Neutral Milk Hotel

Lyrics

[Part 1- Gardenhead]
[Verse 1]
There are beads that wrap
Around your knees that crackle into the dark
Like a walk in the park
Like a hole in your head
Like the feeling you get when you realize you're dead
This time
We ride roller coasters into the ocean
We feel no emotion as we spiral down to the world
And I guess it's worth your time
Because there's some lives you live
And some you leave behind
It gets hard to explain
The gardenhead knows my name
[Part 2- Leave Me Alone]
[Verse 2]
Leave me alone
For you know this isn't the first time
In fact this is twice in a row
That the angels have slipped through our landslide
And filled up our garden with snow
And I don't wish to taste of your insides
Or to call out your name through my phone
For the glory boys at your bedside
Will love you as long as you're something to own
Will love you as long as you're something to own
[Verse 3]
Follow me through
A city of frost covered angels
I swear I have nothing to prove
I just want to dance in your tangles
To give me some reason to move
But to take on the world at all angles
Requires a strength I can't use
So I'll meet you up high in your anger
Of all that is hoping and waiting for you
Of all that is hoping and waiting for you

Neutral Milk Hotel's "Gardenhead / Leave Me Alone" is a powerful and introspective song that delves into the complexities of relationships, addiction, and personal growth. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a narrator experiencing a revelation about the destructive nature of his relationship with both drugs and a girl who is no good for him. The song captures a sense of duality and partnership between the girl and the drugs, hinting that the girl may be enabling the narrator's drug use.

The track begins with a sense of frustration and introspection as the narrator realizes the negative impact of his entanglement with drugs and an unhealthy relationship. The lyrics convey a quest for liberation and the desire to break free from the clutches of addiction and toxicity.

Throughout the song, Neutral Milk Hotel's lead vocalist and songwriter, Jeff Mangum, skillfully explores the blurred lines between the girl and the drugs. He pleads with the girl to save herself and join him on his journey towards self-discovery and sobriety. There is a sense of urgency and desperation in his voice, highlighting the push and pull between wanting to escape and feeling compelled to save others who are also trapped in destructive patterns.

In this musical masterpiece, Mangum effectively captures the frustration and isolation that can come from feeling like you've found a higher meaning that others fail to comprehend. The lyrics are imbued with a raw sense of vulnerability and honesty, allowing listeners to connect on a deep emotional level. The song's ethereal and haunting melodies, combined with Mangum's heartfelt vocals, create an immersive and captivating sonic experience.

"Gardenhead / Leave Me Alone" is a thought-provoking and introspective track that tackles themes of addiction, toxic relationships, and personal growth. It serves as a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to recognize and leave behind what is hurting us. Neutral Milk Hotel's masterful storytelling, combined with their unique musical style, make this song a standout in their discography.

About Neutral Milk Hotel

Neutral Milk Hotel is an American indie rock band formed in the late 1980s by singer-songwriter Jeff Mangum. Known for their eclectic sound and introspective lyrics, the band gained a cult following throughout the 1990s.

Mangum's deeply personal and emotive songwriting, coupled with the band's experimental and lo-fi musical style, set Neutral Milk Hotel apart from their contemporaries. Their critically acclaimed album, "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea," released in 1998, solidified their status as one of the most influential indie rock bands of the era.

Neutral Milk Hotel's music is characterized by a unique blend of folk, indie rock, and lo-fi aesthetics. Their songs often explore themes of love, loss, existentialism, and personal introspection. Mangum's distinct vocal style, with its raw emotion and haunting quality, adds an extra layer of depth to their music, drawing listeners into a world of introspection and reflection.

While the band disbanded in 1999, their music continues to resonate with audiences today. "Gardenhead / Leave Me Alone" is a prime example of Neutral Milk Hotel's ability to craft deeply meaningful and thought-provoking songs that leave a lasting impact on listeners.

...

Neutral Milk Hotel's "Gardenhead / Leave Me Alone" is a deeply reflective and emotionally charged song that touches upon the complexities of addiction, toxic relationships, and personal growth. Jeff Mangum's evocative lyrics and the band's unique musical style create a captivating listening experience that invites introspection and emotional connection. It stands as a testament to the power of music to explore the depths of human experience and provoke thought and self-reflection.

• Release Date: March 26, 1996
• Artist: Neutral Milk Hotel