You Are A Tourist

When there's a burning in your heart
An endless yearning in your heart
Build it bigger than the sun
Let it grow
Let it grow
When there's a burning in your heart
Don't be alarmed.

When there's a doubt in your mind
'Cause you think it all the time
Framing rights into wrongs
Move along
Move along
When there's a doubt in your mind
- Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie, You Are A Tourist)

I can't believe it took me this many posts for a Ben Gibbard song to make it on here. Before we get to the importance, little bit of a Death Cab history/lyric writing seminar is necessary. When it comes to writing anything, it has to be something that is important to the writer for the emotional connection, especially in the performing arts. If I listen or watch a singer try to sing something that is unimportant to them, I can tell. There isn't any heart in it. To give an example, I (referring to myself) cannot write a song or ever sing a song about cats, because, well, I have a unmeasurable interest in anything feline. Why is this remotely important? Because since the last CD release, the main lyricist for Death Cab for Cutie, Ben Gibbard, got himself hitched. Traditionally, Death Cab's music and lyrics have leaned to the opposite end of the relationship spectrum: break-ups, falling out of love, etc. As the most hardcore Death Cab that I personally know, (I'm sure there is one out there, and I'd love to challenge them) I was more then a little worried when I heard that a new release was scheduled for this upcoming May. What would happen when the main theme of Death Cab's music for the past 13 years would lose meaning to the primary lyricist? (At least, most married people shouldn't have strong emotions about break-ups and falling out of love)

Well, the first answer came in this evening. Death Cab released the first single from their new CD to those who had pre-ordered it. The song is called "You Are A Tourist." As I was listening to the intro and listening for the first sign of good or bad, the above lyrics came through my headphones.

No, it isn't trademark Death Cab. It's evolved, because the band has changed. But the best part is: They believe it. The trademark emotion, the sound of "believing" is there. I can't speak for the rest of the CD, but if this song is like the rest of the CD, it will be their best CD since Transatlanticism.

Also, for my life right now, I need a good "Carpe Diem!" anthem. Like yesterday's song, it's a song of going for what you want and getting rid of all the doubts.

When you doubt, move along. When you want something, let it grow.
That's about it for now.