I Was a Kaleidoscope

Death Cab for Cutie

About I Was a Kaleidoscope

"I Was a Kaleidoscope" is a song by American band Death Cab for Cutie, the second single from their third album The Photo Album, released on 15 October, 2002. It is an upbeat song consisting of guitars and drums, with keyboards and loops completing the soundscape that the band builds up with the initial guitar riff and drum and bass line. It was written about walking to a soon to be ex-girlfriend's apartment in winter, probably referencing weather around Seattle and Bellingham, Washington, the band's hometowns. The song reached number 115 on the UK Singles Chart. 


Year:
2001
2:50
136 

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I put on my overcoat and walked into winter, my teeth chattered rhythms
And they were grouped in twos or threes, 
Like a Morse code message was sent from me to me. 
Cars on slippery slopes, they're stuck: people pushing through 
Their mittens as I was beginning to feel it soaking through my shoes, 
Getting colder with every step I took to your apartment, dear. 
  
And I was a kaleidoscope, the snow on my lenses distorting the image of what 
Was only one of you and I didn't know which one to address as all your lips 
Moved. 

This is when I forget breathe all the things I scripted, they sound unfounded.
And the look that you're giving me, it tells me exactly what you are thinking,
"this ain't working anymore." 
  
They got their mothers worked into a panic
Sledding down hills into oncoming traffic
The parents layered clothes until the children couldn't move then kept them 
Outside til their noises were blue and I got left there, too. 
  
I put on my overcoat and walked into winter, my teeth chattered rhythms. 
And they were grouped in twos or threes like a Morse code message was sent from me 
To me.

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Death Cab for Cutie

Death Cab for Cutie is an American alternative rock band formed in Bellingham, Washington in 1997. The band consists of Ben Gibbard (vocals, guitar, piano), Chris Walla (guitar, production, keyboards), Nick Harmer (bass) and Jason McGerr (drums). Death Cab for Cutie's music has been labeled as indie rock, indie pop, emo, and alternative rock, and is noted for its use of unconventional instruments as well as Gibbard's unique lyrical style. The band has released seven studio albums, five EPs, and one demo to date. The group takes its name from a song by The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band featured in The Beatles' 1967 film, Magical Mystery Tour. more »

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Written by: BENJAMIN GIBBARD, CHRISTOPHER WALLA

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Release Information
"I Was a Kaleidoscope" by Death Cab for Cutie was released as the second single from the band's third studio album, "The Photo Album".
Recording Label
The song was released under "Barsuk Records," a Seattle-based independent record label.
Chart Position
The song didn't chart in any of the Billboard charts in the U.S, but it brought the band considerable recognition among the indie rock community.
Release Format
"I Was a Kaleidoscope" was released as a CD single with two additional non-album tracks, "Coney Island" and "We Laugh Indoors".
Songwriters
The song was written by band members Ben Gibbard and Chris Walla.
Producing Team
"I Was a Kaleidoscope" was produced by Chris Walla, who is also the band's guitarist and a well-known producer for other indie rock bands.
Personal Inspiration
The song's lyrics were inspired by Ben Gibbard’s breakup with his long-term girlfriend, a common theme in "The Photo Album".
Music Style
"I Was a Kaleidoscope" is noted for its indie rock vibe, combined with elements of pop music, characterized by its catchy melody and emotive lyrics.
Critical Reception
The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its melody and lyrical depth.
Band's Status
The release of "I Was a Kaleidoscope" helped to solidify Death Cab for Cutie's status as key players in the indie rock music scene during the early 2000s.
Lyrics Interpretation
The song lyrics are interpreted as representation of past relationships viewed through a kaleidoscope, ever-changing and different every time you look.
Notable Live Performance
The live version of "I Was a Kaleidoscope" on the band's tour after the song's release was widely appreciated and helped increase their fanbase.
Cover Art
The cover art for the single shows a black and white photograph of a fairground, tapping into themes of nostalgia and reflection prevalent in the album.

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