This song is basically about someone saying that their emotions are messy and their relationships are complicated, but if the person the song is directed to wants to be with them, they are willing to sweep away all the clutter and burn away their other commitments and confusion and just be with that person.
Alex G is one of the most innovative musicians of this decade. He is one of the kindest souls out there today, and his music really allows that to shine through. I have met him multiple times and I can't explain the feeling he and his music brings to the world, but it's something very special. TBH HE IS AN ANGEL
Can you go into detail about what he's like as a person when you met him? I saw him at a gig last week and and we made eye contact for like 30 seconds during one of his songs and we were just nodding in time to the music and at the end of the 30 seconds he just started bursting out laughing. I got the feeling he must be an awesome person because of that.
He was a dick when I saw him open for Dr Dog. Kept trashing the drumer. Idk if it was for fun or whatever. Cocky too. "You like that? I know we're good, fuck you" he said. Love the band, they rock and if that isn't rockstar I don't know what is
Without a doubt. And you're right that it's underrated. It's a departure from his indie lo-fi sound that gets lauded over, but that album still has those bedroom indie songs. It also has comtemporary tracks like sports star and then these beautiful country Americana songs like Bobby and Proud. It's the most versatile and best thing he ever made IMO.
its all about interpretation, kinda annoying that some people can't help but think that their opinion is truly factual. Maybe it is emotional honesty, maybe it's empathy as a weakness, we're all free to decide what we want about the song dude. It wont take away your enjoyment of it if I say its about alex cleaning his room will it? :P
me and my long term broke up last night and this is all i’ve been listening to - it’s hard and i’m struggling to cope with my emotional weight but i’m gonna do my best to say sober like he and my loved ones want. it’ll get better!
Man, I really feel this song and video. You're getting older and have these self destructive habits that you know you got to leave, clean, or burn, and just waiting for the right person to make you wanna grow up. That's how it makes me feel.. and this song is the moment of clarity before you plunge into a love that saves you from yourself.
No offense but imo you shouldn’t really be looking for someone to save you and inspire you to change for the better. You need to do the work on your own. Because if you go searching for someone to fix you and then it ends up not working out, you’re kinda back to square one with a lot of unresolved issues you didn’t properly deal with. Plus if your motivation for changing is to please or attract a romantic partner it can become unsustainable after a while because it’s sort of a facade. I’ve learned this the hard way.
Bobby's just a friend of mine He's on his back I'm on his mind He wakes me when he goes to work His hands are cold His breath is smoke I'd leave him for you If you want me to I'd leave him for you If you want me to I'd leave him for you If you want me to I'd leave him for you If you want me to Do you forget when we first met? You grabbed my hand I tore your dress I felt things I cannot express But I lost my way I made my mess I'd clean it for you If you want me to I'd clean it for you If you want me to I'd clean it for you If you want me to I'd clean it for you If you want me to But I know what you're doing I know what you're doing I know you I know you I do, I do, I tell you what I paint pictures of my heart The colors blue and purple start To bleed into an endless dark It's only you, it's only you I'd burn them for you If you want me to I'd burn them for you If you want me to I'd burn them for you If you want me to I'd burn them for you If you want me to But I know what you're doing I know what you're doing I know you I know you I do, I do, I tell you what
Is this basically (lyrics) someone saying their emotions are messy and their relationships complicated but if the person the song is addressed to wants to be with them they are willing to sweep all the messiness away and burn their other commitments and confusions and just be with that one person. That's actually really interesting.
the way i perceive it is fucking heartbreaking, loving someone so much who may not feel the same way anymore so youre desperate enough to cut off everything else even if it makes you happy, just to be with them. and to me the part about burning the pictures of his bleeding heart seems like a metaphor to being willing to hide and ignore your own emotions in an effort to show you care more for them than yourself.
The most interesting part is it appears to be a conversation BUT it’s unclear because the man and the woman both sing every word. So the first verse is probably the woman talking about Bobby and saying she’d leave him if the man wanted him to. The second verse is the man reminiscing on what their relationship used to be before he made his “mess,” and saying he’d clean it if she wanted. The post-chorus seems to be the woman distrusting his attempts to get back together with him. The third verse is probably the man... idk typical desperate love song words.
@@bigstar66 I think of Bobby as a part of Alex he is willing to change to be with the subject. I dont think that the female singer is meant to be playing a character but instead just a backup vocalist
@@ΜιχάληςΚαλαβρος i mean he does some solo work (especially his early stuff) and writes his songs independently but he also does have a band beyond touring and music videos (which im pretty sure he started using with the rocket album at least thats what his spotify thing says): sam on guitar, john on bass, tom on drums, and sometimes molly on piano or violin
Here's how good this song is: I was hooked on the Wolf Alice cover of it for weeks, then I heard this one and realized it was better. Both the writing and execution are top shelf.
Most people are misinterpreting this songs meaning in the comments but I think it shows how universal Alex G’s music is. So many different theories around the meaning of this song. This song does have its own single meaning, but that doesn’t take away from others perception.
this is kinda goofy but this always makes me think of my best friend - I've been in love with them since junior high (even if i've found other people to love along the way) and I don't know if they'll ever feel the same way, but I'm happy just being friends with them til the end. nobody compares to you Santi
This used to be my favorite song but a relationship ruined it for me. To top of off my ex couldn’t make it to an Alex G show in Portland with me, so I got black out drunk by myself, fell down the steps and sprained my ankle, hobbled my way to the front for the rest of the show with an ice pack taped to my ankle. Now Alex G just reminds me of my ex and my battles with alcoholism and it makes me sad that these things ruined such good music for me. :(
To meThat's the sign of something special , it means his themes and sound are universal and transcend over many generations, he has a simple ragged beauty to his music and the bittersweet nostalgia is instantly relatable
so bobby is referring to his depression? or like his emotions? and he wants to stop being that person just so he can be with this girl he's singing to? wow
Not sure if they've explained the real meaning of this song before, but whenever I have listened to this song, I always imagined 3 people being involved. The female vocalist, male vocalist, and "Bobby". I always interpreted this song as the beginning being the female speaking to the male about Bobby. Bobby being someone she's in some sort of relationship with? Sounds like she's playing it off though. Seems like bobby is probably going through some emotional/mental health issues like depression. And the male vocalist is just echoing the things she's saying, about leaving Bobby for him. Its overall a very sad song, and I think the perspectives change throughout the song. I just think the beginning is from the female's perspective
I have now idea what this song is supposed to mean but for me it was about addiction and was the 3rd song played at numos in Seattle 2019 and was in tears. One of the best shows of my life.
Does anyone have any recommendations of songs similar to this one? I really love the violin riff specifically, but I don't know what to search for to find similar music.
this song seems to be about taking love for granted and somehow having the sense to see your love resents it.. thus being willing to take accountability for it...making the love that much more deeper? just a thought ;)
Official synopsis: In ‘Bobby’, Alex G personifies the attributes that he (or the narrator) feels ashamed of - be them indulgences of vice or a depressive mindset. Singing to his lover, he communicates that he is aware of how he has changed for the worse, but he is willing to do what he can to fix himself. That being said, he is suspicious of her and unsure of her motivations behind encouraging a change in his character. Perhaps he wonders to himself, ‘was she the initial catalyst for my dark turn?’. This is the “correct” way to perceive the song. But the value you as an individual gives is equally important.
I had a really long dream where I was with my friend bobby and long story short I got upset with him things arose and somebody shot him and I thought it was my fault and I was screaming and crying and when the ambulance came I started singing this song
I can't hear Wilco and Jayhawks or Uncle Tupleo,but I do hear somewhat Young Elliot Smith and Beck during his One foot in the grave days and Bright Eyes.
This song is basically about someone saying that their emotions are messy and their relationships are complicated, but if the person the song is directed to wants to be with them, they are willing to sweep away all the clutter and burn away their other commitments and confusion and just be with that person.
The violin riff on this song is really something else.
It makes the song 💯
I often contemplate that this violin riff might have more contributions to music than MGK
Fun fact: Alex G’s partner Molly can play violin
@@FUCK_ACEI’d hope she’s a fucking violinist
This!!
Alex G is one of the most innovative musicians of this decade. He is one of the kindest souls out there today, and his music really allows that to shine through. I have met him multiple times and I can't explain the feeling he and his music brings to the world, but it's something very special. TBH HE IS AN ANGEL
Julia G , Nice comment there. Sums up what I would say too plus many other things. Known him since the day he was born actually, lol !
Can you go into detail about what he's like as a person when you met him? I saw him at a gig last week and and we made eye contact for like 30 seconds during one of his songs and we were just nodding in time to the music and at the end of the 30 seconds he just started bursting out laughing. I got the feeling he must be an awesome person because of that.
Julia G 6/10
I heard he got a 15 year old girls number in austin texas
He was a dick when I saw him open for Dr Dog. Kept trashing the drumer. Idk if it was for fun or whatever. Cocky too. "You like that? I know we're good, fuck you" he said. Love the band, they rock and if that isn't rockstar I don't know what is
The song is called Bobby and they sing "I tell you what" like 4 times. This song is about king of the hill.
its about whatever you'd like it to be. its interpretive in that way.
Oh. My. Lort.
that boy ain't right
Kenny Forrester tigerbelly?
i think i read or heard in a video that it's about bobby and shelly from twin peaks ?
Deserves more credit! This song and the Rocket album is just incredible.
Without a doubt. And you're right that it's underrated. It's a departure from his indie lo-fi sound that gets lauded over, but that album still has those bedroom indie songs. It also has comtemporary tracks like sports star and then these beautiful country Americana songs like Bobby and Proud. It's the most versatile and best thing he ever made IMO.
Rocket is one of the best albums of all time no doubt
i love this song i can’t explain it
One of the best backing vocals I've ever heard. Really elevates the song.
i don't know how he captures such particular emotions. this one really squeezes your heart
Isn't it sad that some people perceive emotional honesty and empathy as weakness? I wish this world was better
The best way to change the world is to change yourself.
@@cheeesonator That's some pretty shitty advice
its all about interpretation, kinda annoying that some people can't help but think that their opinion is truly factual. Maybe it is emotional honesty, maybe it's empathy as a weakness, we're all free to decide what we want about the song dude. It wont take away your enjoyment of it if I say its about alex cleaning his room will it? :P
@@TheTheode how?
It's not a weakness, its a vulnerability. You should never be willingly vulnerable to the outside world, only to the ones you truly trust.
me and my long term broke up last night and this is all i’ve been listening to - it’s hard and i’m struggling to cope with my emotional weight but i’m gonna do my best to say sober like he and my loved ones want. it’ll get better!
Man, I really feel this song and video. You're getting older and have these self destructive habits that you know you got to leave, clean, or burn, and just waiting for the right person to make you wanna grow up. That's how it makes me feel.. and this song is the moment of clarity before you plunge into a love that saves you from yourself.
i know this comments a year old, but you get it. im in the process of burning my old vices and i hope you’ve had success in your attempts as well.
This is the truth about myself I never had the courage to put into words
No offense but imo you shouldn’t really be looking for someone to save you and inspire you to change for the better. You need to do the work on your own. Because if you go searching for someone to fix you and then it ends up not working out, you’re kinda back to square one with a lot of unresolved issues you didn’t properly deal with. Plus if your motivation for changing is to please or attract a romantic partner it can become unsustainable after a while because it’s sort of a facade. I’ve learned this the hard way.
He's just ridiculous. Got the Midas touch, this one does. Regardless of what genre he dabbles in on each song.
Ryan Micklos he really is so genius. and so prolific too. I have not heard a song that wasn't great.
i can imagine how beautiful it is for alex to look back at this and it will just be more and more beautiful
love the bike scenes cause that's exactly what I imagine whenever I listen to alex g, riding my bike on an overcast day
That sounds amazing I want to do that
Wait I have a bike and an mp3 player I can do that
WOW alex g has to be made of pure nostalgia and sweetness
One of my favorite Alex g songs of all time
Every December I go through the end-of-year lists to catch up on music I've missed. I've listened to this song three times in a row now. Sublime.
Bobby's just a friend of mine
He's on his back
I'm on his mind
He wakes me when he goes to work
His hands are cold
His breath is smoke
I'd leave him for you
If you want me to
I'd leave him for you
If you want me to
I'd leave him for you
If you want me to
I'd leave him for you
If you want me to
Do you forget when we first met?
You grabbed my hand
I tore your dress
I felt things I cannot express
But I lost my way
I made my mess
I'd clean it for you
If you want me to
I'd clean it for you
If you want me to
I'd clean it for you
If you want me to
I'd clean it for you
If you want me to
But I know what you're doing
I know what you're doing
I know you
I know you
I do, I do, I tell you what
I paint pictures of my heart
The colors blue and purple start
To bleed into an endless dark
It's only you, it's only you
I'd burn them for you
If you want me to
I'd burn them for you
If you want me to
I'd burn them for you
If you want me to
I'd burn them for you
If you want me to
But I know what you're doing
I know what you're doing
I know you
I know you
I do, I do, I tell you what
This is honestly so fucking well written
BEAUTIFUL.
*listens to Alex G once*
JebaJebaJemeh jebs i love u
amanita What if he raped children?
Debussy -yess-
so breathtaking i am scared i will listen to this song too much
Is this basically (lyrics) someone saying their emotions are messy and their relationships complicated but if the person the song is addressed to wants to be with them they are willing to sweep all the messiness away and burn their other commitments and confusions and just be with that one person. That's actually really interesting.
the way i perceive it is fucking heartbreaking, loving someone so much who may not feel the same way anymore so youre desperate enough to cut off everything else even if it makes you happy, just to be with them. and to me the part about burning the pictures of his bleeding heart seems like a metaphor to being willing to hide and ignore your own emotions in an effort to show you care more for them than yourself.
The most interesting part is it appears to be a conversation BUT it’s unclear because the man and the woman both sing every word.
So the first verse is probably the woman talking about Bobby and saying she’d leave him if the man wanted him to. The second verse is the man reminiscing on what their relationship used to be before he made his “mess,” and saying he’d clean it if she wanted. The post-chorus seems to be the woman distrusting his attempts to get back together with him. The third verse is probably the man... idk typical desperate love song words.
Oh yeah
@@bigstar66 I think of Bobby as a part of Alex he is willing to change to be with the subject. I dont think that the female singer is meant to be playing a character but instead just a backup vocalist
Mmmm like Radiohead’s House of Cards
Alex g is the only band that I listened to in highschool that I still love and don't hate
He's a solo artist no band just for the video
@@ΜιχάληςΚαλαβρος i mean he does some solo work (especially his early stuff) and writes his songs independently but he also does have a band beyond touring and music videos (which im pretty sure he started using with the rocket album at least thats what his spotify thing says): sam on guitar, john on bass, tom on drums, and sometimes molly on piano or violin
Beautiful. Cannot wait for this record.
Why would you leave me
"I'd clean it for you, if you want me too” is my favorite part
His music is so nostalgic. I’m so glad I found him I am obsessed.
this is probably the most beautiful song i've ever heard
Here's how good this song is: I was hooked on the Wolf Alice cover of it for weeks, then I heard this one and realized it was better. Both the writing and execution are top shelf.
Most people are misinterpreting this songs meaning in the comments but I think it shows how universal Alex G’s music is. So many different theories around the meaning of this song. This song does have its own single meaning, but that doesn’t take away from others perception.
Alex Gsus
It's like a sustained G chord
Harris Tolber The jokes work better when you dont have to explain em
Tyler Redman 00
isnt Gsus suspended not sustained
this is kinda goofy but this always makes me think of my best friend - I've been in love with them since junior high (even if i've found other people to love along the way) and I don't know if they'll ever feel the same way, but I'm happy just being friends with them til the end. nobody compares to you Santi
Aww
Tell him you love him
“I’d clean it for you, if you want me to” hits harder when your loved ones want you to be sober. Ty Alex g we love you.
I had my best makeout experience to this song with my friend so it means a lot to me🥰
Alex G rules.
Pun intended
pump for his new album
I too, am pump
I'm one pump chump for his album
ten more days
May 19th not March!
new album gives me pumpalumps
to whoever suggested this song to me in musicpals, you're the best.. I'm beyond grateful ♥️
Wow, Alex never fails me.
This used to be my favorite song but a relationship ruined it for me. To top of off my ex couldn’t make it to an Alex G show in Portland with me, so I got black out drunk by myself, fell down the steps and sprained my ankle, hobbled my way to the front for the rest of the show with an ice pack taped to my ankle. Now Alex G just reminds me of my ex and my battles with alcoholism and it makes me sad that these things ruined such good music for me. :(
same thing happened to me with another song, just kept listening and i eventually forgot the bad memories that came with it.
I feel with you dude
Music like this always inspires me to paint my lyrics rather than write them if that makes sense
alex g is very cool and funny live and was really nice to me when i talked to him after his show at the observatory last year. love his stuff.
Great work on this man. It sounds just like YOU! and u are amazing ❤ beautiful video btw #Brazil
I saw these guys at Osheaga last year. Great festival, it's also nice living only four hours away in New Hampshire.
Just the best kind of something.
I just love Alex G ❤️❤️❤️
This has seriously has became one of my favorite songs. ❤️
This song makes me nostalgic for a place in America I’ve never been to
That place is the upper Midwest. This song feels like what it was like to grow up in the Rust Belt.
this song feels like it’s from my childhood but it’s not
To meThat's the sign of something special , it means his themes and sound are universal and transcend over many generations, he has a simple ragged beauty to his music and the bittersweet nostalgia is instantly relatable
so bobby is referring to his depression? or like his emotions? and he wants to stop being that person just so he can be with this girl he's singing to? wow
this is the most beautiful music video ive ever seen
Not sure if they've explained the real meaning of this song before, but whenever I have listened to this song, I always imagined 3 people being involved. The female vocalist, male vocalist, and "Bobby". I always interpreted this song as the beginning being the female speaking to the male about Bobby. Bobby being someone she's in some sort of relationship with? Sounds like she's playing it off though. Seems like bobby is probably going through some emotional/mental health issues like depression. And the male vocalist is just echoing the things she's saying, about leaving Bobby for him. Its overall a very sad song, and I think the perspectives change throughout the song. I just think the beginning is from the female's perspective
Bobby is the male singers inner conscious. That’s my perception at least.
My names bobby and I feel so connected to this song
me too mines spelt with an ie but oh well
meu anjo voltou
THE END IS SO CUTE
this song makes me feel high
My favorite song forever and ever
If this song's any indication, this may be his best album yet.
Wasn't expecting this. I dig it though.
love u alex
I have now idea what this song is supposed to mean but for me it was about addiction and was the 3rd song played at numos in Seattle 2019 and was in tears. One of the best shows of my life.
Does anyone have any recommendations of songs similar to this one? I really love the violin riff specifically, but I don't know what to search for to find similar music.
phoebe bridgers - graceland too; Alex G - Southern Sky; slow pulp - Falling Apart, Montana
i love this Alex, im stoked for the new album!
It’s 8:30pm, I’m outside smoking a cigarette and listening to this song and it just hit me in the feels.
Same
You get it….
crying this boy means so much
I've been looking for this song for a very long time. It brings back good memories
that background vocalist gives this song so much more emotion
Agreed. She's a regular collaborator with Alex G. Mud is another example where her vocals really make the song.
this song seems to be about taking love for granted and somehow having the sense to see your love resents it.. thus being willing to take accountability for it...making the love that much more deeper? just a thought ;)
Official synopsis:
In ‘Bobby’, Alex G personifies the attributes that he (or the narrator) feels ashamed of - be them indulgences of vice or a depressive mindset. Singing to his lover, he communicates that he is aware of how he has changed for the worse, but he is willing to do what he can to fix himself. That being said, he is suspicious of her and unsure of her motivations behind encouraging a change in his character. Perhaps he wonders to himself, ‘was she the initial catalyst for my dark turn?’.
This is the “correct” way to perceive the song. But the value you as an individual gives is equally important.
So hyped for this!
‘kin love how much this means to everyone 💜
@SamuelEMPowell131 thanks Samuel, I’ll do just that👌🏼
Ace video, really fresh. Likey
Is this about quitting smoking?? That's why I'm getting from the lyrics
amazing
And this didn’t get nominated for a Grammy.... wtf
Just heard this song on XL102 in Richmond VA had to look it up
Here because of bohdi using part of this for his song “Bobby”. Both songs are amazing :)
2:20 THAT DAMN GOBLIN GET AWAY FROM ME!!!
LOLLL
some of the best alex g yet mang
I WAS BORN IN 1991
something about alexs music just hits. pretty sure hes my age
Love this! Appalachian folk
does anybody know who does sing the song with him at the same time (female voice)?
speechless
This is the best shit ever. I am shook
this dude alex got me in my feelings
Best band I found in 2017
Top Ten songs
this is everything to me
Great song and Nice hoodie!!! XOXO The Peek-a-Boo Revue
underrated.
i like it
I’D LEAVE HIM FOR YOU IF YOU WANT ME TO
Amazing.
I had a really long dream where I was with my friend bobby and long story short I got upset with him things arose and somebody shot him and I thought it was my fault and I was screaming and crying and when the ambulance came I started singing this song
Im here because of wolf alice. Great song
I can't hear Wilco and Jayhawks or Uncle Tupleo,but I do hear somewhat Young Elliot Smith and Beck during his One foot in the grave days and Bright Eyes.
So happy to see this trending!!
phenomenal
totally diggin it
I love this sound
This dude does not miss ?
alex g with pinegrove. that's a show i'd pay bank to see
just beautiful