The Life and Times of the Creatively Stunted

The final day of Superhero Song week has arrived, and what better way to end than with one of my all time favorite instrumental tracks: Yo La Tengo’s “Green Arrow”.

I have no idea if this song was actually named after the superhero Green Arrow. I’m sure I could look it up on the internet, but it doesn’t really matter. The fact that it shares a name with Oliver Queen’s alter-ego is good enough for me to include it here. And it truly is a song that I feel should be heard by everyone.

Several years ago I was inspired to write a short essay about this song. I honestly don’t feel I could describe it any better now than I did then, so here, for your enjoyment, is a reprinting of that essay.

“The song has been on repeat for well over an hour now. Each time it ends there is a brief pause… and then the chirping sounds start up again. And then the shaker joins them. And then the bass hums. And then the guitar cries out, sliding from pitch to pitch, ignoring the boundries that are supposed to exist between notes.

If I were a symphony, this would be my theme. If I were a movie, this would be my point of resolution.

This would be my moment of clarity.

This would be me, riding off into the sunset.

If I close my eyes long enough, I forget the the song is on the outside coming in. It seems impossible that this melody has not been here all along. For a moment it feels as if I was born with it… and then the song ends. And then there is a brief pause. And then the chirping sounds start up again.

If I were a politician, this would be my platform. If I were a priest, this would be my sermon. If I were a father, this would be my lullabye.

Tonight, it is simply my escape. ”

20. Yo La Tengo - Green Arrow