Phoebe Bridgers

checked

Kyoto

Phoebe Bridgers

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Day off in Kyoto
Got bored at the temple
Looked around at the 7-Eleven
The band took the speed train
Went to the arcade
I wanted to go, but I didn't
You called me from a payphone
They still got payphones
It cost a dollar a minute
To tell me you're getting sober
And you wrote me a letter
But I don't have to read it

[Chorus]
I'm gonna kill you
If you don't beat me to it
Dreaming through Tokyo skies
I wanted to see the world
Then I flew over the ocean
And I changed my mind (Woo)

[Verse 2]
Sunset's been a freak show
On the weekend, so
I've been driving out to the suburbs
To park at the Goodwill
And stare at the chemtrails
With my little brother
He said you called on his birthday
You were off by, like, ten days
But you get a few points for tryin'
Remember getting the truck fixed
When you let us drive it
Twenty-five felt like flying
[Chorus]
I don't forgive you
But please don't hold me to it
Born under Scorpio skies
I wanted to see the world
Through your eyes until it happened
Then I changed my mind

[Outro]
Guess I lied
I'm a liar
Who lies
'Cause I'm a liar

Phoebe Bridgers' Kyoto is a heart-wrenching indie rock song that delves into the artist's inner thoughts during her tour to Japan. The track is the second single from her sophomore album, Punisher, with a sound that beautifully balances the pain of Bridgers' lyrics with joyous fanfare instrumentals. The song features Nathaniel Walcott from the Bright Eyes band on the horns, adding a unique layer to the track's uplifting sound. Despite being a song of personal resentment, Kyoto manages to shine a light on the pain of Bridgers' past and present relationships.

About Kyoto

Phoebe Bridgers' Kyoto is a captivating indie rock song that expresses the artist's inner thoughts and struggles while touring Japan. The song's instrumentation is perfectly balanced, with joyful fanfare instruments paired with Bridgers' melancholic segments. The song strikes a chord within the listener's emotions with its balance of sounds. Kyoto is the second single released by the artist off her sophomore album, Punisher.

Phoebe Bridgers, in an April 2020 press release, described the Kyoto song as one about her impostor syndrome. The song lyrics delve into Bridgers' feelings of inadequacy and alienation despite achieving success in her career. Kyoto discusses the mental struggle of feeling like an outsider while existing on the inside. The song's production features horns that add an almost carnival-like element, coupled with Bridger's vocals - a combination that enhances the song's message.

In a May 2020 interview with The New Yorker, Bridgers reveals that Kyoto addresses the complex relationship she had with her father. The narrative delves into two main themes, the relationship between father and daughter and the reality of missed opportunities in life. Bridgers feels a mixture of anger and empathy towards her father, leaving her relationship with him in a state of uncertainty. This uncertainty manifests into a crucial component of the song as Bridgers asks the question, "Are we talking, are we not talking? What's the vibe?"

The song is available on all major music platforms as a single or as part of Phoebe Bridgers' sophomore album, Punisher.

During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Bridgers had planned to film the music video for Kyoto in Japan but was unable to, and instead filmed it in front of a green screen. The video depicts Bridgers' adventure through Kyoto’s rich cultural and historical landmarks, interspersed with beautiful animation and art pieces. The video's imagery is stunning and adds another layer to the song's meaning. The carefully curated visuals evoke the song's core emotions, with Bridgers appearing grave and lost amid the bustling city.

Amid the strict social-distancing policies during the pandemic period, Bridgers amusingly performed "Kyoto" live from her bathtub on the late-night show Jimmy Kimmel Live! in April 2020, adding a touch of humor to the song's seriousness.

Phoebe Bridgers is an established indie musician with an extensive discography and numerous collaborations, and Kyoto stands out as a unique track combining deeply emotional lyrics with stunning instrumentation and production. The song is an emotional rollercoaster wrapped in stunning, modern instrumentation, making Kyoto a timeless classic suitable for any mood.

The Final Word

Phoebe Bridgers' Kyoto is an uptempo indie rock track that takes listeners on a journey through the artist's inner musings. The song is an excellent combination of Bridgers' written lyrics with the bittersweet and uplifting fanfare instrumentals. The production of the song is integrated seamlessly, allowing the music to become an extension of Bridger's emotions, culminating in a song that transcends mere sound. The lyrics of the song revolve around personal resentment and Bridgers' mental dilemma of feeling like an imposter, especially as a successful artist. The song's core theme, the complex relationship between Bridgers and her father, adds an emotional layer to the song that all listeners can relate to. With careful production, stunning imagery, and perfect lyrics, Kyoto is a beautiful masterpiece that blends modern instrumentation with classical fanfare to create timeless music.