Long-Forgotten Fairytale

The Magnetic Fields · 69 Love Songs Pt. 2 [1999]

If someone told me you'd be here

Whispering these familiar things

Talking to my little pets, smoking the same old cigarettes

,I would have laughed



I saw you last in summertime

You said you hated long goodby-y-yes

You said, "There's nothing to explain, in every life a little rain"

,etcetera



~ chorus ~

And a long-forgotten fairytale is in your eyes again

And I'm caught inside a dream world where the colors are too intense

...and nothing is making sense



There's a floating town of ire down in a mist of mystery

There's an old enchanted castle and the princess there is me

,decked-out like a Christmas tree

~ end chorus ~



I guess you've had your little joke

But I have lost my sense of hu-u-mor

My medication's wearing off, for it's just not strong enough

,to cover this.



Then you kissed me like before

I found myself wanting more

And you tell that little lie that kept me hypnotized

,another kiss



~ chorus ~



If somebody told me I'd succumb

If someone said I'd be so dumb

After all the sleepless nights, when I turned on all the lights

,I would have hit them



But I have turned the other cheek

My voice trembles, my knees are weak



And you beat me once again

And I know what happens then

,you raise the ante



~ chorus ~

Long-Forgotten Fairytale

The Magnetic Fields' "Long-Forgotten Fairytale" appears on the 1999 album 69 Love Songs Pt. 2, showcasing the group's signature blend of indie rock and theatrical storytelling. This recording reflects the band's unique ability to weave narrative-driven lyrics with atmospheric instrumentation, a hallmark of their discography from the late 1990s. The track exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the project, featuring contributions from members like Glenn Johnson and David Byrne, who often explored themes of memory and identity through their distinctive sound. Released during a pivotal era for alternative music, the song captures the group's commitment to creating immersive sonic landscapes that challenge conventional song structures while maintaining emotional resonance.