GOSHEN, Ind. — “Riptides” by Death Cab For Cutie has a drive with the nostalgia of watching a 2000s indie movie. It brings you in with its consistent beat, and pulls you along with the hook, “I’m too tired to talk, I’m too tired to end the war // And I can’t seem to hold it together anymore.”
This song speaks of the feeling of exhaustion — seeing people leave over and over again, becoming almost numb to the loss, and too tired to do anything about it. With riptides pulling you in every direction, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay a float.
When minor chords are introduced for the first time, it creates another layer of tension that has been building throughout the song. The instrumental progression compliments the lyrics with an audible illustration of giving more and more energy as you get increasingly tired — trying to keep moving forward.
When it ends you’re left with an emptiness of something that you couldn’t reach. The once consistent beat is gone, and you feel too tired to hold it together anymore. Whether you’re tired of relationships falling through, tired of staying on top of your workload or simply tired at the state of the world, this is a song I think will resonate with many.
“Riptides” is out now, with the full album, “I Built You A Tower,” set to release June 5. Death Cab For Cutie are also stopping in Indianapolis on July 12 on tour — more information and tickets can be found at deathcabforcutie.com.
– Mackenzie Miller, Program Director
Each week, a Globe-pal (AKA a DJ at 91.1 the Globe) uploads a review of a Globe track that is sent out and posted on globeradio.org/music. The Globe Track of the Week is proudly presented by 91.1 the Globe, the best college radio station in Indiana.
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