Split Needles

The beginning of this song, I think is both from the perspective of the boy we've been following since sleeping lessons, and James Mercer. James Mercer has been clever enough to convey ideas that aren't touched on in many albums because of the sheer gravity and grimness they portray.
Either way, our main character has fallen to a level where he can no longer assess the world around him in a coherent manner.
"This is what you get for pulling pins out of the hole inside the hole you're in." This is what happens when you start questioning life to a point where you cannot find hope for yourself, because it all has become grim and meaningless. But you are pushed along regardless. Some decide to go along with the side of angels and gods, gathering with "all their pearly snapping." Those who choose not to belive are closed inside the basement, a cold and dark place. And though the boy may not have realized what this meant when he started rejecting religion at the beginning of this album, he realizes it now, and now it hardly matters.

Regardless he is pushed forward, society asks him to make decisions about life and a career, because the warmth of summer and ignorance is over, and its time to join those who have come before him.

it's not that loud, and way too intricate to be a fucking linkin park song.

don't insult the band by comparing them to that SHIT.

Here are the correct lyrics:

I've earned myself an impossible crime Had to paint myself a hole and fall inside It gets far enough in sight and rhyme I get to wear another dress in counting time

Oh won't you do me the favor man Of forgiving my poly-morphing opinion here And your vague outline

Found myself another burning gate A pretty face -- a vague ideal -- I can't relate And this is what you get for pulling pins Another hole inside the hole you're in

It's like I'm perched on the handle bars of a blind man's bike No straws to grab just the rushing wind on the rolling mind

la la la da da ...

They want you to decide -- eventually it happens Some gather on one side with all their pearly snapping They close the basement door -- it sets our teeth to chatter You never saw it before -- but now that hardly matters

You're old enough boy -- too many summers you've enjoyed So spin the wheels, set you up with some odd convictions 'Cause you're finally golden boy

It's like I'm perched on the handle bars of a blind man's bike No straws to grab just the rushing wind on the rolling mind

According to the track listing on the album, this track is callet Spilt Needles, not Split.

I related to this song so much. I connected to dressing up meaning put on a show while counting through time because time is flowing and all we can do is make up numbers to and count and seems more solid than religion. You know religion is a made up stories, but as you started thinking about your existence you go within and when you fine no meaning it is like picking random needles from inside the darkness with others vague explanations. The insanity of choosing a side of something that can't be explained is like being on a blind mans bike and nothing to get off the ancient boat as the insanity keeps rolling on. At the end is someone talking to him about joining one of these insane ideals and absorbing their convictions because your ripe with a golden heart, but they don't know he already can see through all the BS and is lost in a sea of depression.

personally, i think this song sounds exactly like the shins.

:D

On the internet it sometimes looks as though information is passed around like everyone is playing the telephone game. :) There are numerous problems here... the first and most obvious is the title. It isn't "Split Needles," it's "Spilt Needles," as if a needle was dropped and all its contents spilled out. The lyrics are also incorrect in some places, the user ElvisAteMyDonuts posted the correct ones a couple posts above me.

This song has religious undercurrents, because the whole album does. The album questions the meaning and point of life, so it surely should address Mercer's thoughts on faith in an afterlife.
The first line, I do not think was intended in any sort of crossdressing way, except that its playing dress up, make believe. Mercer is admitting that the whole feel of the album, including the lyrics couldn't appease the masses, and that he himself has fallen into a dark place where it would be unjust to write out false-hope filled pop. (Justified by many interviews regarding his somber haunting feelings during the time of recording.) But, if the album is received well, and the merits of it show through, (far enough in sight and rhyme), then Mercer can go on another day to wear the garb of musician. I have some more to write but i can't start the next sentence. eh.

Is the name of this song supposed to be split or spilt needles. I thought at first that it was split, until I looked closer at the album and it down as spilt needles. I'm figuring the way it is spelled on the album is the intended way. Still, just a funny detail I figured I'd point out.

I guess no one has noticed that the TITLE OF THIS SONG IS WRITTEN WRONG. It is SPILT needles. Check the album.