Applause, Applause (The Daring Spaceman)
by @carleybaer
Liner Notes
Sometimes what seems like rugged individualism is just defensive posturing in disguise.
Lyrics
Is it self-assurance, or self-defense? Hard to say but here I am in the present, tense Proving something to someone, not sure who or why But before showing weakness, I’d rather die
Withdrawing to prove my self-sufficience Only tardigrades can survive in such hostile conditions I say I don’t need you, that is my claim But if I was afraid… I’d still act the same
Applause for the daring spaceman Shoots into the heavens untethered by need for applause, applause But the vacuum of space swallows sounds away All that’s left is the echo of intrusive thoughts (applause, applause...)
Hard work to prove I’m untouchable But it beats learning I might be unlovable To reach out and be rejected would be the worst But not if I don’t love you first
Comments
gotta love any tune that references the humble water bear. love the melodic shift coming out of the tardigrade line too, like briefly feels like its going more major key. that self sufficience/conditions rhyme is fantastic too. my spouse came in the room while I was listening and also really dug that line, very cool song.
You have so many good specific lines and images in your lyrics here, I love it. Like the vacuum of space swallows sounds away, and then that echo of intrusive thoughts, I can really feel it. Love the uke playing too, this one kinda grooves even, I really like it!
These lyrics are right up my alley. I love nerdy facts in songs and love that you got tardigrades into a song. The chorus is so good, so catchy and makes you want to sing along; like all good choruses should.
I liked this one so much I had to listen twice. A great write, catchy melody and a pretty voice. The whole package.
Lovely as always! That chorus is sheer brilliance. Is this based on Spaceman at all? Because that was a trippy movie.
So. Great melody and the lyric is insightful to the max. Applause, applause... applause... applause...
I think you've nailed the insight of individualism often being a form of self defense, for sure.
That central image of the spaceman shooting into the silence of space is so evocative, a great metaphor for that kind of pre-emptive self-sufficiency you're talking about. Lovely performance too. The gentle, vulnerable tone you end on is really affecting. Strong stuff.