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Circling the Drain

from Hotel Oregon by vonHummer

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At some point in 2003, I was talking to a fellow about an elderly person who seemed to not be close to dying. I was being diplomatic for once about it, and I was repaid in euphemism when the fellow asked me, "So you think old so-and-so is circling the drain?"

And so, "Circling the Drain" was born as a song title in my mind. Rather than go in the death direction with it, though, I made it more about self-destruction through promiscuity. Snug in the midst of an LTR (Long Term Relationship, for you who don't cruise the internet), as I was at the time, I was fascinated by the idea of sad one-nighters. It's hope that disturbs the cynic, not disappointment, and so it is in the thoughts of the narrator in this song. She's as doomed as he is, but perhaps this encounter might lead to what they both desperately want: a joint Netflix account!

A great lonely riff and you can almost hear the rain ticking in the beat along. It's very mid-era Tull to me. I'm sorry to have to write good new old Jethro Tull songs, but Ian's factory has really shelved production—a well-earned rest—and dammit, I'm addicted.

lyrics

"Circling the Drain"
[vonHummer]

Now there’s no one here but you and I, and I myself am feeling no pain, Do think of maybe taking me home with you, Think it through once more again,

Bad enough being lonely, worse yet how the reaching out renders us lonelier still, That’s a notion best not entertained, circling the drain…

There’s no small talk small enough to speak as we sneak through the rain, Everybody got a body with which to keep warm and maintain,

May there be no new morning come horning in, shining harsh light on us both: my Columbus to your Queen of Spain, circling the drain…

Coffee and breakfast or should I just go? I’ve said nothing stupid, You’ve let nothing show, So far so what? No reason to complain, Still here we are: circling the drain…

Now there’s no one here but you and I, and I myself am feeling no pain, Do think of maybe taking me home with you, Better think it through once more again,

Bad enough being lonely, worse yet how the reaching out renders us lonelier still, That’s a notion best not entertained, circling the drain…

credits

from Hotel Oregon, released April 16, 2005
vonHummer: vocals, drums, guitar

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vonHummer Portland, Oregon

vonHummer is a Portland music/cable access legend whose career spanned from Fall of 2001 to Fall of 2011, during which he recorded a hundred or so songs for use in his absurdist show (and feature film) and played only a handful of concerts. Currently retired, his work shines on for the ages. Or will he someday return...? ... more

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