenuttall wrote:
Wikipedia was great before it became corrupted by certain people. Now it is definitely drifting towards uselessness, or already toxic junk in some areas. But otherwise, I agree.
The greatest achievement of the internet is Wikipedia. I rank Radio Paradise number two and support them both when I can.
Wikipedia was great before it became corrupted by certain people. Now it is definitely drifting towards uselessness, or already toxic junk in some areas. But otherwise, I agree.
The melody is reminiscent of Bob Dylan’s “Love Minus Zero”.
I swear he says "the only gifts from my Lord were a birth and vegetables"
brianlj wrote:
Because in binary number system it would be three. So next time write it as 11(10), 10 being a subscript for number base system. Otherwise, in decimal system it is plausible to define an interval for rating songs from 1-10. If we adopt 11 as well, someone else would come up with 12 proposition, and so on. In this way any system rating losses sense.
Why isn't there an 11 rating available?
Because in binary number system it would be three. So next time write it as 11(10), 10 being a subscript for number base system. Otherwise, in decimal system it is plausible to define an interval for rating songs from 1-10. If we adopt 11 as well, someone else would come up with 12 proposition, and so on. In this way any system rating losses sense.
thewiseking wrote:
That day is Today! and Yesterday! and Tomorrow!
One day we shall look back upon this and declare thusly, Behold, the Hipster Crap!
That day is Today! and Yesterday! and Tomorrow!
I saw the Lumineers on this tour. I had always liked them, but was a casual fan. I was struck by how happy they seemed. They were really truly enjoying putting on the show. Which was great and made me appreciate them much more. Also Andrew Bird opened, so that was cool. And he had the wildest drummer I've ever seen live. Andrew was totally grooving on the drummers strong beat, which was also awesome.
RSpill wrote:
That was FUNNY !
That was FUNNY !
m_logie wrote:
Why do people keep referring to The Lumineers as hipsters? I think maybe the definition of a hipster is different wherever you are, than in the UK.
I'd say The Lumineers are pretty much the antithesis of hipsters, and I think if a hipster café tried playing these guys they'd quickly lose their hipster clientèle (unless they played them ironically). Not that British hipsters go to cafés - you're more likely to see them at that pop-up vegan street stall selling snacks from an obscure region of kyrgyzstan with music played by a 90-year old underappreciated kalimba virtuouso.
For what it's worth, I quite like these guys.
I am not a hipster.
Why do people keep referring to The Lumineers as hipsters? I think maybe the definition of a hipster is different wherever you are, than in the UK.
I'd say The Lumineers are pretty much the antithesis of hipsters, and I think if a hipster café tried playing these guys they'd quickly lose their hipster clientèle (unless they played them ironically). Not that British hipsters go to cafés - you're more likely to see them at that pop-up vegan street stall selling snacks from an obscure region of kyrgyzstan with music played by a 90-year old underappreciated kalimba virtuouso.
For what it's worth, I quite like these guys.
I am not a hipster.
Not a huge fan of the frantic banjo style, but I do enjoy the storytelling. I'll give it a 6 for now.
Bumped to an 8
Really a great song.
Really a great song.
Why isn't there an 11 rating available?
A voice to rival the amazing Paul Kelly! From Oz!
Brilliant. Just outstanding.
m_logie wrote:
...
...
I am not a hipster.
That's what all hipsters say!
...
...
I am not a hipster.
That's what all hipsters say!
It might be time to retire this song. It's good, just played tooooo much. Everywhere.
great song
i post a lot of shit...so, gotta point out the good ones too
i post a lot of shit...so, gotta point out the good ones too
thewiseking wrote:
Yeah, picking up what you're laying down.
First heard this genre on "American Idol"
( my wife watches it !)
One day we shall look back upon this and declare thusly, Behold, the Hipster Crap!
Yeah, picking up what you're laying down.
First heard this genre on "American Idol"
( my wife watches it !)
m_logie wrote:
Why do people keep referring to The Lumineers as hipsters? I think maybe the definition of a hipster is different wherever you are, than in the UK.
I'd say The Lumineers are pretty much the antithesis of hipsters, and I think if a hipster café tried playing these guys they'd quickly lose their hipster clientèle (unless they played them ironically). Not that British hipsters go to cafés - you're more likely to see them at that pop-up vegan street stall selling snacks from an obscure region of kyrgyzstan with music played by a 90-year old underappreciated kalimba virtuouso.
For what it's worth, I quite like these guys.
I am not a hipster.
Good comment. Agree.
Why do people keep referring to The Lumineers as hipsters? I think maybe the definition of a hipster is different wherever you are, than in the UK.
I'd say The Lumineers are pretty much the antithesis of hipsters, and I think if a hipster café tried playing these guys they'd quickly lose their hipster clientèle (unless they played them ironically). Not that British hipsters go to cafés - you're more likely to see them at that pop-up vegan street stall selling snacks from an obscure region of kyrgyzstan with music played by a 90-year old underappreciated kalimba virtuouso.
For what it's worth, I quite like these guys.
I am not a hipster.
Good comment. Agree.
Floored by these lyrics, floored.
Wikipedia gives the following quote regarding this song:
It's inspired by a true story about a female taxi driver who, when she was younger, was proposed to. But her father had just passed away, so she didn't give her boyfriend an answer. So he left the village broken-hearted and rejected and never returned again. He was her great love and she wouldn't wash the footprints off the floor after he had left.— The Lumineers
The greatest achievement of the internet is Wikipedia. I rank Radio Paradise number two and support them both when I can.
Wikipedia gives the following quote regarding this song:
It's inspired by a true story about a female taxi driver who, when she was younger, was proposed to. But her father had just passed away, so she didn't give her boyfriend an answer. So he left the village broken-hearted and rejected and never returned again. He was her great love and she wouldn't wash the footprints off the floor after he had left.— The Lumineers
The greatest achievement of the internet is Wikipedia. I rank Radio Paradise number two and support them both when I can.
m_logie wrote:
Why do people keep referring to The Lumineers as hipsters? I think maybe the definition of a hipster is different wherever you are, than in the UK.
It is very likely a different definition in the US than the UK. A lot of it is the hipster "uniform": suspenders (often with a belt (why?!)), unkempt beards, vests, fedoras and/or wool ski caps, Doc Martens, plaid flannel shirts, vintage skirts with black tights, etc. These guys conform entirely to that. I imagine everyone has a different definition in some ways. It's all good fun I guess.
Here's a pretty funny article about the "trend".
Why do people keep referring to The Lumineers as hipsters? I think maybe the definition of a hipster is different wherever you are, than in the UK.
It is very likely a different definition in the US than the UK. A lot of it is the hipster "uniform": suspenders (often with a belt (why?!)), unkempt beards, vests, fedoras and/or wool ski caps, Doc Martens, plaid flannel shirts, vintage skirts with black tights, etc. These guys conform entirely to that. I imagine everyone has a different definition in some ways. It's all good fun I guess.
Here's a pretty funny article about the "trend".
Any song with the word "rafters" is usually pretty damn good
petty scrap thewiseking wrote:
Why do people keep referring to The Lumineers as hipsters? I think maybe the definition of a hipster is different wherever you are, than in the UK.
I'd say The Lumineers are pretty much the antithesis of hipsters, and I think if a hipster café tried playing these guys they'd quickly lose their hipster clientèle (unless they played them ironically). Not that British hipsters go to cafés - you're more likely to see them at that pop-up vegan street stall selling snacks from an obscure region of kyrgyzstan with music played by a 90-year old underappreciated kalimba virtuouso.
For what it's worth, I quite like these guys.
I am not a hipster.
One day we shall look back upon this and declare thusly, Behold, the Hipster Crap!
Why do people keep referring to The Lumineers as hipsters? I think maybe the definition of a hipster is different wherever you are, than in the UK.
I'd say The Lumineers are pretty much the antithesis of hipsters, and I think if a hipster café tried playing these guys they'd quickly lose their hipster clientèle (unless they played them ironically). Not that British hipsters go to cafés - you're more likely to see them at that pop-up vegan street stall selling snacks from an obscure region of kyrgyzstan with music played by a 90-year old underappreciated kalimba virtuouso.
For what it's worth, I quite like these guys.
I am not a hipster.
Oh my- this song made me cry.
Today it cut me to the quick... 
At 3rd or so listen, this song is one of the most depressing ever. It just kinda creeps up on you, somewhere in the middle. Good follow up, Mr. Bill/Mrs. Rebecca with something by Bob Marley. Whew.
Great lyrics and vocals and I love the album cover picture of Theda Bara, who was one of silent films biggest stars and a real hottie. check her out on YouTube. An 8 for the song and a 9 for Theda.
I was Cleopatra, I was young and an actress
When you knelt by my mattress, and asked for my hand
But I was sad you asked it, as I laid in a black dress
With my father in a casket, I had no plans, yeah
When you knelt by my mattress, and asked for my hand
But I was sad you asked it, as I laid in a black dress
With my father in a casket, I had no plans, yeah
And I left the footprints, the mud stained on the carpet
And it hardened like my heart did when you left town
But I must admit it, that I would marry you in an instant
Damn your wife, I'd be your mistress just to have you around
And it hardened like my heart did when you left town
But I must admit it, that I would marry you in an instant
Damn your wife, I'd be your mistress just to have you around
But I was late for this, late for that, late for the love of my life
And when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time
And when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time
While the church discouraged, any lust that burned within me
Yes my flesh, it was my currency, but I held true
So I drive a taxi, and the traffic distracts me
From the strangers in my backseat, they remind me of you
Yes my flesh, it was my currency, but I held true
So I drive a taxi, and the traffic distracts me
From the strangers in my backseat, they remind me of you
But I was late for this, late for that, late for the love of my life
And when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time
And when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time
And the only gifts from my Lord were a birth and a divorce
But I've read this script and the costume fits, so I'll play my part
But I've read this script and the costume fits, so I'll play my part
I was Cleopatra, I was taller than the rafters
But that's all in the past now, gone with the wind
Now a nurse in white shoes leads me back to my guestroom
It's a bed and a bathroom
And a place for the end
But that's all in the past now, gone with the wind
Now a nurse in white shoes leads me back to my guestroom
It's a bed and a bathroom
And a place for the end
I won't be late for this, late for that, late for the love of my life
And when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time
And when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time
Songwriters: Wesley Schultz / Simone Felice / Jeremy Fraites
Ramsey NJ reppin' 
DaidyBoy wrote:
I can understand the possible confusion. Good old glam rock ...
They had skateboards then?
I can understand the possible confusion. Good old glam rock ...
They had skateboards then?
Proclivities wrote:
I don't think any T Rex album had a woman on the cover - definitely not "Electric Warrior". Do you mean "The Slider"?
I can understand the possible confusion. Good old glam rock ...
I don't think any T Rex album had a woman on the cover - definitely not "Electric Warrior". Do you mean "The Slider"?
I can understand the possible confusion. Good old glam rock ...
thewiseking wrote:
Bravo, I do not see this withstanding the test of time.
One day we shall look back upon this and declare thusly, Behold, the Hipster Crap!
Bravo, I do not see this withstanding the test of time.
Dude, you have an awesome voice. I don't know who you are, but I love your voice.
thewiseking wrote:
Today I look upon your post and declare, "WT actual F?"
One day we shall look back upon this and declare thusly, Behold, the Hipster Crap!
Today I look upon your post and declare, "WT actual F?"
One day we shall look back upon this and declare thusly, Behold, the Hipster Crap!
primm wrote:
the woman on this album cover reminds me of the woman on the t rex album electric warrior
I don't think any T Rex album had a woman on the cover - definitely not "Electric Warrior". Do you mean "The Slider"?
the woman on this album cover reminds me of the woman on the t rex album electric warriorI don't think any T Rex album had a woman on the cover - definitely not "Electric Warrior". Do you mean "The Slider"?
primm wrote: the woman on this album cover reminds me of the woman on the t rex album electric warrior
This is Theda Bara, a silent movie actress, in 1917 as Cleopatra
the woman on this album cover reminds me of the woman on the t rex album electric warriorThis is Theda Bara, a silent movie actress, in 1917 as Cleopatra
the woman on this album cover reminds me of the woman on the t rex album electric warriorSounds a bit like a young John Prine.
Of all of the "folk" bands which rode in on the Mumford train, how did this one land in the #2 train car?
"But I've read this script, and the costume fits, so I played my part"
Gets me every time...
Gets me every time...
I am enthralled with this entire album ... and the culmination of the storied videos into "Cleopatra's Ballad" - a 24 minute video novella - that was released this week is absolutely incredible. I can't wait to see them live in June!!!
boxofrain wrote:
This whole album is good...and I don't say that very often.
Love this song.... lyrics are sad, but still like the lead singer's voice and instruments. Very catchy...
This whole album is good...and I don't say that very often.
Love this song.... lyrics are sad, but still like the lead singer's voice and instruments. Very catchy...
kingart wrote:
I'll see your Theda Bara, and raise you one Claudette Colbert!!
That's not Cleopatra, damn it. That's Theda Bara.
I'll see your Theda Bara, and raise you one Claudette Colbert!!
When was Wesley Schultz an actress?
I bought the entire album because of hearing this one on RP. Thank you!
Excited to see them opening for U2 (pretty exciting too) in a few months!
StillAwake wrote:
I smile too!
There is just something about the way he sings this that makes me smile and sing along every time...despite it reading like the world's most depressing set of lines. : )
But I was late for this, late for that, late for the love of my life
And when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time...time
But I was late for this, late for that, late for the love of my life
And when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time...time
I smile too!
might be of interest to y'all. my wife, two daughters, and I live in the house where Lumineers drummer Jeremiah grew up. They wrote most of the first album in our attic and basement. Big time creative vibes. We're going to see them at MSG next Friday night. Love seeing them do well!
There is just something about the way he sings this that makes me smile and sing along every time...despite it reading like the world's most depressing set of lines. : )
But I was late for this, late for that, late for the love of my life
And when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time...time
But I was late for this, late for that, late for the love of my life
And when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time...time
But I must admit it, that I would marry you in an instant
Damn your wife, I'd be your mistress just to have you around
Dear haters. At least it's not Dave Matthews. 
These lyrics. Yes.
rwhardy wrote:
Harder. You are still making complete sentences.
Please make this hipster music stop. 
Harder. You are still making complete sentences.
kingart wrote:
That's not Cleopatra, damn it. That's Theda Bara.
Proclivities wrote:
The real Cleopatra was busy decomposing the day that photo was taken.
Bump 6 > 7.
Just at the right time.
Just at the right time.
kingart wrote:
The real Cleopatra was busy decomposing the day that photo was taken.
That's not Cleopatra, damn it. That's Theda Bara.
The real Cleopatra was busy decomposing the day that photo was taken.
Theda Bara plated one hell of a Mata Hari in a silent movie. Va va va voom!
Oh Noes! A Decemberist wannabe band. Eeeek!
kingart wrote:
goofy tune - Theda sure had that power-glare down (what'd they glue a grouse to her head, sheesh : )
That's not Cleopatra, damn it. That's Theda Bara.
goofy tune - Theda sure had that power-glare down (what'd they glue a grouse to her head, sheesh : )
It's not as bad as their first single (that paragon of the "hipster handclap" genre, "Ho, Hey"), but that isn't saying much.
Please make this hipster music stop.
Ha. First AND second.
That's not Cleopatra, damn it. That's Theda Bara.