We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Kinda Sorta

from Sieve & Moor by vonHummer

/

about

I think at some point back East in the 90s, doing sales, I heard a guy explaining some product or service, and, by way of clarification, he answered a question with "Kinda' sorta..." and it stuck in my head. I wrote it down instantly on a Post-It note, as was my wont back then—instead of selling—and that little yellow note floated with me across time and tide to 2002, where I finally wrote it up into the very beloved song you hear today.

I see the fingerprints of my Pete Townshend addiction of the 80s all over this one. Reminds me a little bit of "How Can You Do It Alone?" from 1981's "Face Dances." Preachy, preachy. Do I find current youth and culture too dismissive and shallow? How jejune.

But luckily no one seems to have noticed my Inner Frasier (or Niles) rising in the lyrics of this song.

Extra points for the key change at the end. Also for the Maya Angelou reference in the last verse. AND this is the only song of mine that has that lovely jibberjabber from the tv show (and a translation!)

lyrics

"Kinda Sorta"
(vonHummer)

And so man’s frenzied search for answers has led us here...

Did the universe start with a boom? Kinda sorta…Is our planet gonna run outta room? Kinda sorta…Am I bothered by your heavy perfume? Kinda sorta…

Does what comes ‘round go ‘round? Has all hope been lost or found? Do you like the Nashville Sound? Kinda sorta…

Are you seeking spiritual perfection? Kinda sorta…Are you out for bloody insurrection? Kinda sorta…Is the mall much further in this direction? Kinda sorta…

Do you still possess your virginity? Is your love for sale or free? Did you steal that twenty from me? Kinda sorta…

I kinda sorta sorta kinda kinda say “kinda sorta…”
I kinda sorta sorta kinda kinda say “kinda sorta…”

Kinda sorta means “Yes, and I’m sorry it’s so,” Kinda sorta means “It’s possible, but odds are low,” Kinda sorta sorta kinda means I just don’t know if I just don’t know…

And so man’s frenzied search for answers has led us here: where a six pack of one, half twelve pack another’s still beer, my dear…Where every empty gesture collapses into healthy shrug…Where I seek an old drugstore when I want a new drug…

Is the idea as real as the thing? Kinda sorta…Do you know why the caged bird sings? Kinda sorta…After work can I give you a ring? Kinda sorta…

Are you 42 or still in your teens? Do the ends justify the means? Son, you gonna buy that magazine? Kinda sorta…

I kinda sorta sorta kinda kinda say “kinda sorta…”
I kinda sorta sorta kinda kinda say “kinda sorta…”

credits

from Sieve & Moor, released May 14, 2003
vonHummer: vocals, bass drone, high guitar drone, bass and drum programming

license

tags

about

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

contact / help

Contact vonHummer

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

vonHummer recommends:

If you like vonHummer, you may also like: