It's been eight days since I've updated the blog. I told myself I wouldn't be that person. So I'm updating again. The problem is that nothing's happened in my life, so instead, I'll interpret song lyrics.
Now, this is a post that I thought of over two months ago, when I was in China. According to our dear tour guide, peaches are a symbol of longevity. This puts a brand new light on the song by The Presidents of the same name. Let's go through the lyrics, shall we?
"Moving to the country, gonna eat a lot of peaches,
Moving to the country, gonna eat a lot of peaches,
Moving to the country, gonna eat a lot of peaches,
Moving to the country, gonna eat a lot of peaches"
This verse, though very repetitive, establishes the basis of the song. The lodestar of the song is the peach, which, as we discussed, is a metaphor for longevity. The first four lines make very clear the author's goal: to obtain immortality, or at least come very close. The means are also out there in the open. The author intends to separate himself from modern, urban society to further his quest for a long, tranquil life. Also revealed in this verse is the rather selfish desires of the author. The process is described as "eat[ing] a lot of peaches". The imagery associated with this picture is a hedonistic one. The author shows no concern other than their own indulgence, that quest for a long life.
"Peaches come from a can,
They were put there by a man
In a factory downtown."
Almost immediately, the idealism displayed in the first lines is juxtaposed by a gritty picture. This line can be interpreted two ways:
1) Longevity, while dressed up to be a nice, natural picture, is actually a manufactured dream. The author's wish for longevity is built on the back of the work of others. The factory worker is a tragic fallen hero, whose work it is to provide artificial happiness to others. Much like the rodeo clown, his purpose is to pretend that both his work and the work of his audience means something.
2) The other meaning is just as cynical. The peach is still a very real, tangible goal. However, in order to obtain the peaches, technology is an essential middle man. Despite the beliefs of the author, longevity is not found through retreating from society, but by being a part of it. Alongside this integration is all the problems inherent with longevity. It can be obtained through modern technology, yes, but at what cost? Man gains a long life, but becomes a slave to his work in the process.
"If I had my little way, I'd eat peaches every day.
Sun-soaked bulges in the shade."
Despite pointing out the problems with the quest for longevity not one line before, the author returns to his selfish views on the subject. The author is well aware of the pain and problems associated with peaches, yet perseveres with his self-centered opinion. The shade represents his ignorance, which the author chooses to remain in as he fuels his indulgences.
"Moving to the country, gonna eat a lot of peaches,
Moving to the country, gonna eat a lot of peaches,
Moving to the country, gonna eat a lot of peaches,
Moving to the country, gonna eat a lot of peaches"
The chorus repeats, but now that we've seen the pain caused by the peaches, it no longer has a happy, hopeful tone, but a sad, ironic one.
"I took a little nap where the roots all twist,
Squished a rotten peach in my fist,
And dreamed about you, woman."
Here, We see a change in heart on part of the author. Tired of his quest, he lays down for a rest. As he does so, he realizes that the corrupt nature of his dream caused it to rot, and there he squishes it. At the base of the spiteful tree that fueled his desires, he begins to rethink his goal. What drove him to do so? His dreams, involving a woman. One can only assume that the girl mentioned is the author's sweetheart. The author is able to overstep his selfish quest by replacing his hollow desire with a fulfilling one: only now does he realize that an empty life remains empty, regardless of length. He is able to shift his desires toward a short, meaningful life, rather than a long, pointless one.
"Put my finger down inside,
Made a little room for an ant to hide,
Nature's candy in my hand or can, or pie."
Again, the man realizes that in his quest for a long life, he subconsciously has dug a hole in his own trophy, which has allowed corruption to sneak inside, and hide itself. His own prize has rotted upon itself, because of his unconscious attempts to find amusement in his life.
The second half of this verse shows that the author hasn't completely reverted. He still finds enjoyment in peaches, as shown by him calling them "nature's candy". However, upon listing pie as one of the options, he stumbles onto what is perhaps the greatest revelation that the song contains: The peach, although an excellent fruit, was not meant to be enjoyed on its own. Rather, it is a garnish to better things. The best way to enjoy a peach is not alone, but by making it part of a greater desert.
Unfortunately, the song's moral is forgotten, leading into the final chorus:
"Millions of peaches,
Peaches for me.
Millions of peaches,
Peaches for free."
By the end of the song, the author has forgotten that he has better things to strive for? Why? Because of his lust for longevity. His nobler goals are lost under a heap of millions of peaches. What is worse is the author's perception that the peaches were free. In his indulgence, he has completely forgotten the plight of the factory worker, the sacrifice to modern technology, and the girl of his dreams. His love of peaches has led him onto a road of lonely sadness.
The story of peaches is a sad one indeed. Of course, I'm sure this wasn't the meaning The Presidents had in mind, but it sure is a fun and surprisingly valid interpretation.
Peace out, readers.
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