This week I stumbled upon a video that was both unsettling and powerful. I think it is fair to call it music, though it is unlike anything I have heard before (note: I would never declare myself a music maven or on the cutting edge of developments in the music world). Raw, emotional, honest, Listener’s this piece was gripping. After watching the video a few times I downloaded the group’s most recent album and continue to listen, process and appreciate the art and ideas from Listener.

In addition to Wooden Heart, I have appreciated the feel and lyrics of “You Were a House on Fire.” Here are the lyrics to the second part of that piece from Listener’s site.

We all write songs about life, we just sing them different.
you sing the words but you don’t know the song.
and you expect us all to sing along? how selfish
the lengths that we go to, to put so much distance between us is staggering
you’re burning alive with stress and life
both hands in flames trying to hold the fire inside
drop and roll …repeat line for emphasis.
I’ll repeat it and repeat it until you believe it
you’re gonna be ok! say it to me…
the answer is still silence … I’ll take it as a maybe
I can’t decide if I should knock down your door or on it
say the word and I’ll take an axe to your heart or a pin prick
cut right through the dark, let it spill out the contents
on our knees sorting through the remnants
pour out your hate in my hands, I’ll let em slip through my fingers
and this is for you, and this is for the times that we only listen long enough to know the other person we’re talking to has the same opinions we do.
for when we’re burning inside, for when we’re trying to hide that fact
this is for the scalps that we went after, to be only the best dressed
to scrape another notch on our belts, add another feather to our headress
I want to be the bigger man for you, but I can’t take this truth