The You I Created
Of Montreal · Horse & Elephant Eatery (No Elephants Allowed) [2000]
when my dreams got weird
I tense up and get antsy when you're near
But nightly you appear to me
ghostly in my head
but I never can remember what you said
It must be something reassuring
something sweet and kind
something you would never say in real life
Where does it go in the morning
It slipped out of my hand
Eating breakfast with my other thoughts
away from wakeful lands
Where is the you I created
the you that I adore?
When my eyes are open I don't see you anymore
It's hard for me to fathom
that you disappeared
and turned into exactly what I feared
But every night you sing to me
when my eyes are closed
But I never can remember how it goes
It must be something undeserving
only in my mind
Something you would never sing on your time
It disappears without warning
It shifts like grains of sand
Galavanting with some other dreams
I didn't understand
Where is the you I created
the you that I adore?
When my eyes are open I don't see you anymore
But nightly you appear to me
ghostly in my head
but I never can remember what you said
The You I Created
The You I Created stands as a representative track from Of Montreal's 2000 album, Horse & Elephant Eatery (No Elephants Allowed). During this period, the band, led by Kevin Barnes, was refining the eclectic, baroque pop sound that would define their later commercial success. The recording captures the group's early experimentation with theatrical arrangements and introspective songwriting, moving away from simpler indie rock structures. This era marked a significant step in their discography, showcasing a willingness to blend whimsical melodies with darker, more complex emotional themes. The song contributes to the album's cohesive atmosphere, highlighting the band's ability to craft intricate sonic landscapes that balance humor with genuine sentiment. It remains a notable song in their extensive catalogue of alternative and indie rock recordings.