“Oh, don’t trust me / That I won’t take all the money and run.” Reading into the lyrical excerpt from Tune-Yards’ “Now as Then,” vocalist Merrill Garbus seems to be referencing thievery. Without any context, one might analyze these lyrics as being pretty basic. That said, “Now as Then,” which appears on the alternative duo’s 2018 album I can feel you creep into my private thoughts, is much more intriguing and complex than the aforementioned lyrics might suggest. Garbus and bassist/co-producer Nate Brenner are actually highlighting and atoning for racism (sometimes unintentional) and white privilege.
The prospective listener gets more background regarding where Tune-Yards is coming from with the track-by-track commentary of I can feel you creep into my private thoughts provided by Garbus to NPR. Of “Now as Then,” Garbus asserts, “What often happens when white people start to confront racism is this idea of a good white self arises.” Bold, powerful statement. She continues:
“In the post-Trump era, progressives and liberals are finding ourselves wanting to distance ourselves from other white people. But if we grew up white in this country, we’re racist, and that’s what this song explores.”
With that background provided, the lyrics to this awesome, quirky record truly pack a punch. At the beginning, the ‘good white’ is exemplified as Garbus states, “I am exceptional / I am an exception / I am the exception,” later adding “I am a contradiction… / They might look like me but they don’t know.” There’s plenty more to unpack, but the lyric featured at the top of this write-up certainly needs to be addressed. In her commentary to NPR, Garbus also:
“…I just want to say to white people sampling others’ music: what you’re engaging in is colonialism… Especially given the power dynamic today with greater restrictions on entering the U.S. There’s so much less access for musicians of color to say, ‘Hey, glad you like it! Now I get to make money touring in your country.’”
Any further explanation needed? Didn’t think so. The big takeaway from the brilliant “Now as Then” is to be introspective and mindful regarding insensitivity to others, racism, and privilege versus the unfair lack of such privilege.
You can learn more about Tune-Yards here:
About The Curator - Brent Faulkner
Slightly eccentric with interests that seem to know no ends, restless ‘Renaissance Man’ is the best way to characterize Brent Faulkner, a native of Kentucky. A certified music educator, multi-instrumentalist, and composer known for his incredibly sharp ear, he lives and breathes music of a variety of styles. In addition to passion for educating, performing, and writing music, he’s equally passionate blogging and writing about it, managing his own site, The Musical Hype (https://themusicalhype.com). When he’s not intensely analyzing music, you can find him reading or watching a movie, reality television or some sporting event.