Meaning and Lyrics of Bukowski by Modest Mouse

Song Lyrics meaning of Bukowski by Modest Mouse

About Modest Mouse

Modest Mouse is an American indie rock band formed in 1992 in Issaquah, Washington. The band’s core members include lead vocalist and guitarist Isaac Brock, drummer Jeremiah Green, and multi-instrumentalist Tom Peloso. Known for their eclectic sound that combines elements of alternative rock, punk, and folk, Modest Mouse gained popularity in the early 2000s with their breakthrough album “Good News for People Who Love Bad News.” One of their notable songs, “Bukowski,” showcases the band’s unique style with its raw vocals, intricate instrumentation, and introspective lyrics. The song delves into themes of disillusionment and self-reflection, drawing inspiration from the life and work of poet Charles Bukowski. Modest Mouse has continued to release music and tour extensively, solidifying their status as one of the most influential indie rock bands of the past two decades.

Meaning of Bukowski by Modest Mouse

The song “Bukowski” by Modest Mouse delves into themes of disillusionment, existential questioning, control, and the human experience, all framed through the lens of the renowned writer Charles Bukowski. Let’s delve into a detailed interpretation of the lyrics:

Verse 1: The narrator wakes up and reflects on how their life seems to mirror the gritty and often cynical style of Charles Bukowski, a well-known author who often wrote about the darker aspects of human existence. They question who would willingly embrace such a dark and abrasive persona.

Verse 2: The scene shifts to a gathering by a river, with the crowd calling for sacrifice. The mention of God as an “Indian giver” plays with the idea of giving and taking life, questioning the control exerted by a higher power. The lyrics challenge the idea of control and could also allude to the concept of fate.

Bridge 1: This section reflects on perception, acknowledgment, and acceptance. The narrator suggests that we should see things for what they truly are, accept the consequences of our actions, and acknowledge that life often dissolves our hearts. They long for a better place or a softer fall, but acknowledge that perfection is rare.

Verse 3: The narrator questions the traditional view of God’s control over life and disease, indicating a struggle with faith and understanding in the face of suffering. They ponder the nature of control and the implications of living under the gaze of a higher power.

Bridge 2: The mention of a ‘home stereo’ and ‘curves’ could symbolize everyday distractions and temptations that lead away from deeper reflections. It hints at the struggle between the mundane and the profound, suggesting a search for meaning amidst the noise.

Verse 4: These lines evoke a sense of detachment and disconnection from social rituals like weddings and funerals. The reference to ‘talkin’ in circles’ implies a sense of futility in communication and social interactions, hint of the superficiality or monotony of conversations.

Verse 5 and Outro: The repetition of life resembling Bukowski’s works speaks to a recurring sense of bleakness or disillusionment. The narrator grapples with the idea that Bukowski’s writing, while compelling, embodies a darker reality they may not want to fully embrace.

Overall, “Bukowski” captures a sense of disorientation and disenchantment with the world, blending introspection with a critique of societal norms and existential questions. It invites listeners to contemplate themes of control, perception, and the pursuit of meaning in a world that often feels chaotic and indifferent.

Lyrics of Bukowski by Modest Mouse

Verse 1
Woke up this morning, and it seemed to me
That every night turns out to be
A little bit more like Bukowski
And yeah, I know he's a pretty good read
But God, who'd wanna be
God, who'd wanna be such an asshole?
God, who'd wanna be
God, who'd wanna be such an asshole?

Verse 2
Well, we sat on the edge of the river
The crowd screamed, "Sacrifice the liver!"
If God takes life, he's an Indian giver
So tell me now why, you'll tell me never
Who would wanna be
Who would wanna be such a control freak?
Well, who would wanna be
Who would wanna be such a control freak?

Bridge 1
Well, see what you want to see
You should see it all
Well, take what you want from me
You deserve it all
Nine times out of ten
Our hearts just get dissolved
Well, I want a better place
Or just a better way to fall
But one time out of ten
Everything goes perfect for us all
Well, I want a better place
Or just a better way to fall
Here we go

Verse 3
If God controls the land and disease
And keeps a watchful eye on me
If he's really so damn mighty
Well, my problem is I can't see
Well, who would wanna be
Who would wanna be such a control freak?
Well, who would wanna be
Who would wanna be such a control freak?

Bridge 2
Evil home stereo
What good songs do you know?
Evil me, oh yeah, I know
What good curves can you throw?

Verse 4
Well, all that icing and all that cake
I can't make it to your wedding
But I'm sure I'll be at your wake
You were talk, talk, talk, talkin' in circles that day
When you get to the point
Make sure that I'm still awake, okay?

Verse 5
I went to bed and didn't see
Why every day turns out to be
A little bit more like Bukowski
And yeah, I know he's a pretty good read
But God who'd wanna be
God, who'd wanna be such an asshole?
Outro
(I f****d up the last line)

Discography Modest Mouse

Good News For People Who Love Bad News: 20th Anniversary Expanded Edition

Release: 2024-04-05
Label: Epic/Legacy
Popularity: 👏
1. Horn Intro
2. The World At Large
3. Float On
4. Ocean Breathes Salty
5. Dig Your Grave
6. Bury Me With It
7. Dance Hall
8. Bukowski
9. This Devil’s Workday
10. The View
11. Satin In A Coffin
12. Interlude (Milo)
13. Blame It On the Tetons
14. Black Cadillacs
15. One Chance
16. The Good Times Are Killing Me
17. The World At Large – Enough Love to Kill Us All Remix
18. Float On – Dan the Automator Remix
19. Ocean Breathes Salty – Poolside Remix
20. Bury Me With It – Jacknife Lee Remix
21. Bukowski – Congleton / Godbey Remix
22. The View – Andrew VanWyngarden Remix
23. One Chance – Dennis Herring Remix
24. The Good Times Are Killing Me – Justin Raisen Remix
Tracklist Collapse

The Golden Casket

Release: 2021-06-25
Label: Epic/Legacy
Popularity: 👏👏
1. Fuck Your Acid Trip
2. We Are Between
3. We’re Lucky
4. Walking And Running
5. Wooden Soldiers
6. Transmitting Receiving
7. The Sun Hasn’t Left
8. Lace Your Shoes
9. Never Fuck A Spider On The Fly
10. Leave A Light On
11. Japanese Trees
12. Back To The Middle
Tracklist Collapse

Strangers to Ourselves

Release: 2015-03-13
Label: Epic
Popularity: 👏👏
1. Strangers to Ourselves
2. Lampshades on Fire
3. Shit in Your Cut
4. Pistol (A. Cunanan, Miami, FL. 1996)
5. Ansel
6. The Ground Walks, with Time in a Box
7. Coyotes
8. Pups to Dust
9. Sugar Boats
10. Wicked Campaign
11. Be Brave
12. God is an Indian and You’re an Asshole
13. The Tortoise and the Tourist
14. The Best Room
15. Of Course We Know
Tracklist Collapse

Upcoming Events for Modest Mouse

Modest Mouse: Good News For People Who Love Bad News Anniversary Tour

Price Range: $45.95 – 95.95
Date: 2024-10-30
Location: Paramount Theatre

Modest Mouse: Good News For People Who Love Bad News Anniversary Tour

Price Range: $56 – 76
Date: 2024-11-05
Location: Fox Theater – Oakland

Modest Mouse: Good News For People Who Love Bad News Anniversary Tour

Price Range: $50.5 – 50.5
Date: 2024-11-20
Location: The Fillmore Philadelphia
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