It is the songs that say the most without saying anything at all that can unveil the scars of the past without draining you emotionally. This euphoric feeling is the equivalent of magic, yet with it comes the unbearable sadness one might have thought they successfully distracted themselves from. A lot of artists lose sight of this feeling, but it is something that Greta Morgan, the voice of Springtime Carnivore, has adapted as the essence of her sound.
You know you overlooked me
One too many days
Then you tried to kiss the ground
As I walked away
Now you think you see me clear
From the other side of the door
Babe, you can’t hang that halo
Where I don’t stand anymore
It’s too late, it’s too late
Listen: “Nude Polaroids” – Springtime Carnivore
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Much of Springtime Carnivore’s music appears this way, but with the recent release of her album, Midnight Room (10/7/2016 via Autumn Tone Records), we get an insight to ways of explaining this complex euphoria. One might ask, “What should I derive from this music? Should I be happy? Should I be sad?” Midnight Room gives you a taste of both in the sense that even though you cannot put a name to this feeling, you know exactly what it is. In the song “Nude Polaroids” in particular, there is no pinpointing what route it will take toward your emotions because it was crafted in such a way that proves difficult to fight. We are prone to question the meaning behind everything, but Greta Morgan masters the art of numbing the mind with the simplest, honest words and melodies.
“Nude Polaroids” is about empowerment, growth, and realizing your worth. Although it emphasizes these important processes, she makes it known that healing means coming face to face with agony, and getting back up even when it knocks you down. On the surface it is a simple song, but it is the simplicity that keeps the song together that will knock down the emotional barricades of its listeners.
You can keep the polaroids
Where I am posing nude
Even though I’m leaving
I still trust in you
Are you making breakfast now?
Is your bread still being burned?
Do you think of all the things about me
You could never learn?
Is it too late, is it too late
It is poetic, bare, and an insight to a harsh reality. After giving someone her all and never being valued like she deserved, she knew it was time to walk away. Walking always can be a brutal process, and when the person you love is frightened by the fact that you begin to realize your worth, they promise to make a change. “Nude Polaroids” highlights the fact that this sudden change in demeanor is typically out of pure instinct, so rather than falling back into the trap, she uses her new-born strength to continue in her path.
The good news will come
But here is the bad news first
The good news will come
But tonight’s gonna be the worst
Tonight’s gonna be the worst
The good love will come
But here is the bad love first
The good love will come
But tonight’s gonna be the worst
Tonight’s gonna be the worst
“The good love will come, but tonight’s gonna be the worst.” Making a change can be frightening when you believe that you ponder the thought of rebuilding what you have with someone new. The truth in this statement is, if you have pondered the thought of rebuilding at all, then you are already battling the growth of your own self-worth. “Nude Polaroids” provides constant reassurance that even though the nights will be long and painful, there will be good that comes out of it. It is helpful, healing, and it is among many of Springtime Carnivore’s words to live by.
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cover photo: Springtime Carnivore © Julia Brokaw
Midnight Room – Springtime Carnivore
