Marching Bands of Manhattan

This is a song I've gone on about on more than one occasion. But if I was forced to pick a song to listen to forever it would probably have to be Death Cab for Cutie's Marching Bands of Manhattan. It is the type of song that you can make you laugh or cry. It can relax me, inspire me, soothe me. It can serve as both background music and the type of song you listen to single-mindedly. There is a steady building -a crescendo- of sound. Layer upon layer, voice upon voice. The incredible lyrics end up repetitive in the most effective way. Honestly, I've never heard lyrics like these before. Its a strange mix of poetry and allusion. Ben Gibbard has this way of wording things that causes each phrase to sound almost profound despite its potentially mundane meaning. Except that I can't think of one mundane thing about this song. I hope you all listen to this song once. Right now perhaps? and just really listen. And maybe you won't feel as passionate. Maybe you won't even see where I'm coming from at all. But for me this song just moves mountains.

And here are the lyrics:
If I could open my arms and span the length of the isle of Manhattan
I'd bring it to where you are making a lake of the East river and Hudson
If I could open my mouth wide enough for a marching band to march out
They would make your name sing and bend through alleys and bounce of all the buildings

I wish we could open our eyes to see in all directions at the same time
Oh what a beauitful view if you were never aware of what was around you
And it is true what you said that I live like a hermit in my own head
But when the sun shines again I'll pull the curtains and blinds to let the light in

Sorrow drips into your heart through a pin hole
Just like a faucet that leaks and there is comfort in the sound
But while you debate half empty or half full
Slowly it rises
Your love is gunna drown.