PAST TREASURES // ELLIOTT SMITH – STUPIDITY TRIES

“I think that the easier someone’s life gets in a financial way, you have more people who expect you to answer to them. Whether you do or not is kind of your choice. But, definitely if you have nothing, you have nothing to lose, and you’re very free in that way. If you got lucky enough to not have to worry about that… like my last job was spreading gravel and transplanting trees and things… so, I don’t have to do that for the moment; but that means that there’s a different boss to account to that’s a more abstract one.”, thats apparently what Elliot said about Stupidity Tries. I only started listening to Elliott Smith again because I heard him on BBC Radio 6. Stupidity Tries stands out to me personally as has not only an amazingly constructed melody but touches on many things in life. As a sucker for lyrics, the connection made to Georgia, Georgia is another extra that comes with the song; Georgia Georgia which references suicide. “The enemy is within/ Don’t confuse me with him” or “And so I go from floor to floor/ Looking for a port of call” are just touching points of what the song could be about. However, this song both can cause happy or sad feelings which is why at the moment it’s my favourite song. (I might have to change my mind on that… it is now Say Yes from Either Or.)

Got a foot in the door
God knows what for
And he’ll cut me down to size
Stupidity tries

Everything here is free
Everything but you and me
This painting never dries
Stupidity tries

Savannah shoulder raised a cheer
Coloring the sky with ash
Because they found some privateer
To sail across the sea of trash

The enemy is within
Don’t confuse me with him
The truth is otherwise
Stupidity tries

And so I go from floor to floor
Looking for a port of call
Another drunk conquistador
Conquering the governor’s ball

I couldn’t think of a thing
That I hope tomorrow brings
Oh what a surprise
Stupidity tries