Lately I’ve been really into strange lo-fi artists, and I’ve become a massive fan of Elvis Depressedly. The simplicity of the sound and the absolutely heartbreaking lyrics that are incorporated into the soft noises creates an atmosphere of dwindling depression that’s oddly uplifting and addictive.
My favourite song of his is “Prison Line (So Lovely)”. The composition and set up of it is wonderful, and the lyrics are stunning. “you can maim my will to live and abandon me to time/you can say that i’ve committed all yr imaginary crimes /but i ain’t gonna ride yr prison line” is what opens up the tune. I love the sound of his voice, and it has the same sense as Oberst in the way that he’s not a fantastic vocalist, but can carry a melody and the only thing that matters is the emotion.
“you can break every single bone in my body til i’m dead /you can turn my words against me til i choke on all i’ve said /but i ain’t gonna lie in this sick bed,” struck a personal note with me. It’s reminiscent of the line, “the truth is, you could slit my throat and with my one last gasping breath, I’d apologise for bleeding on your shirt”, which is a lyric from Taking Back Sunday’s “You’re So Last Summer”. It’s an apology, a desperate plea, but it’s also a kick in the face. It’s so eloquent and a statement of not giving up but realising a weakness.
The last verse leaves a bitter taste, packs a real punch, and is what makes this song really stand out amongst the rest of his discography. “you can hate me for whatever illusions are in your mind /you get all yr dreams for free and i have to work for mine /so i ain’t gonna ride yr prison line.” The statement of ‘I have to work for mine’ is so poignant and realistic. It’s that type of uncomfortable truth that holds something that’s been begging to be said. It’s wonderful.
Go explore his bandcamp for more sad songs and gutwrenching words
Check out the song and fall in love.
