Tropical Robots
Sometimes the brevity of Robert Pollard's songs seems borne of a lack of focus or a lack of time as other, newer ideas push old ones aside. Fans rarely complain about short songs that end after a verse and a chorus; Pollard gets the job done and moves on. But some songs simply don't need to be any longer than they are. They aren't missing second or third verses or a bridge. They are what they are, and they're perfect.
That's the case with "Tropical Robots," one of the B-sides that populates the Hold on Hope EP -- pound for pound perhaps one of Guided by Voices' strongest releases. At just 51 seconds, the song barely gets started before it's over, and yet I can't think of a thing to add to it. The lyrics, in total:
Oh, tropical robots
When you come of age you'll reach the sun
And when you go away you won't come back no more.
Alabama policeman, let them go on their way
Don't spoil their fun
Cause when they go away they won't come back no more.
Who knows what he's talking about, and who cares. Over what one assumes is either Pollard himself or Doug Gillard playing a charming acoustic guitar part, Pollard sings that short verse, offering one of his most compelling melodies.
That's the case with "Tropical Robots," one of the B-sides that populates the Hold on Hope EP -- pound for pound perhaps one of Guided by Voices' strongest releases. At just 51 seconds, the song barely gets started before it's over, and yet I can't think of a thing to add to it. The lyrics, in total:
Oh, tropical robots
When you come of age you'll reach the sun
And when you go away you won't come back no more.
Alabama policeman, let them go on their way
Don't spoil their fun
Cause when they go away they won't come back no more.
Who knows what he's talking about, and who cares. Over what one assumes is either Pollard himself or Doug Gillard playing a charming acoustic guitar part, Pollard sings that short verse, offering one of his most compelling melodies.
Labels: Daredevil Stamp Collector, Hold on Hope
posted by John Kenyon at 5:58 PM
4 Comments:
nice post, that song is definitely something special.
i believe pollard said it's about old folks who move south.
Yep... its about how everyone's parents move to Florida in their old age. Possibly caught for speeding in Alabama on their way down? Great song.
Makes sense now. That's what I was hoping to get from this: some added brain power to help figure these things out. I've been thinking of kids with the "come of age" line, but in this context, with "you'll reach the sun" following it, it makes perfect sense.
definitely is one of my favorite GBV tunes. lovely track, spot-on commentary.
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