The Details’ “Demons/Heathens”

I think the contrast between upwardly “raising our glasses” and downwardly “measuring the distance from the branch to the ground” is so effective, and so visual. That’s part of the reason why this song is unusually evocative.

Another reason may be the fact that, like so much of the music I love, it’s by a Canadian indie band. Unfortunately, that also means that I can’t find lyrics for it anywhere on the Interweb. So I typed them up myself:

Then all the demons, to allow these heathens
Let all the saints say, I told you so
Behind the motel, another bracing scene
Someone repairs the tear to their old seam

You said, I might swear twice as much
But I no longer smoke
And those two even out
That much I know

And as she measures the distance from the branch to the ground
She ties a rope and laughs, If I’m lost, at least I’ll be found
We’ll raise our glasses and toast to your demise
We’ll let the alcohol purify your lies

We said we’re parents of truth and the right
And here are all the words to say
This is my last thought, so find your own way
Find your own way

Let’s raise our glasses and toast to your demise
Let’s raise our glasses and let the alcohol divide
Let’s raise our glasses and toast to your demise
Let’s raise our glasses and let the alcohol divide

Let’s raise our glasses

And this night train rolls like blood through a city’s veins
It makes a constant sound, if you’re listening

You can listen to it for free at CBC Radio 3.