Tragic Chemistry

Background Info*

I wrote this after speaking with my grandfather once about his experience in World War II. Every time we talk about it he and I both get a choked up. The thing I’m always struck by is how clear it was what had to be done: the Nazis’ had to be stopped and it was worth dying for—most people felt it and believed it. There are no such clear scenarios now; sports heroes are convicted of rape or murder and soldiers defending freedom are caught degrading naked prisoners or the like. I know this is human nature, it’s all Lord of the Flies in the end, but I lament the fact that there isn’t really good and evil…only people. The lyric “I’d kill for something to die for” is supposed to embody some of this paradox and depravity: wishing for a villain so you can have a clear sense of direction in life, and even worse being willing to kill to get it, is pretty damn perverse. There is an honest, even moral aspect of the sentiment, but it has been twisted by the modern condition.

Technical Notes

The lead guitar tone was achieved by Jorgenson playing an Fender Stratocaster through a “Lil’ Smoky” amplifier (an amp built into a pack of cigarettes), the output of which was plugged directly into a channel on the SSL console.

Jorgenson nearly fainted from hyperventilation after performing several takes of the “panting solo” during the middle section, which is 2 separate parts panned in stereo to create the to-and-fro effect.

Lyrics

don't think me insincere
when i say i don't want you here
to watch me try to blame you for
my high-definition shame
leave me where i lay
to spend another day
hoping for a reason to stand up

i'd kill for something to die for
a banner to run around
through the town with
i'd give ten bits
for a two-bit revolution
i need a solution

a fitter, happier life
on the edge of an indifferent knife
black, tarry dollar signs
on heroes' and villains' minds
wishing through the lie
to see through my grandfather's eye
he knew who to point a gun at