This was the first song I asked for help on, and I sent it to David to play saxophone on. I'd just seen Destroyer live and noticed how many instrumental moments there were sprinkled through their set and albums, and I knew I wanted to have some moments on this record that were just strong musicians playing really strong. Thank you, David.
Something that is wonderful about being friends with Doug is his technical perspective. I basically was like "This song needs bass to help it move and tie it all together, but it should not call attention to itself." Doug came through. Thank you, Doug.
lyrics
He gets a job, a government job
A witness in the same skin
He gets a desk, a monthly paycheck
A cliche at best, well who could blame him?
We need citizens in America
He calls his wife, tells her he's home
He's all alone out there in the city
Flips through his history book
Sissy man or mystery crook
How can you blame him?
We need history in America
Studies the gone
Can't even taunt the ghost of a man who wants a part in this
People kill kids, nobody kills the archivist
Boss calls his desk, says she's depressed
Nameless in the same queue
"I get home, ignore my friends, mind my shelves, side-eye the fence
I'm sorry to vent"
Well, who could blame you
We need breathing room in America
Packs a box of correspondence
Handed a gilded bedpan
Metadata, tagging keywords
Helping to find their Rembrandts
Tasked with the grave
Kill or be killed, save what cannot be saved
It is endless
People kill kids, nobody kills the archivist
credits
from U.S. History,
released July 21, 2021
Doug Bleek--bass
David Diongue--saxophone
Multi-instrumentalist and producer Harvey Carter's light touch makes his pleasant indie electronica sparkle and move. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 12, 2024
