When I first saw this video I had no idea that that was actually Colin, I assumed it was an actor hired because he looked almost too dorky to be real. For some reason I always imagined Colin being some dashingly handsome Lost Generation-esque poet who spent his days sipping absinthe in cafes and polishing his collection of brass astrolabes.
Colin's a gem. Was working green peace ten years ago in Portland (the job market had crashed, and utopianism was in the zeitgeist.), scarcely made it through my training period, but during that three day span, the one person I got to stop and talk to me was Colin Meloy, told him I loved his new album "The King Is Dead", which was a week from General release, but my friend had pre-ordered the vinyl, he was shocked that id heard it as he was completely unaware the vinyl was shipped early, but was grateful and quite gracious, took a picture with him on my old flip phone, had the whole band sign it at a record release function at music millennium a few weeks later. The whole band made the same joke that it looked like I took the picture with Colin in a coffin. Lol.
I love this song and the message bug, I can't help thinking of what Colin said in an interview (I'm paraphrasing): "The problem with writing a political song is you end up having to be interviewed by Janeane Garofalo"
verses: E, D, A, E bridge: A, B, Db, D, A lead-in to chorus: held out B chorus: A, E, A, E, B>>>Db, A, E (ladeedadeeda) i think that's about it. everything else is just these chords in some order. enjoy guys =) PS: root A major throughout
Open up the song's lyrics in another window and watch this video again. There's a lot of significance you don't get from just one or the other. The song is about how the U.S. conducts its foreign policy at home. There are 16 military wives and 17 company men. 5 of the company men die at war, their deaths marked only by the letters of a sergeant home to those 5 wives. (The chorus is about how the U.S. essentially de-facto rules the world and can't ever say no to war, meanwhile the infotainment-centric mainstream media puts their fingers in their ears about these atrocities. It's important to note the significance of the chorus being repeated after each verse.) 15 celebrity minds, spoiled by their fortune, talk a big talk about a solution to the crisis. Despite their "moderate liberal" mindset, they can't be bothered to put in the real work needed. 18 academy chairs (probably referring to the United Nations), only 7 of which care about the world at large, meaninglessly laud the words of 5 "humble" celebrity minds instead of putting in the real work needed to solve the crisis themselves. 14 cannibal kings (probably referring to warlords, tyrants, and the ultra-rich) reap the greatest benefits from the suffering, happy in the impotence of the 15 celebrity minds and 16 military wives.
Lyrics can be facetious. It doesnt have to be actually agreeing with what is said. Notice how the chap who sings the chorus ever time is an arrogant bastard and the villain? Sort of like someone saying "america de-facto rules the world"
@@fellow8085 The person who is singing the chorus is representing America and the person who wrote the comment wasn't stating his opinion at all, he was saying the meaning of the lyrics, and when the person representing America is singing Cause America can, and America can't say no And America does, if America says it's so Its quite obvious what the meaning behind those lyrics are.
I noticed that Death Cab For Cutie's bassist Nick Harmer makes an appearance at 3:30 (he apparently also co-produced the video!). I wanted to check Wikipedia just to be sure, and I found out from there that Death Cab's former guitarist Chris Walla also makes a cameo (Walla actually co-produced Picaresque as well as The Crane Wife). I checked the video again to see which character he played, and I think he's Jack the news reporter but I couldn't tell at first because of the fake moustache, lol.
This is a superb example of how to bring a group of ordinary people together and make something wonderful through music. Gareth's programme brings whole communities together, where new friendships develop and support abounds for those feeling alone. Well done military wives, knocks spots off anything x factor produce and it's for good cause.
yeah this song is so good i don't have words. i really love these guys for their alternative folk indie sound and i adore hazards of love. i need to listen to more of their full albums.
This is one of my favorite videos - not only because its true to the way things are between countries and its funny, but because the concept is so cool.
Maybe a better resolution in 2022 KRS. Still wow I remember downloading this video and playing it on repeat while I waited for my Picaresque cd to arrive at Sanity Music in Oz in 05.
i just heard this on the radio and i fell in love instantly i search the video and its got 283,000 views and its been up since 2006 i feel bad for those other people not watching
WAIT I know it's been 7 years but this is the same guy who wrote Wildwood?? I've been a fan of those books for years before I found this band! I have a signed edition of the the whiz mob and the grenadine kid that makes me so happy
@@albernererhelge Not sure if you are replying to me or not but, if so, then I meant specifically in this video. I have no idea what she looks like now.
The song is about America’s aggression into the Middle East and ability to pick on anyone they want with out conquer everything. This is also why if you go to a model United Nations, you will find that America is the most boring country to play.
@@eagletanker I'd do it, but I'd have a vote and have America run by a complete lunatic. Trade deals would involve "three pounds of happiness" and we'd routinely ban people of certain nations from entering the country for the purposes of visiting a theme park. Then, to top it off, we declare war on every country with more than five vowels in its name as a threat to the worldwide supply of vowels. Countries willing to change their names so as to reduce vowel consumption will be offered immediate armistice.
I saw a poster asking to join the Model UN club at my school, and my mind immediately went to this. I completely forgot about this band for the longest time. La di da di da
A quote from the writers of Avatar: The Last Airbender, "America you are the fire nation and we will keep making these shows until you understand that"
Clear message and that's what I like about this band. I don't always agree with what they are saying, and due to that, it makes me want to take a peek at others' perspectives and try and view the world differently. Oh and btw, where is this band from?
@AnnettexAutopsy I am talking about people commenting and people in general. I agree with their message in this music video, I just don't like people thinking our government represents all of us citizens.
![The Decemberists - "5 Songs" [FULL ALBUM STREAM]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pxRABtGTNlc/mqdefault.jpg)
Listen to the "Picaresque" album by The Decembrists - ruclips.net/video/nFlTBJdpy5A/видео.html
classic stuff...agreee agreee agreeeeeeeeeeee
I love the decemberists and I actually go to that school, Cleveland High School, it is really cool to watch this
Sarah Buczkowski is it in Ohio?
Probably in Oregon or Washington state/somewhere in the Pacific North West.
damn now u almost 30
When I first saw this video I had no idea that that was actually Colin, I assumed it was an actor hired because he looked almost too dorky to be real. For some reason I always imagined Colin being some dashingly handsome Lost Generation-esque poet who spent his days sipping absinthe in cafes and polishing his collection of brass astrolabes.
I can't tell him apart from the Death Cab guy :(
@@chironOwlglass Death cab guy, Colin and the singer of the mountain goats are the same person in different fonts
this LMAO colin and the tmg guy even sound the same sometimes
Colin's a gem. Was working green peace ten years ago in Portland (the job market had crashed, and utopianism was in the zeitgeist.), scarcely made it through my training period, but during that three day span, the one person I got to stop and talk to me was Colin Meloy, told him I loved his new album "The King Is Dead", which was a week from General release, but my friend had pre-ordered the vinyl, he was shocked that id heard it as he was completely unaware the vinyl was shipped early, but was grateful and quite gracious, took a picture with him on my old flip phone, had the whole band sign it at a record release function at music millennium a few weeks later. The whole band made the same joke that it looked like I took the picture with Colin in a coffin. Lol.
You think he doesn't?
2021 and still loving this. Not just the song, but also the Wes Anderson- ness of the vid. Ok I'm off to watch Rushmore
Looking for wes andersonness in music videos? Try Oxford Comma by Vampire Weekend
yah I like wes anderson movies too
Magritte!
hahahahahahahahahaha i literally scrolled to the comments solely to see if this had already been said. the influence is undeniable.
So many folks fail to parody Wes Anderson's stuff, while this music video seems to nail it.
Hahaha
The band has explicitly stated that this video, as well as one for “Oh Valencia!” Were heavily influenced by Anderson.
This was filmed in my freshman english teacher's classroom. he bragged about that a couple times during the year. cool guy
now its an art room
@@broskiez2641 How appropriate!
I love this song and the message bug, I can't help thinking of what Colin said in an interview (I'm paraphrasing): "The problem with writing a political song is you end up having to be interviewed by Janeane Garofalo"
The man is a national treasure.
verses: E, D, A, E
bridge: A, B, Db, D, A
lead-in to chorus: held out B
chorus: A, E, A, E, B>>>Db, A, E (ladeedadeeda)
i think that's about it. everything else is just these chords in some order.
enjoy guys =)
PS: root A major throughout
Thank you!
7 years late haha but thank you so much!! if i may ask, what's the strumming pattern?
Love how they basically make a mini musical in each of their songs
The Decemberists are fantastic. Another excellent Portland band. We recently filmed Typhoon live at Brighton Music Hall in Boston. Amazing show.
Open up the song's lyrics in another window and watch this video again. There's a lot of significance you don't get from just one or the other. The song is about how the U.S. conducts its foreign policy at home.
There are 16 military wives and 17 company men. 5 of the company men die at war, their deaths marked only by the letters of a sergeant home to those 5 wives.
(The chorus is about how the U.S. essentially de-facto rules the world and can't ever say no to war, meanwhile the infotainment-centric mainstream media puts their fingers in their ears about these atrocities. It's important to note the significance of the chorus being repeated after each verse.)
15 celebrity minds, spoiled by their fortune, talk a big talk about a solution to the crisis. Despite their "moderate liberal" mindset, they can't be bothered to put in the real work needed.
18 academy chairs (probably referring to the United Nations), only 7 of which care about the world at large, meaninglessly laud the words of 5 "humble" celebrity minds instead of putting in the real work needed to solve the crisis themselves.
14 cannibal kings (probably referring to warlords, tyrants, and the ultra-rich) reap the greatest benefits from the suffering, happy in the impotence of the 15 celebrity minds and 16 military wives.
thank you!!!~~~~ x
Yup, no doubt inspired by the 2005 invasion of Iraq.
This should be pinned!
Lyrics can be facetious. It doesnt have to be actually agreeing with what is said. Notice how the chap who sings the chorus ever time is an arrogant bastard and the villain? Sort of like someone saying "america de-facto rules the world"
@@fellow8085 The person who is singing the chorus is representing America and the person who wrote the comment wasn't stating his opinion at all, he was saying the meaning of the lyrics, and when the person representing America is singing
Cause America can, and America can't say no
And America does, if America says it's so
Its quite obvious what the meaning behind those lyrics are.
Two years ago I hated this song. What the hell was wrong with me? I've come back to it today and it's easily in my top 20 songs of all time!
Sometimes things take time.
I noticed that Death Cab For Cutie's bassist Nick Harmer makes an appearance at 3:30 (he apparently also co-produced the video!). I wanted to check Wikipedia just to be sure, and I found out from there that Death Cab's former guitarist Chris Walla also makes a cameo (Walla actually co-produced Picaresque as well as The Crane Wife). I checked the video again to see which character he played, and I think he's Jack the news reporter but I couldn't tell at first because of the fake moustache, lol.
Two decades later and nothing has changed.
This is a superb example of how to bring a group of ordinary people together and make something wonderful through music. Gareth's programme brings whole communities together, where new friendships develop and support abounds for those feeling alone. Well done military wives, knocks spots off anything x factor produce and it's for good cause.
yeah this song is so good i don't have words. i really love these guys for their alternative folk indie sound and i adore hazards of love. i need to listen to more of their full albums.
Check of out "the crane wife", another great meant-to-be-heard-as-a-full-album album !
Mariners Revenge is probably my favorite
+Noah Bobrow same
It looks like the set up for Wes Anderson's next movie
i belieeve it may have been spiritiually inspired by "rushmoer". just a personal opinosn.
i feel like this is the theme song for something.... and if im just making that up, it SHOULD be the theme song for something haha
I'm going to this school. The fact that the Decemberists were there just makes it 100% more awesome!
same
I keep randomly expecting frank Iero to pop out of a locker, scaring someone
you got a legitimate LOL out of me
Same!
3:10 is 2006-era Colin Meloy interacting with himself from the present
I haven't listened to The Decembrists since I saw them at the Milwaukee theater a few years ago xD I forgot how amazing their music was.
this has got to be the greatest music video known to man.
Many of my formative years were spent listing to They Might Be Giants. I love songs with meaning. TY for the subtitles, Great Show! Great Song!
I know I need to hear more, but "On the Bus Mall" is still my favorite song of theirs.
There are so many wonderful things in this video, I can't pick my favorite.
This is one of my favorite videos - not only because its true to the way things are between countries and its funny, but because the concept is so cool.
The little man rises up once again. You have to love it.
The best narrative music video ever. Ever!
its truly the best music video ever amazingly fantastic!!! :] !!
I love that John Roderick is in this! All the Great Shows.
Omigod!!!!!! This video was filmed at my high school, Cleveland in SE Portland!
Just discovered this band, amazing!
that's legit
This may be the most fantastic music video I've ever seen. I can only hope that my school's United Nations is like this.
Well I don’t know if you want the US to beat up Luxembourg with police equipment, but I get what you mean.
I went to high school here where they shot this. Pretty funny
Maybe a better resolution in 2022 KRS. Still wow I remember downloading this video and playing it on repeat while I waited for my Picaresque cd to arrive at Sanity Music in Oz in 05.
ive spent like 5 years looking for this. what a classic.
Posted in 2006. This is part of RUclips prehistory.
My favorite music video.Ever.
I adore the symbolism behind this. Also a great video!
EternallyPrussian what is the sumbolism
I thought this was they might be giants, it gives off those vibes, 10/10 Carl got his revenge
A milquetoast fence-sitter sent me here.
Me too
Tim pool?
@@danielroy7739 Yeah
The decemberists r f---ing awesum! I luv you guys & ur songs! ROCK ON
I first came across this song in 2010. It just randomly popped into my head so here I am.
i just heard this on the radio and i fell in love instantly i search the video and its got 283,000 views and its been up since 2006
i feel bad for those other people not watching
that Cleveland HS in Portland, right?
Jack Starr Have you heard of wikipedia?
this song has such a good message
I hope I'm not the only fan of these guys who knows that Colin Meloy is a best-selling author.
:l
I have both wildwood books. :D
TaurieltheElvenWarriorofMirkwood Actually, I didn't know, but I'm glad you said about it. I'm going to look into it
WAIT I know it's been 7 years but this is the same guy who wrote Wildwood?? I've been a fan of those books for years before I found this band! I have a signed edition of the the whiz mob and the grenadine kid that makes me so happy
Wildwood is amazing
Reminds me of Army by Ben Folds Five…love this much
Nice use of imagery from the movie Rushmore.
I love this band - they're fantastic. Reminds me a lot of Neutral Milk Hotel.
This song makes me happy when few other things can. Not sure why, as the lyrics are so depressing... But that's just the magic of the Decemberists.
THIS VIDEO IS FUCKING BRILLIANT
Saw this at Ceader Point, and instantly fell in love with it.
I was there last week, and that's what led me here today. Haha
Can I ask what the connection to cedar point is?
My funeral better be that well choreographed.
Good concept...love this
Rushmore: perhaps one of the best movies made
Love this still.
Oh, and the Hazards of Love album is just genius....
I'm probably in the minority here but "Molly" is freaking adorable.
I totally agree with u
Present or past?
@@albernererhelge Not sure if you are replying to me or not but, if so, then I meant specifically in this video. I have no idea what she looks like now.
tvsinesperanto maybe you should take a look and review your statement
@@albernererhelge Don't care enough to Google her
01:43 Why is the man with the Macedonian flag wearing an Asian conical hat?
Because America.
Republic a Korea is pretty cute.
love this video
I loooove this!
i looked up this video because it was filmed at my high school. didn't really expect to like the music, but now it's on my ipod!
This is Still Frick n Awesome Man
Love this song. Love this band.
Dork tower brought me here. Greetings from Germany. 😁
im obsessed with this song
Brilliant!
Great song, great video, but can someone explain how they connect?
The song is about America’s aggression into the Middle East and ability to pick on anyone they want with out conquer everything. This is also why if you go to a model United Nations, you will find that America is the most boring country to play.
@@eagletanker I'd do it, but I'd have a vote and have America run by a complete lunatic. Trade deals would involve "three pounds of happiness" and we'd routinely ban people of certain nations from entering the country for the purposes of visiting a theme park. Then, to top it off, we declare war on every country with more than five vowels in its name as a threat to the worldwide supply of vowels. Countries willing to change their names so as to reduce vowel consumption will be offered immediate armistice.
Cool :D
So did I, my dad was in a band with the drummer.
I saw a poster asking to join the Model UN club at my school, and my mind immediately went to this. I completely forgot about this band for the longest time.
La di da di da
i feel like the director is a huge fan of rushmore...
probably my faorite music video and song
so... this isn't TMBG?
I get those vibes too!
Meloy sounds a lot like John F. in this one
love the vid...kinda makes me feel bad for taking a hiatus from activism...
but yeah great song, i'd be curious to see the video with original audio..
Love it.
This really is amazing quality for being made in 2006.
Very catchy song for sure.
the video reminds me of wes anderson, so much!
woooooooooooooo hes from Helena, Montana and he speaked at our graduation!!
That sounds really Beatles like and I love it
Is this footage from the recent G7 summit in Canada?
Subtle.
guy with the scarf at 3:30 is my dad
They definitely coat everything in salt, not sugar! and yet, it's so good! art does not have to be cheerful, it just had to be true.
Is that John Roderick at 0:40 ?
That's my and my sisters school!
Clearly they arint teaching you grammar lmao.
um.... *aren't
Anna Christen Um*, You start sentences with capitals dear
You don't capitalize letters in the middle of sentences, unless it's a name. You also are supposed to end sentences with a period.
ethan hanna no need to be a douche mate
Point of information, I found this awesome!
No hipster comment here. I just dropped in to say... I love this video. :)
OH MY GOD. IS IRELAND PIGTAILS PORTLANDIA'S SPARKLE PONY?! MIND IS BLOWN
A quote from the writers of Avatar: The Last Airbender, "America you are the fire nation and we will keep making these shows until you understand that"
Check out Colin's "dictator" and "prayer " hands starting around 2:15 to 2:35 . Nice touch Colin me boy ;)
Clear message and that's what I like about this band. I don't always agree with what they are saying, and due to that, it makes me want to take a peek at others' perspectives and try and view the world differently. Oh and btw, where is this band from?
Botswana
Heard this song at Dorney Park and fell in love
awesome
Unsure if DPRK flag usage for the Republic of Korea was intentional or a mistake. Love this band to pieces anyhow!
I see you're trying to calm the more enthusiastic/crazy members of your religion. As a Muslim, I find your efforts adorable.
Reminds me of Rushmore
totes
TP sent me
@AnnettexAutopsy I am talking about people commenting and people in general. I agree with their message in this music video, I just don't like people thinking our government represents all of us citizens.