Sufjan Stevens

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
It's been a long, long time since I've memorized your face
It's been four hours now since I've wandered through your place
And when I sleep on your couch, I feel very safe
And when you bring the blankets, I cover up my face

[Chorus]
I do
Love you
I do
Love you

[Verse 2]
And when you play guitar, I listen to the strings buzz
The metal vibrates underneath your fingers
And when you crochet, I feel mesmerized and proud
And I would say I love you but saying it out loud
Is hard

[Bridge]
So I won't say it at all
And I won't stay very long

[Outro]
But you are the life I needed all along
I think of you as my brother
Although that sounds dumb
And words are futile devices

If you're a fan of the indie folk genre, then you must've surely heard of Sufjan Stevens. The American singer-songwriter has been creating music for over two decades now and has established himself as a prominent figure in the scene. One of his most noteworthy works is the song 'Futile Devices' which was first featured on his 2010 album, The Age of Adz.

Years later, the song was given a fresh take by American pianist and producer, Thomas Bartlett, who goes by the moniker of Doveman. The remix not only breathed new life into the track but also served a purpose in the film industry when it made its way into the critically acclaimed film, Call Me By Your Name.

About Futile Devices (Doveman Remix)

'Futile Devices' is a song that was initially released as part of Sufjan Steven's album The Age of Adz. The album, released in 2010, was a departure from his usual style, as it veered into the electro-pop territory. Despite this, 'Futile Devices' was a relatively minimalist track that mostly featured acoustic guitar and Sufjan's soft vocals. It was a quiet and gentle ballad that spoke about the longing for intimate connection and the futility of being without it.

When Doveman took on the task of remixing the track, he added layers of atmospheric sounds, including eerie synths and haunting piano chords. While he kept the original's simple melody intact, his remix elevated the track and gave it a haunting and melancholy feel. It was a remix that was worthy of being classified as a standalone masterpiece.

The remix of 'Futile Devices' found its way into the critically acclaimed film, Call Me By Your Name. The film was a coming-of-age story that revolved around a 17-year-old boy, Elio, who falls in love with a 24-year-old graduate student, Oliver, who comes to stay with his family for the summer. The film's soundtrack was crucial in setting the film's mood and tone, and the 'Futile Devices' remix fitted perfectly in the scene where Elio lays in his bed, listening to the track contemplatively.

The use of 'Futile Devices' in Call Me By Your Name brought a new wave of appreciation for the song, and the Doveman remix in particular. It introduced the song to a whole new generation of fans and cemented its status as a classic indie ballad.

It's safe to say that 'Futile Devices' is a song that will continue to stand the test of time. Whether you prefer the original version or the Doveman remix, the track has a way of evoking emotions and making you ponder on the intricacies of human connections. It's a masterpiece that every indie music lover and movie buff should have on their playlist.

• Release Date: November 3, 2017
• Artist: Sufjan Stevens