Fleet Foxes

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
So now I am older
Than my mother and father
When they had their daughter
Now what does that say about me?
Oh, how could I dream of
Such a selfless and true love
Could I wash my hands of
Just looking out for me

[Chorus]
Oh man, what I used to be
Oh man, oh my, oh me
Oh man, what I used to be
Oh man, oh my, oh me

[Verse 2]
In dearth or in excess
Both the slave and the empress
Will return to the dirt, I guess
Naked as when they came
I wonder if I'll see
Any faces above me
Or just cracks in the ceiling
Nobody else to blame
[Chorus]
Oh man, what I used to be
Oh man, oh my, oh me
Oh man, what I used to be
Oh man, oh my, oh me

[Verse 3]
Gold teeth and gold jewelry
Every piece of your dowry
Throw them into the tomb with me
Bury them with my name
Unless I have someday
Ran my wandering mind away

[Chorus]
Oh man, what I used to be
Montezuma to Tripoli
Oh man, oh my, oh me

Montezuma by Fleet Foxes is a mesmerizing piece of music that showcases the poetic prowess of Robin Pecknold, the band's lead singer and primary songwriter. With rich imagery and symbolism, Pecknold delves into the complex emotions of midlife introspection and the fleeting nature of life itself. The song is a poignant reflection on the narrator's past accomplishments, his current state of being, and the inevitability of death. With its majestic and solemn backing vocals, Montezuma evokes the solemnity and grandeur of a choir singing from a hymnal, adding an ethereal layer to the introspective lyrics.

About Montezuma

In Montezuma, Robin Pecknold explores the depths of human emotion and the journey of self-exploration that often comes with midlife or later years. The song presents a clear departure from his usually ambiguous lyrical style, offering a personal narrative that reflects on the narrator's past and present selves. It alludes to the idea of recognizing the value of things beyond oneself and considering the consequences of a life lived with selfish intentions.

The song opens with a contemplation on whether the narrator, who has lived a life centered on self-interest, could willingly let go of his selfish concerns and embrace the idea of having a child. Pecknold's poignant lyrics paint a picture of someone at a crossroads, pondering the idea of shifting their focus and finding a greater purpose in life.

As the song progresses, the second verse plunges the listener into the narrator's thoughts on mortality. The lyrics suggest that the narrator is either approaching middle age or old age and is faced with the realization that death is an inevitable fate shared by all. The vivid imagery of looking up from a coffin and questioning if anyone would come to pay their respects emphasizes the loneliness and existential uncertainties associated with the contemplation of one's own mortality.

The final verse of Montezuma presents a thought-provoking exploration of the material possessions and wealth that individuals accumulate over a lifetime. Pecknold challenges the notion of "you can't take it with you" by suggesting that a truly selfish individual might attempt to take their riches with them even in death. The use of the word "dowry" hints at the narrator having been married, yet no expression of regret or love toward their betrothed further solidifies the portrayal of a self-centered individual.

The chorus of Montezuma adds further depth to the narrative. With a hauntingly beautiful melody and the inclusion of the Hymn of the US Marines, the chorus alludes to the narrator's military background and adds a layer of bravery and sacrifice that may have shaped their worldview. The lyrics remain wonderfully vague, allowing for multiple interpretations. The chorus could be seen as the narrator reflecting on past achievements, admitting past sins, or simply a contemplation on the dichotomy of their past and present selves.

Montezuma stands out as a remarkable piece of musical artistry that uses descriptive lyrics and atmospheric melodies to evoke profound emotions in its listeners. Robin Pecknold's ability to masterfully blend symbolism, imagery, and thought-provoking narratives showcases his songwriting skills and sets Fleet Foxes apart in the indie folk scene. The song's introspective nature prompts listeners to contemplate their own journeys, encouraging them to question their actions, values, and desires.

In a world where music often serves as a mere background noise, Montezuma is a poignant reminder of the power of music to connect with our deepest emotions and transcend the boundaries of language. It is a song that deserves to be heard and cherished, and it undoubtedly solidifies Fleet Foxes' place as one of the most captivating and introspective bands of our time.

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