Portrait Painter
Bear Quartet · Gay Icon [2001]
taking care of everything
although it isn't much
tell the inventor of crayons
many wallpapers they've improved
and tell the funeral parlor
I still feel ripped off
sick of making deals
I'm slipping on dead leaves
it's like he had two homes
and in this cabin
he kept what mattered most
always open
but if anyone came too close
they'd pass through like a ghost
never saw him
sit still only in his boat
I was not welcomed there
so still, real still
as he was practicing
to finally give in
the cabinet's emptied,
abandoned it will rot
I lock up and leave
the wooden rowboat
half-sunken in the reeds
the wiping out proceeds
tell that portrait painter
his eyes weren't that color, no
still I recognize the glow
drawing
shows a boy whose rocket leaves
disappearing over trees
Portrait Painter
On the 2001 album Gay Icon, Bear Quartet delivers 'Portrait Painter,' a track that exemplifies their distinct blend of indie rock and experimental pop. The song features the band's signature interplay between melodic guitar lines and rhythmic percussion, creating an atmosphere that balances intimacy with energy. Released during a pivotal era for the group, the recording showcases their ability to craft intricate arrangements that prioritize emotional resonance over conventional song structures. As part of their broader discography, 'Portrait Painter' stands as a testament to the quartet's commitment to pushing musical boundaries while maintaining a cohesive sonic identity that has influenced subsequent indie acts.