1990s songs, breakup songs

#410 Into Dust- Mazzy Star

Like two strangers/
Turning into dust.

Hope Sandoval and Mazzy Star have a very distinctive sound as displayed in “Into Dust”. It is depressing, mopey, lingering and introspective. I mean that in the best possible way. Their sound seems to be achieved through the use of echo, coupled with acoustic guitar, strings and Sandoval’s vocals.

A lot of bands use those same tools, but none create the unique sound that is Mazzy Star. There are not many singers who could hold our attention with a song that proceeds at this slow of a pace, yet we are enthralled.

Mazzy Star’s “Into Dust” is a song about the death of a relationship. Sandoval likens it to an actual death. It can feel that way at times; that is the appeal of the song. Is the death of a relationship so much different than the death of an individual? In both cases an entity is destroyed forever. (Of course, one is more final than the other, but why split hairs?). Mazzy Star can really set a mood and is one of the more underrated bands of the 90s.

Into Dust Lyrics & Meaning

Still falling, breathless and on again.
Inside today, beside me today.
Around, broken in two,
Till your eyes shed into dust.
Like two strangers turning into dust,
Till my hand shook with the weight of fear.

I could possibly be fading,
Or have something more to gain.
I could feel myself growing colder,
I could feel myself under your fate,
Under your fate.

It was you, breathless and torn,
I could feel my eyes turning into dust.
And two strangers turning into dust,
Turning into dust.

Written by David Roback/ Hope Sandoval

2000s songs, relationship problems

#409 Just Another- Peter Yorn

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And you’re my baby
You’re just another girl.

Peter Yorn’s “Just Another” is about a casual relationship that Yorn is no longer into. It is hard to tell. The lyrics aren’t exactly tight, nor do they lend themselves to interpretation. I think Yorn is of the school of thought that if it sounds like a complete sentence and kind of conveys what I am going for, then perfect. Whereas, others might want to proofread their lyrics and try to convey their emotions through words as if they were poetry. To each his own, I guess.

The melody and simple instrumentation of “Just Another” are what makes this a great song. Also the line “you’re just another girl” is one of those anthem-y type lines that help to bring home a song. (Kind of like Just Like a Woman…except not near that level). The guitar is simple, but very effective. Finger-picking on an acoustic guitar usually sounds really good. Yorn has a couple guitars going at once during the song. The light strings are expected. What is not expected in the harmonica solo. It creates a dissonance of sorts that helps create the unique vibe of “Just Another”.

Just Another Lyrics

You and I we’re two of a kind
I hate to say it but you’ll never relate
What makes you tick
It makes me smile.
You said that I should get away from it all
And bury my head in the sand if I want to
I think you
Should thank me now.

You were lying wide awake in the garden
Trying to get over your stardom
And I could never see you depart us
And you’re my baby
You’re just another girl
Just another girl

I never mind the way I had to see ya
My working on a day show never explains
Why I see you
And I feel your pain.
I love to wear my work inside of my head
I can’t complain but you should never react
The way you did
I feel your time.

You were lying wide awake in the garden
Trying to get over your stardom
And I could never see you depart us
And you’re my baby
And you were lying wide awake in the garden
Trying to get over your stardom
And I could never see you depart us
And you’re my baby,
You’re just another girl
You’re just another girl
You’re just another girl

Songwriters: Peter J Yorn

2000s songs, authenticity

#408 Grey Matter- Jewel

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I hate you, I love you/
Leave, please don’t go away.

When Jewel’s first album came out I thought she might end up being bigger than The Beatles. Her first album had three legit all-time-great songs, several good songs and maybe only one real clunker. She was 19. The first couple Beatles albums were only okay. Was it possible we had the next Beatles right here in front of us? Imagine how great her follow up work would be? Alas, she only produced one other good song a couple albums later, “Grey Matter”.

That is still a tremendous career, but it was quite a drop-off from the crazy heights of what might be the most successful debut album of all time.

“Grey Matter” discusses how her feelings can run hot and cold on a guy but she appreciates that he is always steady for her. It is a sweet song, and not well known. “Grey Matter” was never performed in the studio. She recorded herself singing it on the road and put it on “This Way” live. It is a magical performance. You can really hear everything about what is great about Jewel in this recording. She is an amazing live solo performer.

Just Jewel with her guitar is crazy. Her voice is unique and sounds amazing here. Her guitar work is solid: finger-picking on an acoustic guitar makes for great sounding music. Also, notice the depth of her voice. She has all the power of any of the divas, but she uses restraint and only belts out two or three words towards the end. And there are never any crazy vocal runs.

I got to see Jewel open for Bob Dylan before she had released her first album. (I was there for Dylan). It was clear to everyone there she was special. She was extremely beautiful, had a sharp wit and handled the crowd well. She also told us about how she was just learning the guitar and she just starting writing a song with the two easiest chords she could play, then she sang a verse of her new song “Who will save your soul.” It was pretty amazing.

Grey Matter Lyrics

Hate you, I love you
Leave, please
Don’t go away
Can’t decide if
I like your face
Or if I wish
It would stray
You’re a child but
You’re malicious
You’re sweet but
Don’t remember my name
And heads you win
And tails I’m lost
And love equals pain

I am drifting
Without an anchor
Through your ambiguous region
A strange continent
Immune to all reason
And I’m flattered by
Your gray matter

Inside my skin
I feel your tongue
Telling me I’m dirty
And licking my bones
A surge against silence
A knife across a plate
Makes the sound
Of need on hate

I am drifting
Without an anchor
Through your ambiguous region
A strange continent
Immune to all reason
And I’m flattered by
Your gray matter

And I do not understand
Why a woman can’t
Just love a man
You’re amusing
You’re a real cool show
With your meat hooks
And barbed wire carnival
You got glitter in your pocket
You got mothballs in your soul
From too many false teeth
And greasy flash bulbs

I am drifting
Without an anchor
Through your ambiguous region
A strange continent
Immune to all reason
And I’m flattered by
Your gray matter
I love you
I hate you

Songwriters: Jewel Kilcher

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