Star 18
Navigating Life's Quirks: Star 18 by The Hold Steady Unraveled
Lyrics
I know we made plans to meet in Spokane
The speaker had plans to meet in Spokane.
But the way I make plans, you gotta take it with a grain of salt
The speaker's plans aren't always reliable; they advise taking them with caution.
Got jammed in Alabama and I was trying to get all of it resolved
Got stuck in a situation in Alabama, trying to resolve it.
I'm sure it seems like it's a perfect fit
Seems perfect, but the speaker suggests otherwise due to personal experience.
But trust me, man, 'cause I've been up in it
The speaker implies familiarity with a situation that might seem appealing but isn't.
And at dawn I had to crawl back home through the quicksilver sprawl
Returning home at dawn through a sprawling, unstable environment.
To tell the truth, if I were you, I'd rather sleep over than telecommute
Given the choice, it's better to be physically present than working remotely.
'Cause when you're in the same room
Physical proximity fosters a better connection.
I think we make a much better connection
Continuing the sentiment that being together is more impactful.
Hemingway at Cafe Select
Referencing famous figures in specific places, possibly symbolizing diverse experiences.
Donna Summer in the discotheque
Associating with different atmospheres and cultural references.
Once you get good, you can get it wherever you are
Once you master something, you can access it anywhere.
Sloppy city in the upper deck
Being in a messy, chaotic urban setting.
Trippin' hard on the self neglect
Self-destructive behavior due to neglect.
Now let me hold the money, 'cause he wants you to wait in the car
Handling money for someone while they wait in a car, potentially involved in illicit activities.
Sorry I'm late, I got caught in a mosh
Apology for lateness due to being involved in a mosh pit.
With this dude that said he used to play with Peter Tosh
An encounter with someone claiming connections to a famous musician.
But he never brought it up again once I said, man, I don't believe you
Disbelief in the person's claim about Peter Tosh.
And I looked over this great expanse
Observation of an event or scene with a vast perspective.
And I saw some kid pissin' on his parachute pants
Witnessing a disrespectful act, possibly linked to a specific group.
And in one split second I figured out that he was one of your crew
Realization that the disrespectful person is associated with someone familiar.
The amphetamines did what the amphetamines do
Drugs affecting behavior, leading to identification of a group affiliation.
And she was chewing through her cheek at the National Zoo
An individual affected by drugs in a public setting.
And the dress she was wearing made a nice case for natural selection
Commenting on someone's attire and implying survival of the fittest.
So, hold steady at the Comfort Inn
Being stationary at a Comfort Inn.
Mick Jagger's at the Mandarin
Contrasting the speaker's location with Mick Jagger's possibly luxurious place.
Once you get good, you can get it wherever you are
Reiterating the idea that once you excel at something, you can achieve it anywhere.
Notify the next of kin
A somber reference to informing family of a death or serious situation.
Mariel Hemingway with perfect skin
Referencing Mariel Hemingway's beauty.
And some creep with a camera who said he's gonna make you a star
An encounter with a dubious person claiming to make someone famous.
You gotta wait in the car
Being instructed to wait in a car, implying separation from a significant event or action.
Once upon a time I had a meeting with a man in a mansion
Recollection of a meeting in an opulent setting.
He pulled a few strings just to demonstrate how it's all connected
An influential person showcasing interconnectedness using their influence.
Disseminating from a central source
Spreading information from a central point.
Hemingway on the Ketchum porch
Reference to Hemingway in a specific place.
Once you get good, you can get it wherever you are
Reiterating the concept of excelling and accessing things from any location.
So hit me back when it's back in style
Asking for a response when something becomes trendy again.
Star 18 on the rotary dial
Using a specific phone number to communicate.
And let me hold the money 'cause he wants you to wait in the car
Handling money while someone remains in a car, a recurring theme in the narrative.
You gotta wait in the car
Reiteration of the instruction to wait in the car, possibly symbolizing exclusion or separation.
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