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The Shins — Know Your Onion!
Album: Oh, Inverted World
Avg rating:
6.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 165









Released: 2001
Length: 2:23
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Shut out, pimpled and angry
I quietly tied all my guts into knots
Gave up on trying to make 'em
I figured it'd take 'em too long to look up and besides

It was undeniably clear to me
I don't know why
When every other part of life seemed locked behind shutters
I knew the worthless dregs we've always been

Lucked out, found my favorite record
Lying in wait at the Birmingham Mall
The songs that I heard, the occasional book were the only fun I ever took
And I got on with making myself

The trick is just making yourself
But when they're parking their cars on your chest
You've still got a view of the summer sky
To make it hurt twice when your restless body caves to its whims
And suddenly struggles to take flight

Three thousand miles northeast
I left all my friends at the morning bus stop shaking their heads
"What kind of life do you dream of? You're allergic to love!"
Yes, I know but I must say in my own defense

It's been undeniably clear to me, I don't know why
When every other part of life seemed locked behind shutters
I knew the worthless dregs we are, the selfless, loving saints we are
The melting, sliding dice we've always been
Comments (27)add comment
To me, their slow tunes seem much more inspired and substantial. I was disappointed to read in Rolling Stone that at least one won't be included on their next album b/c James Mercer considers it too personal.
Posted 18 years ago by tsw    [ Reply ]
there may be no reason, but i absolutely dig this song!
Posted 18 years ago by jubilantme    [ Reply ]
If you get these guys you understand a lot about the things that are behind things. Oh, and make no mistake: as above, so below. Know your onion! Tears on this side of the reset switch fill teeming seas on the other. Meanwhile, go ahead and go down those chutes too narrow. Because we come up flowers on the other. Dig it!
Posted 18 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
flyfree wrote:
The Shins first album contained a spark, that the second album, very good though it is, lacks. Anyone with me?
Couldn't agree more. The 1st album seemed like an obscure late 60s psychedelic pop album. The 2nd, while enjoyable, lacked the former's unity and cohesion.
Posted 18 years ago by window    [ Reply ]
I like onions.Rated this a 6 only because there are no fractional ratings & I'll usually give the benefit and round-up.
Posted 18 years ago by buckskin    [ Reply ]
The Shins first album contained a spark, that the second album, very good though it is, lacks. Anyone with me?
Posted 18 years ago by flyfree    [ Reply ]
The Onion
Posted 18 years ago by R_P    [ Reply ]
babygirl614 wrote:
I would look up the lyrics but I fear they'd make as much sense as those for New Slang.
I don't think either song is too tough to decipher...
Posted 18 years ago by ArbiterOfGoodTaste    [ Reply ]
I would look up the lyrics but I fear they'd make as much sense as those for New Slang.
Posted 18 years ago by babygirl614    [ Reply ]
This song would go really well with Cibo Mato's "Know Your Chicken". Mmmm...
Posted 19 years ago by hcaudill    [ Reply ]
flandersdog wrote:
I agree - Chutes Too Narrow is a beautiful album but you really have to pay attention when listening in order to notice how beautiful the songs are. as for this song, it's OK. but I really despise onions.
this is not their best. Overall Chutes too Narrow is much better.
Posted 19 years ago by strick    [ Reply ]
cutest track ever.
Posted 19 years ago by PattonFever    [ Reply ]
fun I like it
Posted 19 years ago by trompetilla    [ Reply ]
Vogelfrei wrote:
Also, the more I listen to Chutes Too Narrow, the more I realize how much they matured musically after Oh, Inverted World. This song is fun, but doesn't really show the potential of the next album.
I agree - Chutes Too Narrow is a beautiful album but you really have to pay attention when listening in order to notice how beautiful the songs are. as for this song, it's OK. but I really despise onions.
Posted 19 years ago by flandersdog    [ Reply ]
trekhead wrote:
That's right, Know your Onion! Or... Never rub another man's Rhubarb!
But Cibo Mato said that I had to know my chicken. Which is it??
Posted 19 years ago by serendipity_blue    [ Reply ]
Yes, very Kinks, with a little post-punk 'tude thrown in. And I know my onion, alright.
Posted 19 years ago by lostindetroit    [ Reply ]
Spot_69 wrote:
I find the shins to be generally forgettable upon first exposure.
I hate to agree, but I too find that some of the Shins' songs require repeated hearings. However, once they find their way into my head, they're in for good. Also, the more I listen to Chutes Too Narrow, the more I realize how much they matured musically after Oh, Inverted World. This song is fun, but doesn't really show the potential of the next album.
Posted 19 years ago by Vogelfrei    [ Reply ]
The Kins? The Shinks? Oh man, I'm confused now... Pleasant pop ditty.
Posted 19 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
psycholynx wrote:
Is it okay to squeeze the melons? Sit on a cucumber? Play with the fuzz on a peach?
Put your spoon on the high shelf, with your bowl, You've got to roll like a cantaloupe, out of control! I find the shins to be generally forgettable upon first exposure. But I love the title!
Posted 19 years ago by Spot_69    [ Reply ]
trekhead wrote:
That's right, Know your Onion! Or... Never rub another man's Rhubarb!
Is it okay to squeeze the melons? Sit on a cucumber? Play with the fuzz on a peach?
Posted 19 years ago by psycholynx    [ Reply ]
Reminiscent of Freddy and the Dreamers...
Posted 19 years ago by Gregorama    [ Reply ]
This song is a waste of time. Waste of time for them to play, waste of time for me to hear. Save some time. Stop playing. I will do my part and stop listening. Another thing: they sound like a rip off of the Kinks. I don't even like the original Kinks music. :P
Posted 19 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
some of my favorite lyrics on the album.
Posted 20 years ago by Angloray    [ Reply ]
Chunnamark is lovin' himself some Shins right about now! Flava FLAV!
Posted 20 years ago by Chunnamark    [ Reply ]
STOP IT! Go back to the garage from whence you came.... :headshake:
Posted 20 years ago by akaike    [ Reply ]
That's right, Know your Onion! Or... Never rub another man's Rhubarb!
Posted 20 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]