Father John Misty — I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of Us All
Album: MahashmashanaAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1789
Length: 8:29
Plays (last 30 days): 9
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Our naked bodies go on trial
Just for laughing at the joke
Just for saying of the bargain
What any sales girl already knows
Most of us old men die at the firing line
Just waiting for our number to be called
I guess time just makes fools of us all
Now the king regales his stepsons
When he's loaded as a gun
Says a real man is like a country
You need a map to find you one
Now why do you 'spose
You must approach the throne
With its back up against the wall
I guess time just makes fools of us all
The great-ish minds of my generation
Gladly conscripted in the war
Of defending any Goliath
That would deign darken the door
Now with your genius for picking battles
It's no wonder every helmet is too small
I guess time just makes fools of us all (Mm)
I guess time just makes fools of us all
My drink is watered down
The champ is on his knees
He lost the rematch
He lost the comeback
He lost for charity
But that's the job
That's what gets the asses in the hall
They came for a beating (Hm)
And he came to brawl
Go and serve your client notice
That of all young gods I have known
Yours is easily the least famous
To turn down the cover of The Rolling Stone
Lily-white faces so familiar
And yet impossible to recall
I guess time just makes fools of us all
After a millennia of good times
God said "Hey now, let's have a dream"
Where we raise the stakes a little
Come on let's make things interesting
Parachute into the Anthropocene
An amnesiac, a himbo Ken doll
I guess time just makes fools of us all
I killed a rattlesnake this morning
It was coiled up behind the truck
Put it in reverse and hit it clean
Something he said went in and stuck
Hey I can sell you a million records
I mean your image could use an overhaul
Don't you know time just makes fools of us all?
Headlights headed southbound
The loser's exodus
That's where you'll find me: in Las Vegas
Doing my greatest hits
Me and Dixie, had ourselves a ball
I followed my dreams
And my dreams said to crawl
The groom is a liar
And the bride is a shill
The priest says "If these two don't make it, who among us ever will?"
Don't ask the love you dare for a prediction
Wherein the lovers of tomorrow are involved
I guess time just makes fools of us all (Oh)
I guess time just makes fools of us all (Oh)
I guess time just makes fools of us all
Just for laughing at the joke
Just for saying of the bargain
What any sales girl already knows
Most of us old men die at the firing line
Just waiting for our number to be called
I guess time just makes fools of us all
Now the king regales his stepsons
When he's loaded as a gun
Says a real man is like a country
You need a map to find you one
Now why do you 'spose
You must approach the throne
With its back up against the wall
I guess time just makes fools of us all
The great-ish minds of my generation
Gladly conscripted in the war
Of defending any Goliath
That would deign darken the door
Now with your genius for picking battles
It's no wonder every helmet is too small
I guess time just makes fools of us all (Mm)
I guess time just makes fools of us all
My drink is watered down
The champ is on his knees
He lost the rematch
He lost the comeback
He lost for charity
But that's the job
That's what gets the asses in the hall
They came for a beating (Hm)
And he came to brawl
Go and serve your client notice
That of all young gods I have known
Yours is easily the least famous
To turn down the cover of The Rolling Stone
Lily-white faces so familiar
And yet impossible to recall
I guess time just makes fools of us all
After a millennia of good times
God said "Hey now, let's have a dream"
Where we raise the stakes a little
Come on let's make things interesting
Parachute into the Anthropocene
An amnesiac, a himbo Ken doll
I guess time just makes fools of us all
I killed a rattlesnake this morning
It was coiled up behind the truck
Put it in reverse and hit it clean
Something he said went in and stuck
Hey I can sell you a million records
I mean your image could use an overhaul
Don't you know time just makes fools of us all?
Headlights headed southbound
The loser's exodus
That's where you'll find me: in Las Vegas
Doing my greatest hits
Me and Dixie, had ourselves a ball
I followed my dreams
And my dreams said to crawl
The groom is a liar
And the bride is a shill
The priest says "If these two don't make it, who among us ever will?"
Don't ask the love you dare for a prediction
Wherein the lovers of tomorrow are involved
I guess time just makes fools of us all (Oh)
I guess time just makes fools of us all (Oh)
I guess time just makes fools of us all
Comments (87)add comment
lizardking wrote:
There was synchronicity happening, because I was reaching for the Roku to up this from 8 to 9 at that exact-ish moment you wrote your post.
He does have a way with words. 👍
+1 to 11—only took seven plays for this to become an all-time favorite tune for my wife and I and we're hoping to catch a live show someday.
LLRP
He does have a way with words. 👍
ferwoman wrote:
8>9 on the lyrics, such great production, too.
For lyrics alone this deserves a high rating. 👌
8>9 on the lyrics, such great production, too.
+1 to 11—only took seven plays for this to become an all-time favorite tune for my wife and I and we're hoping to catch a live show someday.
LLRP
LLRP
Supidupi
Good music for the morning commute to work
erikdelaquis wrote:
Strange take. Reads a bit like you simply don't like his vibe (which is totally fine and your prerogative) and are really searching for reasons to hate. A musician seeking fame? Color me shocked! Kind of the name of the game isn't it? If stage personas are 'dishonest' then you can write off >90% of musical acts (and visual arts and literature while you're at it). FJM is definitely lyrics-focused, so I don't find longer runtimes unusual, and don't really see how that would be seeking 'reverence' in any case since such songs get far less radio play?
There are more substantive reasons not to like FJM. I get it's his shtick, but the 'angsty troubled urban poet' lyrics on the last several records were simply too pretentious and arrogant in places for me.
However I think he hit just the right balance on this album. Mahashmashana has no dull tracks and a handful of absolute bangers creatively blending influences and taking some chances. The orchestra backing on the (even longer) title track soars to a memorable sort of Sgt Pepper crescendo. Definitely the best album of his and probably the best album, period, of 2024 for me.
That’s a well thought out response. I think I’m kinda stuck on the shtick. On the surface, I would normally dig the lyric focus and the excellent musicianship. I just can’t seem to decide if it’s clever (musically and lyrically), which I like, or OTT / pretentious, which I do not. I go back and forth… is it a 7 or a 9? Depends on my mood and I guess there’s nothing wrong with that.
Strange take. Reads a bit like you simply don't like his vibe (which is totally fine and your prerogative) and are really searching for reasons to hate. A musician seeking fame? Color me shocked! Kind of the name of the game isn't it? If stage personas are 'dishonest' then you can write off >90% of musical acts (and visual arts and literature while you're at it). FJM is definitely lyrics-focused, so I don't find longer runtimes unusual, and don't really see how that would be seeking 'reverence' in any case since such songs get far less radio play?
There are more substantive reasons not to like FJM. I get it's his shtick, but the 'angsty troubled urban poet' lyrics on the last several records were simply too pretentious and arrogant in places for me.
However I think he hit just the right balance on this album. Mahashmashana has no dull tracks and a handful of absolute bangers creatively blending influences and taking some chances. The orchestra backing on the (even longer) title track soars to a memorable sort of Sgt Pepper crescendo. Definitely the best album of his and probably the best album, period, of 2024 for me.
That’s a well thought out response. I think I’m kinda stuck on the shtick. On the surface, I would normally dig the lyric focus and the excellent musicianship. I just can’t seem to decide if it’s clever (musically and lyrically), which I like, or OTT / pretentious, which I do not. I go back and forth… is it a 7 or a 9? Depends on my mood and I guess there’s nothing wrong with that.
I love this song so much ....
As a 56 year old due ... who likes to think I have a little more fight in him ...
This song makes me feel like my own hero... that I can get it done ...
I am not 100% sure what he means by hitting a rattlesnake ... but I love it ... makes me feel like - I still have some fight left in me ...
But despite the fight ... and the intentions ... we all know how the story ends ...
I wish it was 10 mins long ...
As a 56 year old due ... who likes to think I have a little more fight in him ...
This song makes me feel like my own hero... that I can get it done ...
I am not 100% sure what he means by hitting a rattlesnake ... but I love it ... makes me feel like - I still have some fight left in me ...
But despite the fight ... and the intentions ... we all know how the story ends ...
I wish it was 10 mins long ...
shout-out for the bongo solo
Eight minutes of stop and listen.
I will forgive anyone who can write lines like this:
After a millennia of good times
God said "Hey now, let's have a dream"
Where we raise the stakes a little
Come on let's make things interesting
Parachute into the Anthropocene
An amnesiac, a himbo Ken doll
I guess time just makes fools of us all
This, along with all his other songs on RP, is a 10.
After a millennia of good times
God said "Hey now, let's have a dream"
Where we raise the stakes a little
Come on let's make things interesting
Parachute into the Anthropocene
An amnesiac, a himbo Ken doll
I guess time just makes fools of us all
This, along with all his other songs on RP, is a 10.
shakeheartbreak wrote:
I think there's just something inherently dishonest about whatever he does, right down to his FJM persona (he was challenged on it during a famous radio interview and went into a right huff!). It's like he uses the indie/rock sound as a trojan horse for seeking glory and attention. Even the length of this one feels like it's a gimmick for reverence - and it looks like he's pulled it off, too.
Strange take. Reads a bit like you simply don't like his vibe (which is totally fine and your prerogative) and are really searching for reasons to hate. A musician seeking fame? Color me shocked! Kind of the name of the game isn't it? If stage personas are 'dishonest' then you can write off >90% of musical acts (and visual arts and literature while you're at it). FJM is definitely lyrics-focused, so I don't find longer runtimes unusual, and don't really see how that would be seeking 'reverence' in any case since such songs get far less radio play?
There are more substantive reasons not to like FJM. I get it's his shtick, but the 'angsty troubled urban poet' lyrics on the last several records were simply too pretentious and arrogant in places for me.
However I think he hit just the right balance on this album. Mahashmashana has no dull tracks and a handful of absolute bangers creatively blending influences and taking some chances. The orchestra backing on the (even longer) title track soars to a memorable sort of Sgt Pepper crescendo. Definitely the best album of his and probably the best album, period, of 2024 for me.
I think there's just something inherently dishonest about whatever he does, right down to his FJM persona (he was challenged on it during a famous radio interview and went into a right huff!). It's like he uses the indie/rock sound as a trojan horse for seeking glory and attention. Even the length of this one feels like it's a gimmick for reverence - and it looks like he's pulled it off, too.
Strange take. Reads a bit like you simply don't like his vibe (which is totally fine and your prerogative) and are really searching for reasons to hate. A musician seeking fame? Color me shocked! Kind of the name of the game isn't it? If stage personas are 'dishonest' then you can write off >90% of musical acts (and visual arts and literature while you're at it). FJM is definitely lyrics-focused, so I don't find longer runtimes unusual, and don't really see how that would be seeking 'reverence' in any case since such songs get far less radio play?
There are more substantive reasons not to like FJM. I get it's his shtick, but the 'angsty troubled urban poet' lyrics on the last several records were simply too pretentious and arrogant in places for me.
However I think he hit just the right balance on this album. Mahashmashana has no dull tracks and a handful of absolute bangers creatively blending influences and taking some chances. The orchestra backing on the (even longer) title track soars to a memorable sort of Sgt Pepper crescendo. Definitely the best album of his and probably the best album, period, of 2024 for me.
He knows all the riffs from all of the good 70s albums. Great artist
I'm really getting into this artist. the lyrics get you thinking.
ferwoman wrote:
Yes, and the sax riff before the last verse nails it as at a solid 8 for me. Yet another RP gem.
For lyrics alone this deserves a high rating. 👌
Yes, and the sax riff before the last verse nails it as at a solid 8 for me. Yet another RP gem.
Fellow Fools...Best 8:28 of my day today!
This is Killer! A smoother Tom Waits...
DrLex wrote:
Indeed, reminds a lot of Road to Hell
Well, that’s not an association I would have made, but I can sort of hear it now. It’s definitely grittier, a bit darker, and far more literate? esoteric? than Chris Rea’s lyrics. Not sure what word I’m looking for here, but Chris Rea would never have written something like “Parachute into the Anthropocene, An amnesiac, a himbo Ken doll”. That said, Rea’s written some lovely songs amongst his rather large ouvre.
Indeed, reminds a lot of Road to Hell
Well, that’s not an association I would have made, but I can sort of hear it now. It’s definitely grittier, a bit darker, and far more literate? esoteric? than Chris Rea’s lyrics. Not sure what word I’m looking for here, but Chris Rea would never have written something like “Parachute into the Anthropocene, An amnesiac, a himbo Ken doll”. That said, Rea’s written some lovely songs amongst his rather large ouvre.
Philipirata wrote:
Today, I went from 3 to 4. Let's see where this goes.
Coupla months ago I gave this one a "8". Tonight it sound like a "9" to me. There you have it.
Today, I went from 3 to 4. Let's see where this goes.
Philipirata wrote:
Break down and do what I did-I gave it a 10
Coupla months ago I gave this one a "8". Tonight it sound like a "9" to me. There you have it.
Break down and do what I did-I gave it a 10
Too much autotune?
Mr Grumpy opens up the Trunk of Funk and has a rummage. Splendid!
I like. Getting an Al Stewart vibe.
This might be the best song of all time for me.... I really mean that ... for the lyrics alone...
Coupla months ago I gave this one a "8". Tonight it sound like a "9" to me. There you have it.
LouWu wrote:
Explain please fun guy
As an avid mushroom forager: very interesting choice of cover art. 
Explain please fun guy
thank you RP for introducing me to Father John ☺️
I only heard this for the first time about a month ago, and it's already become one of my favorite tunes, the whole things is enjoyable to me, the groovy beat, what I've heard others call "Oklahoma Disco" and I just love the drum break at the 5 minute mark. I rated 8 the first hearing, then 9 the second time, and now elevated to the 10 spot because it's found my soul.
Long Live RP and Soul-filling songs!!
Long Live RP and Soul-filling songs!!
His page on AppleMusic is so rad, looks like a really interesting dude. Definitely growing on me....
First heard this (on RP) at the end of a long drive, in the dark, on an unlit mountain road. Kind of a magical experience as the song weaves through different moods, all while consistently grooving along. Great driving tune.
Yikes. Time has made me appreciate this more.
6, but when the sax starts ->7
shakeheartbreak wrote:
I think there's just something inherently dishonest about whatever he does, right down to his FJM persona (he was challenged on it during a famous radio interview and went into a right huff!). It's like he uses the indie/rock sound as a trojan horse for seeking glory and attention. Even the length of this one feels like it's a gimmick for reverence - and it looks like he's pulled it off, too.
Everyone seems drawn to this because it incorporates a number of familiar foundations from other more notable artists already identified in the comments. Nothing original here. His vocal range is very limited and strained.
I think there's just something inherently dishonest about whatever he does, right down to his FJM persona (he was challenged on it during a famous radio interview and went into a right huff!). It's like he uses the indie/rock sound as a trojan horse for seeking glory and attention. Even the length of this one feels like it's a gimmick for reverence - and it looks like he's pulled it off, too.
Everyone seems drawn to this because it incorporates a number of familiar foundations from other more notable artists already identified in the comments. Nothing original here. His vocal range is very limited and strained.
jotwe wrote:
He sure seems to be going for Dylan-length lyrics.
I hear Bob Dylans "Things Have Changed". ;-)
He sure seems to be going for Dylan-length lyrics.
rating++
snider100 wrote:
Same thought here. Very similiar! Although Road to Hell is the more likeable second cousin to me.
I like this more every time I hear it. Feels like second cousins to Chris Rea's "Road to Hell."
Same thought here. Very similiar! Although Road to Hell is the more likeable second cousin to me.
A 9 right off the bat! And as a previous comment points out this is perfect for 2025.
So I tire of this song. Perhaps it just takes too much time.
That poor snake!
Like it, new!
Like it, new!
Perfect for New Year 2025!
jpfueler wrote:
I constantly think to hear Robbie Williams. But it’s better than that.
Chris Rea like
I constantly think to hear Robbie Williams. But it’s better than that.
Best song of the year. Best album of the year.
ferwoman wrote:
Got a 9 from me
For lyrics alone this deserves a high rating. 👌
Got a 9 from me
Brilliant song
'Xcellent !
Really a great tune. Has a little bit of a JJ Cale flavor.
Lyrics by Leonard Cohen?
No, but would have been nice to hear his version too.
No, but would have been nice to hear his version too.
I love this groove. From 8 to 9 now
I get water boys
snider100 wrote:
spot on
I like this more every time I hear it. Feels like second cousins to Chris Rea's "Road to Hell."
I cannot love this song more ... 10++++++++++++++++++++++++
whose image couldn’t use a makeover every now and then? #afaf
I sense a theme with todays music. Thanks Bill.
Every time this plays I have to check whether there aren't two songs playing at once by mistake.
wanderinglevel wrote:
I think there's just something inherently dishonest about whatever he does, right down to his FJM persona (he was challenged on it during a famous radio interview and went into a right huff!). It's like he uses the indie/rock sound as a trojan horse for seeking glory and attention. Even the length of this one feels like it's a gimmick for reverence - and it looks like he's pulled it off, too.
For some reason, I don't want to like this artist ... but every time I listen, I like what he does. 8
I think there's just something inherently dishonest about whatever he does, right down to his FJM persona (he was challenged on it during a famous radio interview and went into a right huff!). It's like he uses the indie/rock sound as a trojan horse for seeking glory and attention. Even the length of this one feels like it's a gimmick for reverence - and it looks like he's pulled it off, too.
Jelani wrote:
I LOVE this comment (as well both of those artists).
It’s very 70’s GROOVY for sure!
This is interesting - to me it sounds like it was co-written/produced by JJ Cale and KC and the Sunshine Band. To me this is a good thing!
I LOVE this comment (as well both of those artists).
It’s very 70’s GROOVY for sure!
Favourite song of the month for me
Slippery slick production, but not bad: a solid 6
autotuned voice :(
Amazing track. I am always happy to discover something very new that touches me as some of the jewels I collected long ago!
Love everything about this song!
If I didn't dislike this song so much, I'd use it to fall asleep. It's like a JJ Cale took too much valium and made a track for Musak.
Looooove it!!! What a groovy tune, excellent lyrics, can't get enough!
This song brings me joy, it makes me want to turn up the volume & dance, and definitely makes we want to hear it again!!!!
Thanks RP!!! ♥
This song brings me joy, it makes me want to turn up the volume & dance, and definitely makes we want to hear it again!!!!
Thanks RP!!! ♥
jpfueler wrote:
Indeed, reminds a lot of Road to Hell
Chris Rea like
Indeed, reminds a lot of Road to Hell
I am moving this up to a 10. This groove.
The theme reminds me of Richard Marx song from the 80's .... Don't mean nothing.
Not sure I understand them all but so good to have a modern musician writing proper, thoughtful lyrics.
Good sax solo too.
Good sax solo too.
Chris Rea like
ferwoman wrote:
As a not english native listener, I first focus my attention on the music not at all to the lyrics, and to me it is a high rating also with the music / swing, love it !
I will now look at the lyrics
For lyrics alone this deserves a high rating. 👌
As a not english native listener, I first focus my attention on the music not at all to the lyrics, and to me it is a high rating also with the music / swing, love it !
I will now look at the lyrics
Every time I hear a song by FJM my first thought is "Oh wow a new Calexico track dropped!"
Love his voice and his vibe.
Love his voice and his vibe.
I like this song, and I usually don't like this kind of band -- if I went to Apple Music and played the FJM station, I'm guessing most of those bands wouldn't be in my rotation. But in this track -- his voice, and the way that the music is produced, really grabs me. I'll dive in.
I'll have to give this one a bit of time.
Hopefully it grows on me.
Hopefully it grows on me.
Nice
Great song, and then the Bojack Horseman theme song saxophone solo hits before the last verse. 8-->9.
Gets better with every listen.
I kept listening and was thinking it was I Am Kloot playing, so I guess I like this guy. :)
For some reason, I don't want to like this artist ... but every time I listen, I like what he does. 8
Awesome... First listen and looking it up and seeing the lyrics, knew it was a lengthy tune. William confirmed it, 8 minutes plus. Great music from a former Fleet Fox
This is interesting - to me it sounds like it was co-written/produced by JJ Cale and KC and the Sunshine Band. To me this is a good thing!
Digging new FJM.......................
For lyrics alone this deserves a high rating. 👌
this guys a Fugazi
Good to hear one of my favourite artists, Father John Misty, on my favourite radio station.
I hear Bob Dylans "Things Have Changed". ;-)
As an avid mushroom forager: very interesting choice of cover art.
I love this song so much ....
As a 56 year old due ... who likes to think I have a little more fight in him ...
This song makes me feel like my own hero... that I can get it done ...
I am not 100% sure what he means by hitting a rattlesnake ... but I love it ... makes me feel like - I still have some fight left in me ...
But despite the fight ... and the intentions ... we all know how the story ends ...
I wish it was 10 mins long ...