Options :: Pedro the Lion

Pedro the Lion (aka David Bazan and a shifting crew of other musicians) tends towards kind of dark, first person narrative songs. The songs typically are about relationships, though there are some Pedro songs written about more political topics. When I say the songs are about relationships, I mean they're usually about shitty relationships, adultery/cheating, the difficult aspects of relationships, or the end of relationships. So you know, really uplifting stuff.

Part of what I enjoy about Pedro the Lion actually has nothing to do with the lyrics, David Bazan's voice is soothing to me, and I like the indie-rock sensibility of the music. On a lyrical front, David Bazan writes lyrics that are pointed without being overly dramatic or beating you over the head with metaphors. The songs will often use a slight bit of sarcasm or self-deprecation when tackling difficult topics. I also enjoy the fact that Pedro the Lion songs take on topics that a lot of bands, especially bands with dudes, won't touch. The bonus song at the bottom of the post, "when they really get to know you they will run" is a good example of this.

Apologies, I could only find a live recording of the song. It's not a bad recording, it's just slightly different than the version off the album "Control," and the vocals could be turned up just a touch. Anyways. Enjoy!


We were walking, holding hands,
with our bare feet in the sand
and the seagulls overhead
when I broke the spell and said
"I could never divorce you without a good reason
and though I may never have to,
it's good to have options
But for now, oh, I need you
But for now, oh, I need you
But for now, oh, I need you

But it was only in my head
because no one ever says
what they really mean to say
when there's so much at stake
So I told her I loved her and she told me she loved me
and I mostly believed her and she mostly believed me


And as a bonus prize, here's the song "when they really get to know you they will run" because I couldn't decide whether to blog about "options" or this song!