I’ve become a big fan of the Song Exploder podcast.
Song Exploder is a podcast where musicians take apart their songs, and piece by piece, tell the story of how they were made. Each episode is produced and edited by host and creator Hrishikesh Hirway in Los Angeles. Using the isolated, individual tracks from a recording, Hrishikesh asks artists to delve into the specific decisions that went into creating their work. Hrishikesh edits the interviews, removing his side of the conversation and condensing the story to be tightly focused on how the artists brought their songs to life. Guests include Fleetwood Mac, U2, Metallica, Solange, Lorde, Yo-Yo Ma, Carly Rae Jepsen, and over 150 more.
The episodes conclude with a playing of the final version of the song.
A recent episode was about the song “Closing Time” by Semisonic. This was a huge hit in 1998- you’ll recognize it.
Closing time
Open all the doors and let you out into the world
Closing time
Turn all of the lights on over every boy and every girl
Closing time
One last call for alcohol so finish your whiskey or beer
Closing time
You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here
I know who I want to take me home
I know who I want to take me home
I know who I want to take me home
Take me home
The deep inner meaning of the song is about wanting a hookup after a night at a bar, right? Wrong.
Not.
Even.
Close.
The truth is powerful, surprising, and uplifting. Check out the episode.
Das Haus von Ruh 