middle cyclones and other references

“Portions for Foxes” by Rilo Kiley

There’s blood in my mouth ‘cause I’ve been biting my tongue all week
I keep on talking trash but I never say anything
And the talking leads to touching,
And the touching leads to sex,
And then there is no mystery left.  

“Pictures of Success” by Rilo Kiley

They say California is a recipe for a black hole,
And I say, I’ve got my best shoes on, I’m ready to go…
These are times that can’t be weathered,
And we have never been back there since then. 

I remember listening to this song a lot right before graduating from high school. I chose somewhat drastically in February of senior year to go to a university halfway across the country; my first serious relationship had ended and the town seemed stale and used up with my old memories. So I left. I started a habit that I became very good at, which was staying in transit, not putting down roots, enjoying anonymity, choosing not to bother with worn out and perfunctory friendships. When Jenny Lewis sings that “we have never been back there since then,” I still get a little bit excited; I still feel the way I felt on all the walks around my neighborhood in senior year, waiting to put as much physical distance between me and my past as possible. 

“A Better Son/Daughter”, Rilo Kiley

But you’ll fight and you’ll make it through
You’ll fake it if you have to
And you’ll show up for work with a smile
You’ll be better, and you’ll be smarter
And more grown up and a better daughter or son
And a real good friend
And you’ll be awake, you’ll be alert
You’ll be positive though it hurts