Ye, Renew the Plaintiff

Album: Paralytic Stalks (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Of Montreal's eleventh album, Paralytic Stalks, finds mainman Kevin Barnes writing lyrics in a dark confessional style. Speaking with NME he explained: "Paralytic Stalks is different from my previous few albums, in that none of the songs were written from the perspective of a persona, all of the songs are directly inspired by my personal life and my psychic/emotional/spiritual state. I was going through a really fu--ed up period of mental anguish, pessimism and self-hatred, and these songs helped me navigate through it, in a sense. I attempted to use the creative process as a way to direct all of the negative energy into something more positive and salubrious."
  • Barnes married graphic artist Nina Aimee Grøttland in 2003, and this song finds him attempting to unburden himself to her: "Oh Nina, how can I defend myself against this world?" he cries.

    Nina inspired (and collaborated on) many Of Montreal songs, as Barnes often examined their relationship in his lyrics. They split up around 2006, reconciled, and broke apart again sometime after the Paralytic Stalks album was released.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Bible Lyrics

Bible LyricsMusic Quiz

Rockers, rappers and pop stars have been known to quote the Bible in their songs. See if you match the artist to the biblical lyric.

Protest Songs

Protest SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?

Adele

AdeleFact or Fiction

Despite her reticent personality, Adele's life and music are filled with intrigue. See if you can spot the true tales.

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.