The Crying of Lot G
Yo La Tengo · And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out [2000]
What can't you take anymore?
Expecting a whisper,
I heard the slam of a door
You say that all we ever do is fight
Gee, I don't know that that's true.
then I wonder, am I right?
or is that part of our problem?
Maybe I'm out of my mind.
Maybe I'm blocking out the truth.
But it seems like just a little thing,
like you don't want to listen,
and I can't shut up.
You don't have to smile at me.
we don't have to talk.
all that I ask is you stop,
and remember, it isn't always this way.
You have the problem,
it comes with our private jokes.
when you're in a fury,
laughter gets stuck in my throat.
Sometimes I wonder why we have so much trouble
cheering each other up sometimes,
when one or the other of us is down.
Instead it's like, when you're in a bad mood
I look at you and I say, maybe she's knows something
I don't know, maybe I should be upset.
You don't have to smile at me
We don't have to talk.
All that I ask is you stop
and remember, it isn't always this way.
The way that I feel
when you laugh
is like laughing.
The way that I feel
when you cry
is so bad
The Crying of Lot G
Released on Yo La Tengo's 2000 album And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out, 'The Crying of Lot G' exemplifies the band's signature indie-folk sound. The track features the group's characteristic interplay between acoustic guitar and harmonica, layered with soft vocal harmonies that define their mid-90s to early-2000s era. While often associated with their earlier work on I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One, this recording showcases a slightly more mature production style that balances melancholic introspection with the band's signature upbeat energy. The song remains a staple of their discography, reflecting the thoughtful songwriting and collaborative spirit that has made them a cornerstone of the indie rock landscape.