Modigliani Lyrics – Lucy Dacus
[Verse 1]
“Loving father, friend and son”
Printed backwards on my shoulder blade
From leaning back on a plaque on a bench
I carry David’s name until it fades
[Chorus]
Why does it feel significant?
Why do I have to tell you about it?
Trying to fall asleep, back flat on the floor
While you were eating continental breakfast in Singapore
You make me homesick for places I’ve never been before
How’d you do that?
How’s tomorrow so far?
[Verse 2]
Meeting your family was a trip
Seeing what you got from them
For better or worse
A blessing and a curse
You don’t need to love them but you do
You could take off a year or two
Well, I’ll be here when you get back
When you told me ’bout your new man it wasn’t news
‘Cause you’ve got all these mannerisms that you never do
Like rolling your eyes and laughing real dry
Like you were trying him on for size
And even if it doesn’t fit, you’ll wear it
‘Cause if it’s what you want, you’re gonna get it
[Bridge]
I’ve heard this anecdote at least a dozen times
Yeah, I know every word and inflection as if it were mine
I like watching you win over a new crowd
You can make ’em go wild, you can leave ’em spellbound
But you will never be
Famous to me
You will never be
Famous to me
[Chorus]
I should know my neighbor’s names
I should not stay up so late
Modigliani melancholy got me long in the face
But I feel better when you call
Just to tell me how you are
How’d you do that?
How’s tomorrow so far?
You make me homesick for places I’ve never been before
How’d you do that?
How’s tomorrow so far?
Modigliani by Lucy Dacus Meaning
“Modigliani” is a poignant song by Lucy Dacus from her album “Forever Is a Feeling,” released in 2021. The track showcases Dacus’s signature introspective style, blending personal storytelling with rich emotional depth.
Quick summary
The song delves into themes of nostalgia, personal connection, and the bittersweet complexities of relationships, reflecting on memories tied to a loved one and the emotional weight of familial ties.
In-depth lyrics analysis
In “Modigliani,” Lucy Dacus crafts a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The song opens with a sense of longing and introspection, as the narrator reflects on their relationship with a loved one. The line “Loving father, friend and son / Printed backwards on my shoulder blade” suggests a deep connection to family, where the narrator carries the weight of their loved one’s identity and legacy. This imagery evokes a sense of permanence and the idea that our relationships shape who we are, even as they fade over time.
As the song progresses, the narrator expresses a yearning for places they have never been, which symbolizes a broader desire for understanding and connection. The repeated question, “How’d you do that? How’s tomorrow so far?” encapsulates a longing for insight into the loved one’s experiences and emotions. This line resonates with anyone who has ever felt a disconnect in a relationship, highlighting the complexities of communication and the desire to bridge emotional gaps.
The bittersweet nature of love is further emphasized in the lyrics, particularly in the line, “You will never be / Famous to me.” This statement reflects the idea that personal relationships hold more significance than public recognition or fame. It underscores the notion that the most meaningful connections are often those that remain private and intimate, away from the public eye.
Throughout the song, Dacus employs a melancholic yet warm tone, inviting listeners to reflect on their own relationships and the memories that shape them. The imagery of carrying a name “until it fades” speaks to the transient nature of life and love, suggesting that while memories may diminish over time, their impact remains indelible. The overall mood of the song is introspective, blending warmth with sadness as the narrator navigates their feelings about the person they are addressing, ultimately creating a rich tapestry of emotion that resonates deeply with listeners.
