Shoot The Singer

Pavement · Quarantine the Past&#58 The Best of Pavement [2010]

Someone took in these pants

Somebody painted over paint

Painted wood

And where he stood

No one stands

It's been said he's sittting now

In the charming(?) land

I've seen saints

But remember

I forgot to flag them down

When they pass

And in the morning light

You hold that ashtray tight

You can put it out

But I can't put it out

My hand shook

Down and out

I've got the blisters of the world

World knew

I named a book after you

So look up

And watch the camera lens

When the risers fade

Slow it down

Song is sacred

And brother

Your honor

Hang a right at home

And in the morning light

I'll hold my ashtray tight

I can take it down

And you can't take it down

Dadadadadaddadadadadda....

Don't expect

Shoot The Singer

Pavement's "Shoot The Singer" serves as a sharp, satirical song on their 2010 greatest hits compilation, reflecting the band's enduring commitment to post-punk irony and self-deprecation. Recorded in the vein of their earlier work, the track utilizes a driving rhythm and distorted guitar work to deliver a biting commentary on the music industry and the treatment of artists. The song exemplifies the band's signature blend of lo-fi production and biting wit, maintaining a critical distance from their own fame while delivering a punchy performance that resonates with fans of the genre. It stands as a testament to Pavement's ability to critique the very system that produced them, capturing a specific moment in alternative rock history where humor and aggression were inextricably linked.