Fleet Foxes

Lyrics

[Chorus]
Why in the night sky are the lights hung?
Why is the Earth moving 'round the sun?
Floating in the vacuum with no purpose, not a one
Why in the night sky are the lights hung?

[Verse 1]
Why is life made only for to end?
Why do I do all this waiting then?
Why this frightened part of me that's fated to pretend?
Why is life made only for to end?

[Verse 2]
In the city only for a while
Here to face the fortune and the bile
I heard you on the radio, I couldn't help but smile
In the city only for a while

[Chorus]
Why in the night sky are the lights hung?
Why is the Earth moving 'round the sun?
Floating in the vacuum with no purpose, not a one
Why in the night sky are the lights hung?See Fleet Foxes LiveGet tickets as low as $60

Are you ready to be taken on an introspective journey through the ethereal soundscape of folk and indie rock? Then prepare to immerse yourself in the haunting beauty of "Blue Spotted Tail" by Fleet Foxes. This mesmerizing track, sung by the band's lead vocalist Robin Pecknold, delves deep into existential themes and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. As the song unfolds, it weaves a delicate web of emotions, drawing you into Pecknold's thought process as he contemplates life after losing a loved one.

About Blue Spotted Tail

At its core, "Blue Spotted Tail" serves as a poignant reflection on the transitory nature of human connections and the profound effect they have on our lives. Following the emotionally charged track "The Shrine/An Argument," where Pecknold laments a lost lover, and preceding the hopeful tune "Grown Ocean," this song acts as the bridge between heartbreak and newfound optimism.

With its stripped-down instrumentation and ethereal harmonies, "Blue Spotted Tail" creates an atmosphere of introspection and longing. The gentle strumming of the acoustic guitar, accompanied by the faint hum of an organ, sets the stage for Pecknold's introspective musings. His hushed vocals, filled with vulnerability, invite you to join him on his soul-searching journey.

Lyrically, the song is a masterclass in poetic storytelling. Pecknold's skillful use of imagery paints vivid pictures in the listener's mind. He employs metaphors and analogies to convey his complex emotions, expertly translating his experience into a universal longing for connection and understanding.

While the title "Blue Spotted Tail" may seem enigmatic at first glance, it serves as a perfect representation of the song's themes. Like a fleeting glimpse of a mysterious creature, the blue-spotted tail represents the beauty and fragility of the connections we form with others. It symbolizes the bittersweet joy we experience when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, knowing that these connections may ultimately fade away.

The song's pacing mirrors the ebb and flow of Pecknold's thoughts. It starts with a gentle and melancholic melody, gradually building to an emotional crescendo before receding once again into a tender contemplation. This carefully crafted structure enhances the song's introspective nature, drawing the listener deeper into Pecknold's mindset.

One of the most captivating aspects of "Blue Spotted Tail" is Pecknold's voice, which possesses a haunting quality, as if capturing the essence of a long-forgotten era. It carries a raw vulnerability that resonates with the listener, evoking a sense of shared human experience. As he navigates the depths of his emotions, his voice swells and retreats, adding another layer of emotional depth to the song.

The song's closing lines, "So we carried our bodies down, into the river, me floating away," leave the listener with a sense of profound melancholy. Pecknold's introspection leads him to contemplate his own mortality and the impermanence of life. Yet, amidst the existential pondering, there remains a glimmer of hope, a belief that even in the face of uncertainty, love and connection can transcend the boundaries of time and space.

In essence, "Blue Spotted Tail" is a mesmerizing sonic journey that explores the intricate tapestry of human emotions. Through the delicate combination of introspective lyrics, haunting melodies, and Pecknold's emotive vocals, Fleet Foxes create a space for contemplation and self-reflection. So, grab your headphones, close your eyes, and allow yourself to be carried away by the timeless beauty of this extraordinary song.

• Release Date: May 2, 2011
• Artist: Fleet Foxes