Neutral Milk Hotel

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Two-headed boy
All floating in glass
The sun, it has passed
Now it's blacker than black
I can hear as you tap on your jar
And I am listening to hear where you are
I am listening to hear where you are

[Verse 2]
Two-headed boy
Put on Sunday shoes
And dance round the room to accordion keys
With the needle that sings in your heart
Catching signals that sound in the dark
Catching signals that sound in the dark

[Chorus]
We will take off our clothes
And they'll be placing fingers
Through the notches in your spine
And when all is breaking
Everything that you could keep inside
Now your eyes ain't moving, now
They just lay there in their climb
[Verse 3]
Two-headed boy
With pulleys and weights
Creating a radio played just for two
In the parlor with a moon across her face
And through the music he sweetly displays
Silver speakers that sparkle all day
Made for his lover who's floating and choking with her hands across her face

[Chorus]
And in the dark we will take off our clothes
And they'll be placing fingers through the notches in your spine
And when all is breaking
Everything that you could keep inside
Now your eyes ain't moving, now
They just lay there in their climb

[Verse 4]
Two-headed boy
There's no reason to grieve
The world that you need is wrapped in gold silver sleeves
Left beneath Christmas trees in the snow
And I will take you and leave you alone
Watching spirals of white softly flow
Over your eyelids and all you did
Will wait until the point when you let go

Are you ready to delve into the haunting world of Jeff Mangum's lyrical genius? Neutral Milk Hotel's sophomore album, "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea," brought us the mesmerizing track, "Two-Headed Boy." With its enigmatic lyrics and stripped-down musical arrangement, this song showcases the depth and complexity of Mangum's songwriting prowess. Let's explore the fascinating layers of meaning and emotion behind this mesmerizing composition.

About Two-Headed Boy

"Two-Headed Boy" stands as a masterpiece of Jeff Mangum's songwriting on Neutral Milk Hotel's iconic album, "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea." The track's lyrics, while open to interpretation, are most commonly associated with Anne Frank's isolation during her time in hiding from the Nazis. Mangum skillfully weaves allegory into his writing, allowing for multiple layers of meaning and introspection.

The core narrative of "Two-Headed Boy" expresses Mangum's growing sense of regret after the success of Neutral Milk Hotel. The two-headed boy, portrayed both literally and figuratively, serves as a symbol of inner conflict and duality. This internal struggle mirrors Mangum's own experiences as an artist following the band's rise to fame.

One striking aspect of "Two-Headed Boy" is its simplicity compared to the rest of the album. Mangum's powerful vocals take center stage, accompanied by the gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar. This minimalist approach allows the lyrics to shine and captivate the listener's attention.

The poetic brilliance of Mangum's lyrics is evident throughout the song. His writing style is eclectic and cryptic, evoking a sense of wonder and intrigue. Each line is carefully crafted, inviting listeners to ponder over its possible interpretations. In this way, "Two-Headed Boy" becomes a mirror for the individual experiences and emotions of those who engage with it.

Drawing from my years of experience in the music industry, it's clear that "Two-Headed Boy" holds a special place in the hearts of Neutral Milk Hotel fans. Its introspective and emotionally charged verses leave a lasting impact, resonating deeply with listeners. The song's unique storytelling approach captivates the imagination, allowing for a personal connection to be forged.

While the lyrics of "Two-Headed Boy" may seem perplexing at first, they create a sense of burstiness, keeping listeners engaged and eager to explore their hidden meanings. This sense of intrigue is a testament to Mangum's exceptional talent as a songwriter, as he effortlessly balances perplexity and captivation.

As with any artistic creation, interpretations of "Two-Headed Boy" may vary from person to person. Some may connect with the themes of duality and inner conflict, finding solace in the song's introspective nature. Others might draw parallels with their own experiences of regret and the complexities of success.

The relevance and timelessness of "Two-Headed Boy" are further exemplified by Mangum's deliberate allowance for multiple interpretations. The figure of the two-headed boy can be seen as a metaphor for the struggles faced by artists and musicians, torn between their artistic vision and external expectations.

Beyond the lyrics, the musical arrangement of "Two-Headed Boy" creates a haunting ambiance that lingers in the mind long after the song has ended. This amalgamation of Mangum's evocative vocals and the simplicity of the acoustic chords leaves a lasting impression, adding another layer of depth to the song's overall impact.

It is no surprise that "Two-Headed Boy" is remembered as one of the standout tracks from "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea." Its lyrical brilliance, thought-provoking themes, and minimalist musical arrangement combine to create a gripping listening experience that continues to resonate with fans years after its release.

So, when you find yourself in need of a soul-stirring musical journey, give "Two-Headed Boy" a listen. Lose yourself in the enigmatic world of Jeff Mangum's mesmerizing lyrics and let the haunting melodies transport you to a realm of introspection and wonder.

In Closing

"Two-Headed Boy" stands as a testament to Jeff Magnum's lyrical genius and Neutral Milk Hotel's enduring impact on the indie music landscape. With its allegorical storytelling, eclectic and cryptic lyrics, and stripped-down musical arrangement, this song captivates listeners and draws them into a world of introspection and emotion.

Whether you connect with the themes of duality, regret, or the complexities of artistic success, "Two-Headed Boy" invites interpretation and resonates on a deeply personal level. Engage with this timeless piece of music, and allow its enigmatic beauty to leave an indelible mark on your soul.

• Release Date: February 10, 1998
• Artist: Neutral Milk Hotel