Music Video Weekend: John Grant, “Marz” — a song, and sort of a list poem

I recently discovered John Grant, formerly of the Czars, and his remarkable solo debut, “The Queen of Denmark.” His backing band on the album is Midlake, if that means anything to you (good things, good things!). The disk was named by Mojo magazine as the 2010 album of the year.

For whatever reason, I can’t stop listening to this song. The lyrics are largely a list of milk shakes and assorted flavors from a Michigan candystore/drugstore of his childhood. It’s interesting how evocative that can be, a simple list that links back to a time of simplicity and innocence and, with it, attendant loss. It’s somehow heartbreaking.

Before you go, or as my father used to say, “While I’ve got you,” — teachers might want to check out this link, where children’s poet Bruce Lansky teaches how to write a “what bugs me” list poem. It seems like a nice, easy, accessible format for young students.

Now to the song!

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MARZ by John Grant

Bittersweet strawberry marshmallow butterscotch
Polarbear cashew dixieland phosphate chocolate
Lime tutti frutti special raspberry, leave it to me
Three grace scotch lassie cherry smash lemon freeze

I wanna go to Marz
Where green rivers flow
And your sweet sixteen is waiting for you after the show
I wanna go to Marz
You’ll meet the gold dust twins tonight
You’ll get your heart’s desire, I will meet you under the lights

Golden champagne juicy grapefruit lucky monday
High school footall hot fudge buffalo tulip sundae
Almond caramel frappe pineapple rootbeer
Black and white pennyapple henry ford sweetheart maple tea

I wanna go to Marz
Where green rivers flow
And your sweet sixteen is waiting for you after the show
I wanna go to Marz
You’ll meet the gold dust twins tonight
You’ll get your heart’s desire, I will meet you under the lights

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND, PEOPLE!

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