You or Your Memory Lyrics
I checked into a bargain-priced room on La Cienaga
Gazed out through the curtains at the parking lot
Walked down to the corner store just before nightfall in my bare feet
Black tarry asphalt, soft and hot
And when I came back, I spread out my supplies
On the counter by the sink, looked myself right in the eyes
[Chorus]
St. Joseph's baby aspirin
Bartles and Jaymes
And you
Or your memory
[Verse 2]
I ducked behind the drapes when I saw the moon begin to rise
Gathered in my loose ends switched off the light
And down there in the dark I could see the real truth about me
As clear as day, Lord, if I make it through tonight
Then I will mend my ways
And walk the straight path to the end of my days
[Chorus]
St. Joseph's baby aspirin
Bartles and Jaymes
And you
Or your memory
About
The song is implied to be about the narrator contemplating suicide (though the choice of baby aspirin and Bartles and Jaymes would imply his heart isn’t in it as they wouldn’t be enough to kill him).
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
“This is a song about how… someday you might find yourself in a hotel — well, hotel is a generous term — you might find yourself in a motor lodge, The Royal Hawaiian motor lodge on Crenshaw. There’s a Polaroid picture of a naked lady in the window of the Royal Hawaiian, and it says, ‘Sexy Movie, $5’. That’s how you know it’s a class act, the Royal Hawaiian. You may find yourself there someday, plotting what you might do there. I don’t recommend what you had in mind. Better days are coming.” — John Darnielle at Club Europa, Brooklyn, September 29, 2006
- 1.You or Your Memory
- 2.Broom People
- 3.This Year
- 4.Dilaudid
- 5.Dance Music
- 8.Lion’s Teeth
- 10.Magpie
- 12.Love Love Love