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The Decemberists — Severed
Album: I'll Be Your Girl
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3494









Released: 2018
Length: 3:57
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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I alight like a whisper
I alight with the lights out
And it won't take me long just to find you
And it won't take me long just to find you

I'm allied to the winter
But don't you get clever
Don't you get clever
I'm allied to the landslide
Gonna leave you all severed
Gonna leave you all severed

I alone am the answer
I alone will make wrongs right
But in order to root out the cancer
It's got to be kept from the sight

I'm allied to the winter
But don't you get clever
Don't you get clever
I'm allied to the landslide
Gonna leave you all severed
Gonna leave you all severed

I was born to a jackal
I was born in a whiteout
Gonna smother you all till I choke you
Gonna smother you all till you kick out

I'm allied to the winter
But don't you get clever
Don't you get clever
I'm allied to the landslide
Gonna leave you all severed
Gonna leave you all severed
Comments (97)add comment
I love this song. Especially what and who it is about. I cannot wait for their concert here in Vancouver at the end of July!! Love it!
Posted 7 months ago by pburrow328    [ Reply ]
Posted 8 months ago by Exebeche    [ Reply ]
 SerViSav wrote:
Команда просто огонь 



Да, что верно - то верно ! 
Posted 9 months ago by pyrateparadox988    [ Reply ]
 NoEnzLefttoSplit wrote:

I don't really want to be left severed... 
 what on earth is he singing about? 



Well, if you look at most of "The West" the People are divided beyond rational - about every pushed & propagandised 'issue' these days, more than ever.
We are indeed a society 'Severed'. 
Posted 9 months ago by pyrateparadox988    [ Reply ]
Команда просто огонь 
Posted 9 months ago by SerViSav    [ Reply ]
 brosen wrote:


You're seeing the Decemberists in November?  That's thinking ahead.


Under appreciated comment! 
Posted 1 year ago by hellsgardener    [ Reply ]
negative lyrics. hmmmm. 
Posted 1 year ago by xrdstv    [ Reply ]
 lily34 wrote:


same, not a fan, but this one is tolerable.



I Agree!
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 Shaun_the_Sheep wrote:

Not a huge fan of The Decemberists but... this one gets me... in a good way.



same, not a fan, but this one is tolerable.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
It may be the after work whisky talking, but this is OUTSTANDING! I love it! 
I love RP, too. 
Posted 1 year ago by slugore    [ Reply ]
I rated this a 4?!?! Man I must have been in a grumpy mood that day. Upped to a 7, may go higher on subsequent listens.
Posted 1 year ago by ebanzai    [ Reply ]
Never paid attention to the lyrics. Is this a battle cry?
Posted 2 years ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
Good for you!
Posted 2 years ago by BlackBetty    [ Reply ]
It got severed once, so I just glued it back on.
Posted 2 years ago by jacopo777    [ Reply ]
I'm not really sold on the direction The Decemberists are taking, but yeah, bands change, sounds change - you can't be the same forever. 

This is pretty good though, it's growing on me.
Posted 2 years ago by bb_matt    [ Reply ]
 DaidyBoy wrote:

Blimey, this is a change of direction.  I like it a lot, but then I am thoroughly enjoying a lot of their work lately.  Talented folks, I feel.

edit.  I'm looking forward to seeing them here in November.



You're seeing the Decemberists in November?  That's thinking ahead.
Posted 2 years ago by brosen    [ Reply ]
Never heard this. It’s the dogs bxxxxx.
Posted 2 years ago by jimbeam051    [ Reply ]
Not a huge fan of The Decemberists but... this one gets me... in a good way.
Posted 2 years ago by Shaun_the_Sheep    [ Reply ]
Man I really enjoy the heck outta this.  First time I heard it, the synth had me fooled into thinking that this was mid 80's.  Then the voice began. 
Posted 2 years ago by Laurelai    [ Reply ]
Good Tune!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
Should be, "It's got to be kept from the sunlight."
Posted 3 years ago by Solanus    [ Reply ]
OK. Maybe it will grow on me.
Posted 3 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Peter Schilling called - he wants his synth back.
Posted 3 years ago by bitterdave    [ Reply ]
 DaidyBoy wrote:

Blimey, this is a change of direction.  I like it a lot, but then I am thoroughly enjoying a lot of their work lately.  Talented folks, I feel.

edit.  I'm looking forward to seeing them here in November.



I wish this band would do more like this, I like it much better than their ballads.
Posted 3 years ago by lewisv66    [ Reply ]
 pyrateparadox988 wrote:
Love this song. Can't help it.
Beautiful video too - Artistically - in spite of the backward political BS.
This music is so good, their politics didn't ruin it for me. 
But don't you get clever,
Don't you get clever.

Posted 3 years ago by Michael_Dean    [ Reply ]
 DanielHLloyd wrote:
This is definitely a band for English and History majors, but they frickin' ROCK too!



More highly literate lyrics, please.
Posted 3 years ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
 tonyinnj wrote:

The bad guy's catch phrase on the Beanie and Cecil cartoons...

Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.

OMG - Beanie and Cecil...that makes me feel old! Enjoying the Decemberists and feeling a bit younger!
Posted 3 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
Digging this.

It is unlike other Decemberist stuff I've heard here.

(but I dig that too)
Posted 3 years ago by Queue    [ Reply ]
Indeed, he has left us all severed.
Posted 3 years ago by bhallmark    [ Reply ]
 DanielHLloyd wrote:
This is definitely a band for English and History majors, but they frickin' ROCK too!
 

Liberal arts majors deserve to ROCK THE F--- OUT too!
Posted 3 years ago by sjccroquet    [ Reply ]
you're playing too much of these guys... otherwise, keep up the great work
Posted 3 years ago by BSartiste    [ Reply ]
So many tunes and groups I never heard before.  Long live RP!!
Posted 4 years ago by bruceandjenna    [ Reply ]
Is the plays in the last 30 days counter broke for the new entry counting the plays in the rock mix.  the last 3 songs have all said 16. that doesn't seem possible i don't hear repeats of many songs. and i listen all work day and many evenings; best distraction from my gilded cage i have these days!
Posted 4 years ago by mikedgreene    [ Reply ]
When I heard the rocking beat I thought we were in for an actual happy or upbeat song by the Decemberists, or at least something not typically dirge-like.  Alas, I started reading the lyrics.  I should have known better.
Posted 4 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
Something about this song puts me in Sydney in the early 1980s listening to their new wave and punk bands. The Angels (Angel City in the US) comes to mind.
Posted 4 years ago by ednazarko    [ Reply ]
This is definitely a band for English and History majors, but they frickin' ROCK too!
Posted 4 years ago by DanielHLloyd    [ Reply ]
Wow. This is The Decemberists.
Posted 4 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
Bill you played this 4 days ago. Just sayin' 
Posted 4 years ago by mkinnan    [ Reply ]
 DaidyBoy wrote:
Blimey, this is a change of direction.  I like it a lot, but then I am thoroughly enjoying a lot of their work lately.  Talented folks, I feel.

edit.  I'm looking forward to seeing them here in November.
 Then you will be one month too early :)

Posted 4 years ago by nu11    [ Reply ]
Great song, great mix thank you RP....never leave us
Posted 4 years ago by neptunejeff    [ Reply ]
there is potential in this, is there a dance remix floating around?
Posted 4 years ago by jkforde    [ Reply ]
RP Rocks!
Posted 4 years ago by DonJ802    [ Reply ]
This is a great song, I've been finding myself humming it to myself for the past few days...
Posted 4 years ago by nelamvr6    [ Reply ]
The Decemberists rock!
This is an ususual style for them, but it certainly attracted a wider audience, including becoming the advertising theme song for arguably the most famous Scotch on the planet.
Posted 4 years ago by tomperth1    [ Reply ]
 bhallmark wrote:
Ha ha ha is anyone else hearing Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap for second there?

BTW, that is not a bad thing and this is excellent.
 
The bad guy's catch phrase on the Beanie and Cecil cartoons...

Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
Posted 4 years ago by tonyinnj    [ Reply ]
999 - Homicide!
Posted 5 years ago by dancindan    [ Reply ]
I'm going to +1 this today, I've had it at a 6 for awhile, and what the hell...it's Friday....I'll call it a 7 now...LLRP
Posted 5 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
 Shipp wrote:
RIP, Phil
 

Who is Phil?
Posted 5 years ago by Triquel67    [ Reply ]
Love this song. Can't help it.
Beautiful video too - Artistically - in spite of the backward political BS.
This music is so good, their politics didn't ruin it for me. 
Posted 5 years ago by pyrateparadox988    [ Reply ]
RIP, Phil
Posted 5 years ago by Shipp    [ Reply ]
Philip Roth: Is an intelligent human being likely to be much more than a large-scale manufacturer of misunderstanding?
Posted 5 years ago by Shipp    [ Reply ]
 ziggytrix wrote:

"In a recent interview with the New York Times, author Phillip Roth recollected the words of pundit H.L. Mencken about democracy in America, "It is the worship of jackals by jackasses." When the Decemberists sing, "I was born to a jackal", the accompanying video makes it clear the band is referring to President Donald Trump. The songs' lyrics may be somewhat vague, but the notion that our head has been severed from the body politic comes across clearly. The lilting voice in which the lines are sung and the serene way the music is played suggests a feeling of helplessness. That does not seem to be intended ironically. The damage has already been done. The only solace we find is with others who share the same consciousness, like the work songs of the enslaved that make the burden easier to share."  - www.popmatters.com
 
From the quiet words of the Virgin Mary, "Come again?"
Posted 5 years ago by dangoebel    [ Reply ]
I know I'm late to the party, but this is the first time I've heard this one. And for the first time, it's a Decemberists song that I kinda like!  Well, it's  a day of surprises for me.
Posted 5 years ago by Ntropy    [ Reply ]
 brian1 wrote:
You play this one a bunch.... Why ?
 
Because it's good to the ears?
Posted 5 years ago by Egctheow    [ Reply ]
You play this one a bunch.... Why ?
Posted 5 years ago by brian1    [ Reply ]
New soundtrack for Stranger Things Season 3?
Posted 5 years ago by Cannon    [ Reply ]
Hey, DJ - I've been listening this evening since Eleanor Rigby to Moby's Extreme Ways to Shawn Mullens and Sheryl Crow, to a pair of cellos who Smell Like Teen Spirit, and now The Decemberists' Severed. I'm in bliss. If you get a chance, please let me know more about your schedule, and I'll be tuning in! The joy this evening inspired me to send a contribution and make my first ever comment. Many thanks! 
Posted 5 years ago by webcruser225    [ Reply ]
Damn good.  This is the first song they have released that I really dig since The Hazards of Love album (which is awesome all the way through).
Posted 5 years ago by Relayer    [ Reply ]
Some one has been listening to a lot of Alt-J. 
Posted 5 years ago by islander    [ Reply ]
 Canadese wrote:

Look again at the lyrics, as you could interpret them to mean the exact opposite too. Depends on your political point of view.
 

Please explain yourself. My gut reaction is that there is no substance to your words, but maybe I misunderstand you.

Also, as far as meaning goes, there is a context of the rest of the album to consider, and if you still don't get it, you can read an interview with the writer.
Posted 5 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
The drums on that are not half bad, are they? Thou shalt move thy hips!!
Posted 5 years ago by Egctheow    [ Reply ]
 ziggytrix wrote:

"In a recent interview with the New York Times, author Phillip Roth recollected the words of pundit H.L. Mencken about democracy in America, "It is the worship of jackals by jackasses." When the Decemberists sing, "I was born to a jackal", the accompanying video makes it clear the band is referring to President Donald Trump. The songs' lyrics may be somewhat vague, but the notion that our head has been severed from the body politic comes across clearly. The lilting voice in which the lines are sung and the serene way the music is played suggests a feeling of helplessness. That does not seem to be intended ironically. The damage has already been done. The only solace we find is with others who share the same consciousness, like the work songs of the enslaved that make the burden easier to share."  - www.popmatters.com
 
Look again at the lyrics, as you could interpret them to mean the exact opposite too. Depends on your political point of view.
Posted 5 years ago by Canadese    [ Reply ]
This is Debbie Downers' theme song.
Posted 5 years ago by jacopo777    [ Reply ]
 NoEnzLefttoSplit wrote:
I don't really want to be left severed... 
 what on earth is he singing about? 
 
"In a recent interview with the New York Times, author Phillip Roth recollected the words of pundit H.L. Mencken about democracy in America, "It is the worship of jackals by jackasses." When the Decemberists sing, "I was born to a jackal", the accompanying video makes it clear the band is referring to President Donald Trump. The songs' lyrics may be somewhat vague, but the notion that our head has been severed from the body politic comes across clearly. The lilting voice in which the lines are sung and the serene way the music is played suggests a feeling of helplessness. That does not seem to be intended ironically. The damage has already been done. The only solace we find is with others who share the same consciousness, like the work songs of the enslaved that make the burden easier to share."  - www.popmatters.com
Posted 5 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
 kopfhoerer wrote:
Love the song and I'd love to keep it that way. So, please take it easy on the rotation (6 times in last 4 weeks!)

Why not throw in the old crane wife or mariner's revenge for a change?
 

This song still gets more-than-usual play (6 plays in last 30 days) because it's from a "new album", but 39 other songs from them are played here: Total plays this month (main channel): 35
Posted 5 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Love the song and I'd love to keep it that way. So, please take it easy on the rotation (6 times in last 4 weeks!)

Why not throw in the old crane wife or mariner's revenge for a change?
Posted 6 years ago by kopfhoerer    [ Reply ]
I'm seeing them tonight at our local venue, so I'm expecting a top night.  I'll keep you posted ...
Posted 6 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]


Future Islands does it better...
Posted 6 years ago by ironmandude    [ Reply ]
Previous comments notwithstanding, I saw them last Saturday and it was a great show.  Unfortunately they were sandwiched between Lucero and Jason Isbell (Lucero is the best live band on the planet BTW) so it was a strange lineup, but very fun.  Decemberists put on a good show, and no I never watched Barney lol.  Great song.
 
Oh and OT but if you get a chance to see Isbell, go and do.  Phenomenal as well.
Posted 6 years ago by jelgator    [ Reply ]
Great song.  Leaving a note here for Giacomo, the developer to check something:

"This is a test of 'smart quotes' as entered via the web form."

“This is a test of ‘smart quotes’ copied and pasted from MacOS TextEdit.”

Posted 6 years ago by theirongiant    [ Reply ]
I don't really want to be left severed... 
 what on earth is he singing about? 
Posted 6 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
To the folks claiming The Decemberists are a great band live; were your previous live experiences comprised of acts where the musicians wore brightly colored clothes, sang about letters and numbers, dinosaurs and/or the days of the week? Did you accompany these shows with a small child? Were you miffed because they served juice boxes instead of craft brews? And then were you ecstatic to attend a big kid rock show where The Decemberists were the headliners?

The only reason this song is better than all their others is because it ISN'T a sea shanty!
Posted 6 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
 jchrise wrote:
Gawd...this is even worse than all the previous Decemberist songs. No other band on RP makes me race as quickly to the PSD button!

 

I hear you. I hit PSD asap when they come one BUT I'm liking this one.
Posted 6 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
 SCRPListener wrote:
Quite the style shift from their previous work. I think I like it, but would like to hear more from the album.

 
Yeah, interesting stuff. I'll wait a bit before rating this but I'm liking it tonight.

Posted 6 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
Quite the style shift from their previous work. I think I like it, but would like to hear more from the album.
Posted 6 years ago by SCRPListener    [ Reply ]
How hip is this Decemberist tune. Transcends so many eras of great music. Well selected.
Posted 6 years ago by pburrow328    [ Reply ]
There seems to be a trend towards the "techno" sound with a few bands these days....hmmmmmm
But I am seeing them live next month!!!!
Posted 6 years ago by jules44    [ Reply ]
I like the Decemberists, but this... well... this just might be their Kid A.  
Posted 6 years ago by crackker8385    [ Reply ]
 nebbie wrote:
Have tickets to see them in March - looking forward to it, second year in a row

 
Such a great live act.  Have fun!
Posted 6 years ago by Cannon    [ Reply ]
Gawd...this is even worse than all the previous Decemberist songs. No other band on RP makes me race as quickly to the PSD button!
Posted 6 years ago by jchrise    [ Reply ]
I'm a big Decembeists fan, and this is such a surprising change in direction... Love it! Can't wait for the new album
Posted 6 years ago by Punkysoup    [ Reply ]
 gmichaelt wrote:
What can you say?

Meh?

 
{#Yes}  (wish this emoji wasn't smiling, Meh-loy's voice is so negatively mood changing)
Posted 6 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 haljordan wrote:

As of now: 11 times in the last 30 days = ~ 1 every three days.
 
Agree!!! I started turning it off when I hear it on the radio now since it's played way to much there too. 
Posted 6 years ago by cmcisaac    [ Reply ]
Have tickets to see them in March - looking forward to it, second year in a row
Posted 6 years ago by nebbie    [ Reply ]
It's a catchy tune, but is being KILLED by overplay!
Posted 6 years ago by newstart724    [ Reply ]
Been hearing this rotate a lot through Bill's playlist. Must mean it's a new album!  Looking forward to this bold sound coming in March. 
Posted 6 years ago by leelynfamily    [ Reply ]
The guitar sounds a bit Ricky Wilson-ish (the one from the B-52s).
Posted 6 years ago by nutrod42    [ Reply ]
Ha ha ha is anyone else hearing Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap for second there?

BTW, that is not a bad thing and this is excellent.
Posted 6 years ago by bhallmark    [ Reply ]
What a change, but still making me tap my feet....
Posted 6 years ago by BuzzPete    [ Reply ]
This track has me excited to hear the rest of the album!
Posted 6 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
At first I thought it was a cover of Peter Schilling. Then upon hearing Colin Meloy's voice didn't know what to think. Definitely an interesting evolution for the band. Now to find out if the album is a concept/prog album or not.
Posted 6 years ago by eeastridge    [ Reply ]
Thank god it doesn't sound like an R.E.M. production. I like this. 
Posted 6 years ago by LikesEarCandy    [ Reply ]
Electronic Decemberists—what a concept!

I kinda like it.
Posted 6 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
like most new Decembrists songs, I hated it the first time.  Now on the third time hearing and I'm into it!  got my tickets for DPAC!
Posted 6 years ago by thatslongformud    [ Reply ]
What can you say?

Meh?
Posted 6 years ago by gmichaelt    [ Reply ]
nice tune {#Bananajam}
Posted 6 years ago by SCULLY    [ Reply ]
Blimey, this is a change of direction.  I like it a lot, but then I am thoroughly enjoying a lot of their work lately.  Talented folks, I feel.

edit.  I'm looking forward to seeing them here in November.
Posted 6 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]