new words for old desires

Last night Ceej and I saw the Weakerthans at the Phoenix to celebrate my 24th birthday. It was a great time even though it was utterly exhausting. The band didn't end up playing until around 11:00 and by then we were both asleep on our feet! I definitely recommend the Phoenix for sleepy ones like me though. They had the most comfortable couches in the world on the top floor. I think I might have even fallen asleep for a minute.

The show was great though and they played all the songs we wanted to hear (civil twilight, the reasons, reconstruction site). My favourite by far though is "left and leaving". Anyone who knows the Weakerthans would agree, I'm sure. It is the sappiest, most melancholy, sincere tune you'll ever hear and every inch of it is perfection. I recommend listening to the song of course, as this is how it is meant to be consumed, but if you can't/realistically won't listen to it, take a quick read:

My city's still breathing (but barely it's true)
through buildings gone missing like teeth.
The sidewalks are watching me think about you,
sparkled with broken glass.
I'm back with scars to show.
Back with the streets I know
Will never take me anywhere but here.
The stain in the carpet, this drink in my hand,
the strangers whose faces I know.
We meet here for our dress-rehearsal to say " I wanted it this way"
Wait for the year to drown.
Spring forward, fall back down.
I'm trying not to wonder where you are.
All this time lingers, undefined.
Someone choose who's left and who's leaving.
Memory will rust and erode into lists of all that you gave me:
a blanket, some matches, this pain in my chest,
the best parts of Lonely,
duct-tape and soldered wires,
new words for old desires,
and every birthday card I threw away.
I wait in 4/4 time.
Count yellow highway lines that you're relying on to lead you home.

I hope you look them up on youtube or wherever and enjoy it though. This song just makes me feel so nostalgic and alive... you might say those are some of the best parts of lonely (my cheesiness never ceases to amaze).

The night was wonderful, almost up to Watchmen significance if you ask me.