Phoebe Bridgers – Kyoto (Official Video)
Inspiration Behind Kyoto:
Phoebe Bridgers’ first trip to Japan and her complex relationship with her father inspired the song Kyoto. The lyrics are about the impostor syndrome, living someone else’s’ life in the process of achieving a lifelong dream. Phoebe describes this portion of her life as exploration of dissociation due to her father divorcing her mom resulting in built up anger and resentment. Writing this song served as a distraction as well a form of healing to express her pain.
Biblical Application:
To have a fool for a child brings grief; there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool. 22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones, Proverbs 17:21-22.
Exegesis of Kyoto:
Day off in Kyoto
Got bored at the temple
Looked around at the 7-Eleven
The band took the speed train
Went to the arcade
I wanted to go, but I didn’t
You called me from a payphone
They still got payphones
It cost a dollar a minute
To tell me you’re getting sober
And you wrote me a letter
But I don’t have to read it
While on tour in Japan, Phoebe had a day off. Phoebe lists the places that she visited. Her father interrupted this day of sightseeing with a phone call. A quick summary of their conversation.
I’m gonna kill you
If you don’t beat me to it
Dreaming through Tokyo skies
I wanted to see the world
Then I flew over the ocean
And I changed my mind (woo)
This call got Phoebe upset and frustrated. Suggesting Phoeve is living the life her father wanted her to live.
Sunset’s been a freak show
On the weekend, so
Large crowds ruined Phoebe’s ideal sunset, using poetry to try to rhyme.
I’ve been driving out to the suburbs
To park at the Goodwill
And stare at the chemtrails
With my little brother
He said you called on his birthday
You were off by like ten days
But you get a few points for tryin’
Remember getting the truck fixed
When you let us drive it
Twenty-five felt like flying
Phoebe seems bored of Japan, not what she expected. Phoebe brought her brother to Japan while on tour. Phoebe shares the conversation between her brother and father.
I don’t forgive you
But please don’t hold me to it
Born under Scorpio skies
I wanted to see the world
Through your eyes until it happened
Then I changed my mind
Phoebe is still mad at her father’s decision to divorce her mom. unwilling to forgive at the moment. Phoebe shares her birth horoscope, then realized that she has been living her father’s dream, not her own.
Guess I lied
I’m a liar
Who lies
‘Cause I’m a liar
She lied to her father to make him happy.
Final Thoughts:
As a coach for more than 15 years, I’ve witnessed plenty of parents living their lives through their children. In the end, none of these athletes ever reached their full potential, burning out early or never able to satisfy their parents expectations. While I wanted the best for my children, I tried my best to let my 3 kids leave their own legacy. While I’m far from perfect, sometimes you have to let children fail on their own to see what they truly want in life. The rest is in God’s hands.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 