Vampire Weekend

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
It's gonna take a little time while you're waiting like a factory line
I'll ride across the park, backseat on the 79
Wasted days, you've come to pass
So go, I know you would not stay
It wasn't true, but anyway
Pollination yellow cab

[Refrain]
Ohh, ohh

[Verse 2]
You walk up the stairs, see the French kids by the door
Up one more flight, see the Buddha on the second floor
Coronation rickshaw grab
So go, I know you would not stay
It wasn't true, but anyway
Racist dreams you should not have

[Refrain]
Ohh, ohh

[Bridge]
No excuse to be so callous
Dress yourself in bleeding madras
Charm your way across the Khyber Pass
Stay awake to break the habit
Sing in praise of Jackson Crowter
Watch your step along the arch of
[Instrumental]

[Bridge]
No excuse to be so callous
Dress yourself in bleeding madras
Charm your way across the Khyber Pass
Stay awake to break the habit
Sing in praise of Jackson Crowter
Watch your step along the arch of glass

Are you a fan of indie rock, preppy vibes, and the sound of strings? Then you’re in for a treat with “M79” by Vampire Weekend. This fantastic song is one of the most beloved tracks off the band’s debut album, and for good reason. With a unique and infectious sound that combines orchestral strings, surf-rock guitars, and clever name-drops, it’s a standout track that will leave you humming along for days. But what’s the story behind the song, and what makes it so special? Let’s find out.

About M79

At its core, “M79” is a song about the M79 bus in Manhattan. For those not in the know, the M79 runs from west to Riverside Drive and east to East End Avenue, making it a vital connection between neighborhoods on either side of the island. But for Vampire Weekend, the M79 was more than just a bus route – it was a symbol of the city’s pulse, its energy, and its diversity.

The song starts with a catchy guitar riff that sets the stage for the rest of the melody. But it’s not long until the strings come in, adding a layer of complexity and emotion that elevates the song to another level. As the lyrics kick in, we hear lead singer Ezra Koenig name-drop a series of places and people that are likely unfamiliar to many listeners. From St. Agnes, to Riverside Park, to Nietzsche and Alain Resnais, the references fly fast and thick, painting a picture of a world that’s at once exclusive and inclusive.

What’s impressive about “M79” is how it manages to capture the essence of New York City in just a few short minutes. The song is bursting with energy, full of driving rhythms and soaring melodies that evoke the city’s restless spirit. But at the same time, it has an effortless coolness that’s rooted in the preppy, Ivy League culture that Vampire Weekend was born out of.

It’s also worth noting the song’s use of surf-rock guitars, which give “M79” an unexpected twist. While it would be easy to picture the track with a more straightforward indie rock sound, the surf element adds a layer of playfulness and fun that makes the song all the more memorable.

When you put it all together, “M79” is a masterpiece of indie rock that manages to be complex, catchy, and endlessly listenable all at once. With its unique blend of orchestral strings, surf guitars, and preppy references, it’s a song that rewards multiple listens, revealing new layers of depth and meaning each time you hear it. Whether you’re a longtime Vampire Weekend fan or just discovering their music for the first time, “M79” is a track that’s sure to leave an impression.

Wrapping Up

With its infectious sound, clever references, and undeniable catchiness, “M79” is a standout track off Vampire Weekend’s debut album. Whether you’re a fan of indie rock, preppy culture, or just great music in general, it’s a song that’s sure to leave you humming along. So why not give it a listen and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?

• Release Date: January 29, 2008
• Artist: Vampire Weekend