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'...Is A Real Boy' by Say Anything (Album Review) Part 1. Belt

A One by One Deep Dive into Say Anything's Masterpiece

By Spencer BarrettPublished 5 years ago 2 min read
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Released: August 3, 2004

Genre: Emo, Indie Rock, Pop Punk, Punk Rock, Post-Hardcore

Run Length: 57:55

Label: Doghouse

Producers: Max Bemis, Tim O'Heir, Stephen Trask

Initial Thoughts

Say Anything has long since been one of my favorite bands, ever since I heard the hit sing "Alive with the Glory of Love" on Fuse (this was after MTV) after school. The perfect combination of sound and noise is transformed into a wave that carries the vocal styling of Max Bemis to it's farthest reaches. This album is generally regarded as the favorite among fans, perhaps for the message of "The artistic struggle", the passion that comes through, or some of the ethereal qualities that may take note from Max's psyche, or the drugs that (may or may not have) influenced him. Regardless, the album brought him to a dark place and caused a breakdown in Bemis as he tried to "Outdo with ...Is a Real Boy were Andy Warhol and Jesus"

1. Belt

The opening track of the album starts off with a conversation between Max in his father, in which they are discussing the opening lines to the album itself (a very meta premise). This short exchange highlights Max's insecurity and need to be reassured, but it also puts forth a powerful foot of "rebellion" and independence.

I wouldn't sell my belt to industrySo they carded meAnd they carted me off.Naked with that belt around my waistIt was my father's onceI still see his faceThey carted me off.But I managed to escape the good gendarmeAnd I fled through field and farm stripped of natural charmNaked but that belt I wear so wellPast the pyramidsAnd the liberty bell

The first verse parallels his rise to this album, and how he wouldn't give up what made him, him (A belt from his father). It shows him being ignored, it getting him into trouble, but the fact is that it suits him to be this person, despite the obstacles he comes up against.

Hey this is something I have to do for myselfI have to for Myself

The chorus, albeit simple, reinforces the rebellion against the system he has come to expect. For me, anything less than this rebellion is dependence on another, or on the system itself. It isn't doing it "for myself".

I ignored the sheep and shepherds on my wayWhat could their small words sayWhen they say them that wayBathed in sweat and feathered as a crowI laid a beating on the sleet and snowWith my frostbitten toes.I remained unrecognized in my home townBeneath my monstrous gownOf feather and downBut I gathered up and army made of thoseWho aimed to shake themFrom their reposeWe took up weaponsAnd took off our clothes

We start off the second verse with the discounting of religion. Not for its message per se (even if the words are small) , but for the way it is sold (When they say them that way). Bemis acknowledges all the hard work he put in only to be unrecognized for his ability and talent, and in fact made out to look like a monster for it, whether than someone triumphantly challenging the system.

The message very quickly switches from a calm, defiant, persistence of rebellion to taking action. (But I gathered up an army...) At this point, the tempo of the song also builds before suddenly cutting out and allowing to build to a crescendo.

So what say youAnd all your friendsMeet all of my friendsIn the alley with knivesWhat say youAnd all your friendsStep up to my friendsIn the alley tonight

I love this ending. It gives a very West Side Story feel to me as Bemis takes on his doubters in a street brawl. The way the song builds and the excitement at the end really sets a tone of defiance and rebellion that remains as flavorful notes throughout the rest of the album.

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About the Creator

Spencer Barrett

A 32 year old Fine Arts graduate with a career in hospitality, Spencer is a published Author, Poet, and artist; Streamer, GameDev, and creator in many mediums, with a guilty spot for animated cinematic movies.

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