This was the second song I ever wrote - The odd title refers to a type of pink form, which was stressful to do in my first, post-university job, at a biotechnology company. Doing pinks for a colleague was a kind/protective act.
My favourite line is, “while I can keep them hitting me, they’ll be leaving her alone.” It was partly inspired by a scene in Only Fools and Horses, in which Del Boy allows himself to be beaten up, rather than let his brother go through it. I thought it could be a very romantic and striking line. I love, “hard,” phrases in soft songs, where you suddenly realise that something more serious is happening. Just a little strummy song anyway!
lyrics
You’re in yourself, safe as houses we say
Mean it at least. Anyway…
How does it feel when you wake up at night and stretch out unto the next day?
Under a cover it’s still cold outside
Curled up you feel slightly safe
You’re being brave (in your life you’re flat out)
Sometimes we get like today
How does it feel, when I sit with my arms next to your chair?
If we don’t talk it through… It’s okay if you cope that way
You’re not by yourself (in your life you’re flat out)
But I worry how to behave
How does it feel, when I sit with my arms next to your chair?
While I can keep them hitting me, they’ll be leaving her alone
Over the rooftops and houses our city is standing still
Oh to hold on to the good things and love here in your world
How does it feel?
credits
from The Post Office Tower,
released January 6, 2006
Ian Evans, all instruments and singing
Grizzly Bear’s classic debut gets a 15th anniversary vinyl reissue, with a digital companion featuring a bevy of remixes. Bandcamp New & Notable Jan 12, 2020