Death, Sex and Regret
This was one of the other songs written within the down time of the Superstar video shoot. It pretty much wrote itself actually. A lot of people have asked me what this song is about, or what inspired it, yet I’m inclined to leave it up for interpretation. Sometimes its better to leave the beholder with questions than it is to provide the answers.
The assembled gospel choir just killed it. I love the expansive warmth and explosive power the singers provided. It really made the tune into a massive sound experience.
lyrics
“Death, Sex and Regret” by Matthew Santos
Last time I came to this town / took a good look around / put my ears to the ground.
Astounded by the sounds that I had found / old songs of death / of sex and regret.
And I sing a few light-hearted tunes / just to clear up the room of that loathsome perfume,
And the pull of the endless night drew me inward / and drink after drink / in the land of death, sex and regret.
Death, sex and regret!
Young Johnny was the son of a barber / he just bought an old Camero needed work on the carburetor.
His little honey she was a burning wild flower / with a tattoo of a rattle snake / wrapped around her shoulder.
And they swore they were both better than / this rank old town / where the sinners came around to play their games to play in vain.
But the pull of the endless night drew them inward / and drink after drink / in the land of death, sex and regret!
Chorus
When I’m strong enough to pull myself away / I feel a few years older / and a few shades colder.
I thank the sky for the light of the new day / where I could walk a little straighter / and talk a little clearer / and I sing a few light-hearted tunes / just to clear up my soul / of that loathsome perfume.
And the hoodoos that stand in the distance / reaffirm my existence / as I pass through the land of death, sex and regret.
Chorus
Vamp out.
credits
from This Burning Ship of Fools,
released May 28, 2010
vocals, guitars: Matthew Santos
drums: Robert Tucker
bass: Graham Burris
piano, organ: Matt Nelson
CHOIR (Jon Pierce, Alcolu Lymon, Rashawn Thompson, Dawn Pryor, Rueben D Echoles, Alexis J Rojers, Carrie Abernathy, and Melanie McCullough)
recorded at The I.V. Lab, The Attic, and Electrical
recorded by Manny Sanchez and Greg Majors, assisted by Grégoire Yeche
mixed by Manny Sanchez and Greg Majors
An off-the-cuff, yet remarkably complex tribute, the college-rock icons' new covers album does right by Daniel Johnston’s folk roots and open-hearted spirit. Bandcamp Album of the Day Apr 30, 2020
Baker is a new project from childhood pals Mishal Moore & Richard Cortez with a lo-fi, bluesy n' soulful southern vibe. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 24, 2014
The legendary Richard Thompson's new solo album exemplifies his many musical paths, from pop and cabaret to jazz to traditional folk. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 2, 2024