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“Dotted Line” was written when Howerton was experiencing “the weight of capitalism,” onset by a period when she was “broke as hell” and spiraling. “I was thinking of all the things we’re told are markers of success, and how at this rate, I’ll probably never have any of them.” To sign the “dotted line” in question is to make a Faustian bargain. “Good days ahead after you pay,” Howerton, or the devil, promises on the chorus, the backing beat as hypnotic as any hustler. “Dotted Line” is written as a rallying cry, a defiant kiss off directed at the forces that be who, Howerton says, “are just turning the wheel.” The video, co-directed by Howerton and Grace Pendleton, is a tongue-in-cheek take on getting into bed with "the man.”
lyrics
Give me something to believe
Give me something I can’t reach
Won’t take too much of your time
“3 easy steps to rewire your mind”
Give me freedom
Give me gold
Tell me that I will never grow old.
All you dream of could be all yours
Cut your hand and I’ll find the cure
It’s easy as 1,2,3
If you just put your faith in me
Let all your problems melt away
Good days ahead after you pay.
I should’ve known better
Turns out it was a lie.
I should’ve known better
Than to sign on the dotted line
I should’ve known better.
Give me something I can feel
Give me something to make it real
Won’t take too much of your time
“3 easy steps to rewire your mind”
It’s easy as 1,2,3
If you just put your faith in me
Let all your problems melt away
Good days ahead
After you pay.
I should’ve known better
Turns out it was a lie.
I should’ve known better
Than to sign on the dotted line
I should’ve known better.
Turns out it was a lie.
I should’ve known better
Than to sign on the dotted line.
I should’ve known better
I...I... just had to buy it, OK? 😘🍑
Perving aside, this is a great breakup record. It’ll speak to you if you’ve ever felt that heartache:
“I keep fucking up.”
“The past keeps getting in the way.”
“Fuck my dreams, and fuck you too.”
And I like her voice, reminds me of Juliana Hatfield. Brian Parker
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