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franklyimissparis · 3 days

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mr schwartz: a line-by-line queer-coded lyrical analysis

warning: this is quite long but mr schwartz is one of my favourite songs off the car album (and one of my favourites of alex’s in general) and i’ve ALWAYS read it as super queer but have yet to dive into precisely what makes it queer and the themes within it. it’s TRULY such an understated lyrical masterpiece.

Put your heavy metal to the test

- this is a play on words of the phrase ‘test your mettle’ which basically means to see whether or not someone will carry on through something that is difficult. immediately, this indicates that the relationship between alex and the other person is a difficult one and requires strength/determination to move forward with

- it also could refer to heavy metal music (which isn’t a very traditionally romantic genre) as is played off of in the next few lines

Might be half a love song in it all for you

- the phrase “half a love song” is particularly interesting to me as there are many ways to take it: it could be half a love song because it is unfinished or because it isn’t fully a love song (and both interpretations tie into other lyrics in the song)

- if we go down the route that it’s only half a love song because it isn’t fully a love song, it implies that there is more to the relationship than romance or that the song/relationship isn’t meant to be viewed (solely) through a romantic lens (but the other person may see it as such)

- whereas the idea that the song is unfinished could either suggest a lack of passion or the feeling that the story isn’t done yet.

- it could also communicate that the someone else needs to finish the song for alex - which is somewhat implied in the previous line. this could also indicate that, like alex, the other person gets musical inspiration out of their relationship

Timing wise, it’s probably for the best

- the use of “timing” ties in with the musical references but also highlights that the relationship is heavily tied to the timing of what’s going on in their lives (invoking “right person, wrong time” in a way)

- alex is acknowledging that because of forces outside of their control (i.e. time) it’s probably best they don’t pursue a serious relationship (or, like the previous line, a “full” love song)

Come here and kiss me now, before it gets too cute

- he’s asking his lover to quickly kiss him before they can let the moment become sweet, implying that, while he is fine with the physical aspect, the emotional side of things makes him uncomfortable

- musically, he also wants to avoid being cheesy or overly sentimental which ties in thematically with the ultracheese as well

- it’s important to note that this is also the only explicitly romantic line on the entirety of the car album: this (and the half a love song line) is the only line on the album that cannot possibly be read as platonic

Mr Schwartz is stayin’ strong for the crew

- here we switch to discussing the persona/character of mr schwartz, which as seen later, is obviously meant to be an extension/alter-ego of alex himself

- the reference to “staying strong for the crew” directly after talking about his lover implies that there is a conflict between the two: that staying strong for the crew entails keeping an emotional distance from his lover

- he recognises that those around him rely on him to keep up his persona to do their jobs (in this extended metaphor of a film set)

Wardrobe’s lint-rollin’ your velveteen suit

- alex is known to emphasise his personas via clothing choices and the velveteen suit is representative of that here. the crew removes any imperfections, like the lint, off of the suit (the persona)

- this also ties into alex’s obsession with perfectionism and control and how, though he is wearing the suit (i.e. persona), there is a mutual reliance between him and the “crew” to maintain his image

- also have to mention that velveteen is a rather untraditional material choice for something as traditional as a suit, there is a bit of a clash here between the two (a fully velveteen suit could also be seen as quite camp - and is also very 70s, which ties into eycte’s aesthetic too)

And smudgin’ dubbin on your dancin’ shoes

- dubbin makes leather softer and waterproof: again, others are trying to prevent damage from occurring to the persona

- this could also refer to the musical direction that the band has gone to in tbhc and the car: their music is softer and more contemplative than it was before, especially since ‘dancing shoes’ is also a song off of their first album. this could be commentary on how alex’s personas have evolved and the mixed reactions he’s gotten from his audience over it

Gradually, it’s coming into view

- we move from music imagery to film imagery with the line “coming into view”.. things were blurry or unclear before but he (or the other person) are slowly coming to realizations about their situation

It’s like your little directorial debut

- having a directorial debut suggests that this is the first time they are taking control of a situation and telling others what to do, they are directing someone else instead of being directed - with the word little being used to emphasise that this isn’t a massive change yet

- but he’s also directing himself to behave in a certain way: alex is directing his new persona, mr schwartz, in his debut

As fine a time as any to deduce

- to me this line also implies that this realisation has sort of been a long time coming, they’ve been through this cycle so many times that they might as well come to the realisation now

The fact that neither you or I has ever had a clue

- going into the next verse as well, this hints that alex and his lover have had struggles with seeing where alex ends and the persona begins and have also never been able to get their relationship right as a result

And if we guess who I’m pretending to be

- here he is confirming what is obvious: alex is mr schwartz and the persona is clearly differentiated from himself as “pretending”. alex and his lover are both keenly aware that mr schwartz is a persona which almost becomes a joke to them in the next line

Do we win a prize?

- alex pokes fun at how obvious it is to him and his lover that mr schwartz is a character but i think he’s also pointing out here: do we get anything out of the persona that i’ve created?

- he’s questioning, perhaps for the first time, if in the end keeping the persona up will be worth it to him and his lover or if it is all meaningless

Having attempted twice, both incorrectly

- okay so obviously the majority of us reading this are immediately going to go to a certain side project of alex’s and the two albums they’ve released (with talk of there being a third to complete the trilogy)

- this suggests that there have been two attempts at happiness between him and his lover but both times there was something fundamentally wrong with the relationship that caused them to drift, which is likely related to the act that he is putting on

Do we get a third try?

- the phrasing on this line is interesting as well as alex doesn’t ask his lover directly like “can we have a third try?” instead, he poses this question more existentially: will a third try be given to the two of them? it implies that he and the other person aren’t in control of their situation to some extent, they have to rely on being given chances by others.

- though this also could be interpreted as alex shirking responsibility of the situation onto others instead of being straightforward. he simultaneously wants and does not want control.

The gloved hand’s reachin’ in to hit the switch

- by wearing gloves, there is the desire to avoid leaving fingerprints/evidence of the relationship. and because the hand is gloved it is intentionally anonymous: is it alex’s hand? mr schwartz’s? the other person’s? or someone outside of things meddling in the relationship?

- interesting also that a switch is a binary thing: either on or off (gay or straight, platonic or romantic, alex or mr schwartz) ignoring the possibility of things being on a more complicated spectrum as is implied earlier (“half a love song”)

- hitting the switch is sometimes used as a euphemism for triggering a permanent change but can also be seen as a temporary action (the switch can be endlessly turned off/on), highlighting the back and forth in their relationship.

There’s not one goddamn thing that you can do about it

- this is the only time alex curses in the song which highlights how frustrating the persona and lack of power can be

- he feels stuck in the situation, just continuously flicking the switch between persona and reality, and indicates that his lover is also likely frustrated at this too. though they want to help fix the situation, they can’t, or at least they feel like they can’t

But Mr Schwartz is havin’ tea with the grips

- again, he’s switching back and forth between the real him and mr schwartz: while alex is frustrated and insecure about the lack of control in his life, mr schwartz charms those around him and takes hold of the situation

- more film imagery with mentioning the grips (those who help with camera and lighting equipment on a film set): to me, this line is fascinating as we’ve seen that everyone (including the crew) is working towards keeping the mr schwartz persona up and through the metaphor of the film set they are creating something imaginary, however, behind the scenes the grips still get to be real people with real families while alex, or mr schwartz, has to continue to keep the persona up.

Askin’ after all the wives and the kids

- the use of the phrase “askin’ after” instead of “talking about” etc. implies that the question is not mutual: mr schwartz is not being asked about his wife/kids because he does not have any and the others know it. yet he knows that it is important that he shows interest in their nuclear families. this is also clearly commentary on how alex is the only unmarried and childless member of the band

- it could be seen as him directing conversation away from his personal life: focusing on others and letting them talk is more comfortable than discussing yourself honestly and breaking the act

It’s at the heart of what the business is

- the final line of the song breaks down the essence of why the persona is kept up: ultimately, it is a business decision. alex understands how closely tied together business and personal lives are as a celebrity and is invested in the persona to keep the two separate, though by choice or force is up for debate

- also poses the question of whether or not he’s genuinely interested in their lives or if it is just business to him. it could be read as bittersweet in the sense that the heart of the business is human connection, but if you don’t conform you aren’t allowed to drop the act without punishment

- finally, this line also ties back to “staying strong for the crew”: he has to keep up the persona so that the ‘crew’ can continue to work and take care of their families. and hearing about them is both a reminder of what he is denying himself and what is at stake for the others.

to summarise: alex is torn between putting on the straight persona of mr schwartz and being truly himself within the fractured relationship he has with his lover - which has been heavily influenced by external and internal pressures. gee i wonder who the song is about (rhymes with schmiles schmane.)

#may do some other songs bc this was fun #it took me way too long though 😭😭#if you made it to the end you’re insane and i love you #if anyone has any requests let me know lmao #alex turner #the car era #the car album #arctic monkeys #miles kane #milex #the car #mr schwartz #tlsp

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buckttommy · 5 hours

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Everyone’s losing it over Tommy potentially being at the bachelor party and I’m just here like it’s a good thing either way?? Like we get some super cute buck tommy scenes and we get buck and eddie being chaotic besties together and just living their bestest life. I know a lot of ppl were hoping for something to go down between buck and eddie or for them to think something happen to lead to feelings realization and maybe tommy being there hinders that in their minds idk? Personally I never held the assumption that anything romantic or explicitly suggestive would be occurring between buddie given that this is an episode about madney and delving into buddie non platonically needs to be a separate thing. But anyway, while I want em to get together eventually, I don’t want it to be like this personally and especially just as buck and tommy are building their relationship and buck is figuring out his sexuality it’s just icky and we’re talking about buck being on a hamster wheel, starting their relationship like that sure as hell wouldn’t get him “off” the hamster wheel

Man, I have such a big gripe with this idea that Buck hasn't gotten off of the hamster wheel yet. I know that's not the point of your message, necessarily—and I do get it, and agree totally with what you're saying—but I'm curious as to what it is that people want Buck to do to get "off" the hamster wheel if, in their opinion, he's still on it. I mean, perhaps it all comes down to the way we read and interpret these characters, and if that's the case, that's fine. But a fundamental aspect of Buck's arc is that something has been missing in his life and he's been chasing that unnameable thing for years. Part of it was the Daniel thing, sure, but part of it was also something intrinsic to him. Buck has been searching for all the pieces to his puzzle in all the wrong people (Abby, Ali, Taylor, etc) and kissing Tommy, awakening to his bisexuality, was that thing finally clicking into place (hence the double entendre "I am free" that everyone glosses over). So I'm just confused as to what else people would like for him to do.

One of the points I've seen people make is that Buck asked Tommy to go to the wedding with him, and, like. Respectfully (/srs)... so what? Lol. Buck is still Buck. Being bisexual and having a crush on a man isn't going to change that. He's always going to jump in headfirst to everything he does. Another point I've seen is that, he needed Eddie to tell him to call Tommy, which I don't really get either. Mainly because I understood exactly where Buck was coming from. If I thought I blew my chances with a hot guy I had a crush on, I would probably need my best friend to tell me not to catastrophize and give the whole thing another chance too. Sometimes you need those kind of pep talks and that's okay! Anyway, I just think that expecting immediate growth just to justify that Buck has broken that pattern, when it's pretty obvious that he has—or is at least well on his way—seems a little... something. I can't put my finger on the word, but I find it irksome nonetheless. Again, it probably has to do with how we're all reading/interpreting the character which is why I haven't said anything, but since you mentioned it, I figured now was my one and only chance to talk about it before I go back to yapping in my friends' DMs lol.

Anyways. Tommy at the Bachelor party. Yeah, I mean. I think it'd be a shame to have any "big" Buddie moment at Madney's wedding/during their wedding episode anyway because it'll immediately overshadow Maddie and Chimney's day, and I don't want that! 9-1-1 is an ensemble for a reason; we can give Maddie and Chimney one day out of the season, like. It's literally fine lol.

#jack answers mail #tv: 911 #If you guys start discourse because of this post reblogs are getting turned off and it's getting deleted.#Behave

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our-aroace-experience · 23 hours

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When I was much younger, like in late elementary or early middle school, whenever someone I was friends with would confess to me, I'd be confused. I never really knew how others felt in terms of romantic vs platonic love, and interpreted that whatever I felt must be mutual. Also because I didn't want to hurt their feelings, I'd accept them most of the time.

This unfortunately led to a few- quite long and unbalanced relationships, but I realized exactly how much it wasn't for me. Now I turn people down like a champ but it really felt like those experiences led me to become a stronger person because I had to confront those I loved with a rejection. Clear boundaries now help me so much in my professional and personal life and it has weirdly made me love being aro more, since it's such a unique experience.

Anyways, much love to other aros who go through relationships!!

i'm glad you're more confident now, turning people down can be very difficult!

#our aroace experience #aromantic #aro #aroace #aroace asks #aro pride #aroace joy!

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keylimesiren · 10 months

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crack idea no one asked for:

yona ends up being to zelda what sidon is to link, and zelda and link agonize together over their shared confusing feelings and wonder if all zora royalty are just Like This

#totk #tears of the kingdom #lady yona #zelda #yona #legend of zelda #this idea came from roleswap actually bc I think yona and zelda would get along great #sidon is having a less fun time tho unfortunately #my art #totk roleswap #this is a no yona hate zone btw I hope she and Sidon are very happy together #this can be interpreted as platonic or romantic

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fagdykepearlescentmoon · 3 months

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there is something so terrifying about wanting to be held, a years deep ache in my bones, like a child sobbing pleading for someone to notice, to care.

come here darling, I swear I will not bite, come here please, smooth away the cracks in my skin, piece me back together with the gold of your love, like the japanese would repair their pottery.

there is something so vulnerable about wanting to be touched, undoing me with a mere brush of the fingers, peeling back my layers like the skin of an orange, and each golden segment of my soul, is an offering (i love you).

oh, do you think you could hold me? just this once? kiss the backs of my knees when they ache? trace the divots of my spine like exploring a foreign land? memorize the shape of my nose, my jaw, my eyes, turning the terrain of my body into something familiar.

Perhaps it is selfish of me to ask for such a thing, I have always been a rather demanding creature, a dog, scratching at the door, begging to be let in.

I will be gentle I swear, curl up in your chest, your ribcage can be a temple, your heart the god I bow before, praying you might hold me, if only for a little while.

#this can be interpreted as platonic or romantic #it probably sounds more romantic #but i didnt really intend for it to come across any specific way #i am kinda proud of this one tho #considering i wrote it in my notebook in like 20 minutes #and then rewrote it here with only a little editing #it doesnt have much of a flow but i still like it #poetry #poems #physical touch #touch starved #skin hunger #physical affection #physical love #having a normal one tonight boys #shitty poetry hours/pos

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redbullgivesyouwingedkuriboh · 3 months

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Contact

Atticus Rhodes and/X Zane Truesdale

CW: medical stuff, angst, it seems like a character is going to die but they don’t

The steady beeping of a heart monitor was little more than background noise to Atticus at this point. He’d been there since it had been plugged in and attached to the man in front of him. A steady rhythm, only interrupted by Atticus occasionally drumming his fingers on the surface of the bedside table.

He was so used to the monochromatic rhythm of the room that he nearly jumped out of his chair when the door opened. A nurse stepped in, not even sparing him a glance as she swiftly moved to the monitor and then the IV bag. Atticus was certain that she didn’t know he was there, until she spoke.

“Has he been asleep this whole time?”

Atticus twitched again, unsure of who the nurse was talking to. When her eyes met his, he swallowed the dryness in his mouth and mustered a, “Yes.”

“Thank you.” The nurse bustled out, tapping on her tablet.

They were alone again.

Atticus turned back to the bed, taking in the pale face of his best friend. “She’s alright. Better than what the school had.”

Zane did not answer, his mind unreachable.

“Alexis had some cute nurses when she broke her arm. She took a liking to one of them because that one snuck her extra ice chips.”

Zane, of course, already knew about this, having acted as a surrogate Atticus for two years, but the heart monitor was starting to bother Atticus.

“I wish they’d turn that thing off. Then you’d only be able to hear my stunning voice.” He laughed in spite of himself.

The room felt quieter than it had before, even with the talking and the nurse and the beeping. Atticus went back to drumming his fingers on the table, trying to drown out the silence.

Another knock at the door relieved him from his thoughts, and Syrus stepped in. His eyes were red, and the collar of his shirt was wet. Atticus wondered if he’d been alone for the past few hours.

Syrus went to his brother’s side, sitting on the bed (far closer than Atticus dared go). After a pause, he asked, “Why did he put you down as his emergency contact?”

Atticus had expected this from the little brother of Zane “Petty” Truesdale. “I don’t know.” Then, as if the words had been punched out of him, he said, “Maybe he knew I’d actually show up.”

Syrus sniffed. “That’s not fair.”

“I know it’s not.” Atticus looked at his hand, now laying still on the table. “But I got here first.”

“Did they say…” Syrus drew in a shaky breath. “Did they tell you anything?”

Atticus shook his head. “Only that he collapsed in the back of a taxi. Slumped over.”

Syrus turned away from Atticus and the sleeping man, but not before Atticus could see tears spill over. “I… I wanted to move his stuff into my apartment. I was afraid…”

Atticus stood for the first time in hours, walking over to Syrus and putting a hand on his shoulder. “You wanted to protect him.”

“I can’t do it.” Syrus stood, brushing Atticus’s hand off. “He’ll understand, I can’t… I can’t be here. I’ll be in the waiting room…” He looked up at Atticus, his eyes wide and brimming with tears. “Please tell me if he wakes up.”

“I promise.”

Syrus hurried out of the room, quickly closing the door. Atticus followed for a moment, close enough to hear a horrible sob through the wall.

He turned back to the bed, to Zane lying there in a mess of wires. “See what you did?”

Moving through mud, Atticus returned to his chair and crumpled, head falling into his hands.

After a while, he couldn’t take the silence anymore.

“Why did you do it?” he asked. “Why me? We haven’t spoken in… I don’t even know. A year? Syrus is your brother.”

No answer.

“I’m not the kind of guy people put down as their emergency contact. Hell, Alexis has Syrus down. I know she has Syrus down because she told me she did. But you never told any of us, just waiting for the day no one would be around to take you to the goddamn hospital and—”

He couldn’t speak anymore, breathing too labored, so he allowed the sobs to start. “You son of a bitch.”

Atticus sank to the floor, kneeling next to the bed, eye level with Zane’s stupid face. “Well, I’m here now. Are you happy?”

He buried his head in his arms, so deep that he barely heard a croaking, “Yes. Happy.”

When he heard that, though, his head shot up and his face broke into a grin when he saw Zane’s eyes for the first time in a long while.

“It usually takes… a medical emergency for…. you to pay some fucking attention to me,” Zane wheezed, painfully dragging his hand up and placing it on Atticus’s face.

Atticus clasped it, afraid it would fall away at any moment. “You son of a bitch.”

“Don’t talk about my mother like that.”

“I love you.”

Zane squeezed a little, nearly pinching Atticus’s cheek. “I picked you because I didn’t think you’d come back unless you thought I was dying.” He rubbed his thumb over Atticus’s cheek, a small smile creeping its way onto his face. “I really fucked up, and I thought you’d never forgive me.”

“I forgave you a long time ago, I’m just… stubborn and stupid.”

“Come up here. Please.”

Atticus crawled up into the bed, pulling Zane close and cradling his thin body. “I won’t leave again.”

“Damn right.” Zane coughed, right into Atticus’s shirt.

In spite of himself, Atticus smiled. As the older Truesdale clung to him, he remembered his promise to the younger one.

Though he knew it was selfish, Syrus could wait.