Sebadoh - Soul and Fire & The Wrens - Happy

It came to me that i had been listening to these songs a lot recently, and really, when i thought about it, thematically, perhaps even lyrically, they were the same song. I suppose though, what's the difference between any break-up song and any other break-up song? But, for the length of this post, indulge me as i compare and contrast these songs.

So, i will begin with the Sebadoh as it comes alphabetically and chronologically first. The song details a relationship that has ended, alluding to cheating as the cause of the break up. Anyways, as songs of any variety go, this one is quite theatrical, with lines like "Think of all the joy we shared/ if you decide you need me/ i'll be wondering if i care." It certainly teters on emo, and maybe i'm just partial to it's raw quality (and also a Bright Eyes fan, for whatever that's worth).

The Wrens song begins quite similarly with lyrics like "is this why you wanted me/ to watch as you walk away/ you don't even want to touch me now" the difference is, despite the indie rock guitars in the background, it comes off in a much less raw way than the Sebadoh does. These lyrics are clearly meditated, and perhaps the nasal delivery also works towards an emo-ness. The main difference between the two songs, really, is that one documents death of a relationship by cheating, the other just documents death of a relationship.

I realize the buzz words i'm using aren't at all flattering to either of these songs, which is truly unfair since they're both great. I'm mostly just examing why i feel the urge to listen to mopey songs all the time.

Download: Sebadoh - Soul and Fire
Download: The Wrens - Happy