[ ]   [ ]   [ ]                        [ ]      [ ]   [ ]
Tame Impala — It Is Not Meant To Be
Album: Innerspeaker
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2238









Released: 2010
Length: 5:16
Plays (last 30 days): 0
I wanted her, I wanted her
But she doesn't like the life that I lead
She doesn't like the life that I lead
Doesn't like sand stuck on her feet
Or sitting around smoking weed
I must seem more like a friend in need

And I boast that it is meant to be
But in all honesty I don't have a hope in hell
I'm happy just to watch her move
And in all honesty I don't have a hope in hell
I'm happy just to watch her move

And she doesn't like the friends that I make
Doesn't make friends for friendship's sake
She just gets bored sitting by the lake
Her soul won't surface and her heart won't ache

And I boast that it is meant to be
But in all honesty I don't have a hope in hell
I'm happy just to watch her move

And I thought they could cure his disease
But in all honesty he didn't have a hope in hell
Now we'll never see him move
Comments (235)add comment
 timmus wrote:
Awesome that good psychedelic music is still being made.
 
It's also depressing that we would absolutely never hear anything like this on FM radio in the US, due to the terrible state of the music industry and FM broadcasting.


All great points, unfortunately, their last album was very disappointing and more "pop" to my ears. Hopefully, they return to this type of sound in the future.
Awesome that good psychedelic music is still being made.
 
It's also depressing that we would absolutely never hear anything like this on FM radio in the US, due to the terrible state of the music industry and FM broadcasting.
I've heard this song before - lots .. and not really paid much attention - but for some reason it stuck with me today. Beauty
Really liked this album, and next two, their last one took quite a turn for the worse IMHO - bummer.
 westslope wrote:

Interesting comment.  I have this rated 9.  

But the bass is huh, err noticeable.   Sometimes in a very good way, sometimes in a slightly jarring way  but the bass always adds to the overall weirdness of the song. 



The bass is up in the mix at the end because it is carrying a melody. That is the focal point of the song at that point. 
 Edweirdo wrote:

It's like The Beatles, but without John, Paul, George or even Ringo writing and definitely without George Martin.




Always loved her.  Then her political stance was revealed... yea, that's  big nope for my ass....
First off, I LOVE this song , and thank you Bill for turning me on to this band/guy.

Second, if she doesn't like sand on her feet or sitting around smoking weed, you should really evaluate the relationship's long-term probabilities for success.

Third, the last stanza is heartbreaking.
 2Hawks wrote:

Lowered my rating to Marginal, due to the overpowering bass. 


Interesting comment.  I have this rated 9.  

But the bass is huh, err noticeable.   Sometimes in a very good way, sometimes in a slightly jarring way  but the bass always adds to the overall weirdness of the song. 

 Edweirdo wrote:

It's like The Beatles, but without John, Paul, George or even Ringo writing and definitely without George Martin.



Hilarious!
 Rockit999 wrote:

Kevin's new stuff is really good.

Check out the song (video)Lost in Yesterday. It's a real Beauty!

OMG laughed out loud watching this - and fear I may have been a bridesmaid at one or two of those events...what a hoot. Song is fun, too

Close your eyes, open your ears and let the song absorb you.


Post-prog?
Kevin's new stuff is really good.

Check out the song (video)Lost in Yesterday. It's a real Beauty!
Is Bill on a roll or am I just in a mood?
 Edweirdo wrote:

It's like The Beatles, but without John, Paul, George or even Ringo writing and definitely without George Martin.




I don't know if I agree, but that is one funny comment!
It's like The Beatles, but without John, Paul, George or even Ringo writing and definitely without George Martin.
I thoughts it was the Beatles.
The art that comes out of Aussieland these days.....   
Back in the day they were Wild Impala.
I hear a bit of a Rundgren influence here. That's a good thing.
In addition to the other Beatles reminesences, the final chord reminds me of the final chord of "A Hard Day's Night".
The bass reminds me of John Entwistle.
Definitely a "Tomorrow Never Knows" vibe in this.
 maboleth wrote:
Lets carbon copy the Beatles and take some money.
 
Carbon copy?  Hardly.

There is lots of contemporary alternative and art rock that sounds like it was in part influenced by mid-60s Beatles.  
Lets carbon copy the Beatles and take some money.
 melzabutch wrote:
Just listening without focusing on the lyrics, this sounds like some lost Beatles Track.  The guitars take me away from those thoughts, but the singing definitely has a Paul Beatles quality.  

I might also be mad, who knows. 
 
Definitely influenced by the Beatles (who isn't?) but much fresher.
Please will someone confiscate their reverb? 
 kaybee wrote:
This singer sounds so much like John Lennon, it's creepy.
 

this never problem, this feels me John Lennon's soul is eternal and I like this eternal. I do respect.
Lowered my rating to Marginal, due to the overpowering bass. 
 kaybee wrote:
This singer sounds so much like John Lennon, it's creepy.
 
Drums sound a little Ringo-esque, too.
 Will62 wrote:

Sounds like The Beatles full stop.
Not that that's a bad thing.
 
Hard to deny there is at least a similarity.
The production and "Lennony" vocals.
Like the reference to Placebo "A Friend In Need"
"or sitting around smoking weed
I must seem more like a friend in need"
 zenhead wrote:
Sounds like Ringo on the drums.
 
Sounds like The Beatles full stop.
Not that that's a bad thing.
 DaidyBoy wrote:
I don't get the relationship between the last paragraph and the rest of the song ...
 
I think it's from her point of view. The opposite to the rest of the song.
Sounds like Ringo on the drums.
I don't get the relationship between the last paragraph and the rest of the song ...
Can you imagine  Wild Impala?
my fave Tame Impala song so far 

I really enjoyed those two psych albums by this band. Groovy stuff as I would say
 coloradojohn wrote:
...doesn't like sand stuck on her feet...or sitting around smoking weed... Dude, I KNOW THE FEELING! and anyway you're better off!~!
 

It's why I'm divorced.
There is something interesting in regards to the rhythm going on in the first section.

What am I picking up?   It almost sounds like the drummer is keeping 2 separate time signatures...  but then I could be imaging things.
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:

I have a pair of Impala horns mounted on a plaque in my garage - I would not like to meet and angry Impala so a tame one sounds good to me - doesn't mean it is timid!
 
Yeah,  I hear ya man,   a wild Impala would Impale ya.   word
 Michaeljcovel wrote:
Their vibe is cool but that is one of the dumbest names for a band.   Should be "Lame Impala"

"Tame Impala"  sounds like a street name with a  culdesac in a posh  neighborhood like on the show Boondocks - 
Timid Deer Lane    {#Arrowu}
 
I have a pair of Impala horns mounted on a plaque in my garage - I would not like to meet and angry Impala so a tame one sounds good to me - doesn't mean it is timid!
Their vibe is cool but that is one of the dumbest names for a band.   Should be "Lame Impala"

"Tame Impala"  sounds like a street name with a  culdesac in a posh  neighborhood like on the show Boondocks - 
Timid Deer Lane    {#Arrowu}
So annoying
A fine tune indeed, and a good follow-up to Chrissie Hynde‘s Dark Sunglasses. pxd
A resounding "3." Is "Gechk!" a word? This is the word I either choose to use or invent for this annoying ditty.
 FluorideFreeMN wrote:
While the majority of this track may have a Beatles-esque sound, I always thought the opening chord was "Set the Ray to Jerry" by the Smashing Pumpkins...
 
tame impala
 Castelfranco wrote:
 melzabutch wrote:
Just listening without focusing on the lyrics, this sounds like some lost Beatles Track.  The guitars take me away from those thoughts, but the singing definitely has a Paul Beatles quality.  

I might also be mad, who knows. 
 

Paul?

 
Yeah, Paul?  The voice is a dead ringer for John Lennon.

I want to believe that they do at least one Beatles cover every concert simply because they obviously can. 
...doesn't like sand stuck on her feet...or sitting around smoking weed... Dude, I KNOW THE FEELING! and anyway you're better off!~!
I seem to like everything from this band, but I don't own any of their music...weird
While the majority of this track may have a Beatles-esque sound, I always thought the opening chord was "Set the Ray to Jerry" by the Smashing Pumpkins...
 melzabutch wrote:
Just listening without focusing on the lyrics, this sounds like some lost Beatles Track.  The guitars take me away from those thoughts, but the singing definitely has a Paul Beatles quality.  

I might also be mad, who knows. 

 
I had the same thought exactly.  
 melzabutch wrote:
Just listening without focusing on the lyrics, this sounds like some lost Beatles Track.  The guitars take me away from those thoughts, but the singing definitely has a Paul Beatles quality.  

I might also be mad, who knows. 
 

Paul?
love it
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:

It's what might have happened if Julian Lennon lived in Australia instead of New York...

 
He didn't stay there long: "too many crocodiles" he said.

 kaybee wrote:
This singer sounds so much like John Lennon, it's creepy.

 
It's what might have happened if Julian Lennon lived in Australia instead of New York...
 vesta0424 wrote:
Is this doesn't sound like Los Lobos, I will eat my hat.

 
hat
More like Lame Impala..amirite!?

Post-post modern psychedelia.  Fantastic.  Great live show.
This singer sounds so much like John Lennon, it's creepy.
Although the Beatles inspired me, I hear nothing but Tame Impala here. Their innovations makes them unlike anybody else.
 melzabutch wrote:
Just listening without focusing on the lyrics, this sounds like some lost Beatles Track.  The guitars take me away from those thoughts, but the singing definitely has a Paul Beatles quality.  

I might also be mad, who knows. 

 
I also hear something of a Crowded House vibe - a combination that is pretty damn good IMHO.
Just listening without focusing on the lyrics, this sounds like some lost Beatles Track.  The guitars take me away from those thoughts, but the singing definitely has a Paul Beatles quality.  

I might also be mad, who knows. 

I've really enjoyed this song from the first time I heard it.  I finally paid attention to the lyrics of the entire piece, and wow, the last stanza completely changes the mood of this.  Clearly it is the "punchline" of the song (as in, a punch to the gut).  Finding out that Mr. Parker's father, a strong musical influence of his, was taken by cancer makes me think about my mom, who also succumbed to that horrid disease.  Well, this is how life goes, and no doubt many (most?) of you have also had (sometimes first-hand) experience with this illness.  Music is a wonderful salve for the soul, and I'm glad we have this site and community to share in our common musical interests, even if we'd each choose slightly different playlists.

Okay, I'll get off my melancholic horse now.  Back to your regular RP comment stream!
  
 Agree. Temples are terrific.
If you like Tame Impala, give Temples a try.  You'll have to go find them, as for some reason they've yet to hit the RP playlist.  Check them out on iTunes I guess. I saw them live last year and they were awesome. 

www.templestheband.com

 

 


If you like Tame Impala, give Temples a try.  You'll have to go find them, as for some reason they've yet to hit the RP playlist.  Check them out on iTunes I guess. I saw them live last year and they were awesome. 

www.templestheband.com

 
 Mugro wrote:
I thought the trippy Beatle copying thing went out with Oasis. I guess not... {#Doh}
 
Oh good grief. . . how many artists are truly breaking new ground? 
I do like this silky song...
  Great lyrics so much to remember on those. 
I thought the trippy Beatle copying thing went out with Oasis. I guess not... {#Doh}
 JasondotG wrote:
I hear a big influence from The Monkees in this one. {#Iamwithstupid}

 
I thought it might have been a long lost Nazz track
I hear a big influence from The Monkees in this one. {#Iamwithstupid}
I agree, and well-put!  These guys are freaking fantasic, and I thank RP for steering me in their direction.

OceanBlue wrote:
This is music... atmosphere, vocals, lyrics, album art all coming together to form something trippy, groovy, old school and new school together. These guys are some of the best around right now.

 

Hmmm, too much of a knock off of the Beatles, huge John Lennon influence.  Not in to it.
A good 8 for me.
Thanks Bill!
Like Beatles but a little poor. Lennon will doing this better, obviously. Drums seems very modern sound.
This is music... atmosphere, vocals, lyrics, album art all coming together to form something trippy, groovy, old school and new school together. These guys are some of the best around right now.
g r o o v y
 gjr wrote:
i think this was the missing track from Sgt. Pepper

 
Nailed it!
totally agree with the Beatles ref.  I actually looked to see if it was a john lennon track that I somehow missed.
i think this was the missing track from Sgt. Pepper
 SmackDaddy wrote:

You might want to put some hot sauce on that hat. Way closer to the Beatles than Los Lobos.

 
Really. Los Lobos? I can't hear it.
 vesta0424 wrote:
Is this doesn't sound like Los Lobos, I will eat my hat.

 
You might want to put some hot sauce on that hat. Way closer to the Beatles than Los Lobos.
Is this doesn't sound like Los Lobos, I will eat my hat.
I just love this song so much. I don't have a hope in hell. 
Is that Ringo on drums?
It sounds like something from the Beatles psychedelic period... including the lyrics and vocals.

Lush.  Terrific sonic scape.    I can think of lots more BS.... that basically can be summarized by:  "I like it".  

So what is the rest of the CD like?   
It's groovey. There. I said it.
ok ... who is this really?
yummm, i love these guys with their lush rich sound.
cool vivid liquid layerings {#Music}
 Propayne wrote:
Great Impala spin-off band called Pond.

Slightly harder edge to them - check 'em out! {#Yell} 

 
I wonder if Tame Impala wasn't more of a spin-off of Pond.
Great Impala spin-off band called Pond.

Slightly harder edge to them - check 'em out! {#Yell} 
 Dosequis wrote:
This group has Beatle-envy in a big way.....

 

Whatever...it's still good stuff!!
This group has Beatle-envy in a big way.....
Intro reminds me of Porno for Pyros.  "Pets", specifically.
vurry nize.  9.
 coloradojohn wrote:
They gave us an amazing show in Boulder on Oct. 26th! Hours of the grooviest psychedelic rock and coolest jams to come along in ages! 

 
I'm envious {#Good-vibes}
they do have an interesting energy
At one point in the TRIPPIEST SHOW OF A LIFETIME (& I've seen Pink Floyd), the keyboard dude picked up an old Fender Jaguar and PLAYED THE GUTS OUT OF IT; it was full-on WILD and they were all jamming a tune not on any of their albums & IT ROCKED SOLID 
They gave us an amazing show in Boulder on Oct. 26th! Hours of the grooviest psychedelic rock and coolest jams to come along in ages! 
The Beatles! New stuff?
cool, 
I'm not comparing bands (which I don't like either), I'm comparing this particular song with its distinct sound and singing to the Beatles. Try "The magical mystery tour" and especially "Blue Jay Way" (!) which sounds quite similar to "It's not meant to be"
Isn't this obvious??
BTW I'm not saying, that I don't like Tame Impala, actually, this one convinced me to try more of that :-)


Kaw wrote:

Seriously?
I hate people comparing Muse->Radiohead or Coldplay->U2. It's stupid to compare two completely diverend bands. But this is stupid in a new improved category. Yes they use guitars and they are male. That's the only pattern.

 


 mineralBOB wrote:
Wow, pretty much sounds like a Beatles-reunion.
Would rate 9 if Beatles, otherwise to much copy-paste-like sound.

 
Seriously?
I hate people comparing Muse->Radiohead or Coldplay->U2. It's stupid to compare two completely diverend bands. But this is stupid in a new improved category. Yes they use guitars and they are male. That's the only pattern.
I can not wait to see this band ... {#Bananasplit}
 oldviolin wrote:
dig

 


Wow, pretty much sounds like a Beatles-reunion.
Would rate 9 if Beatles, otherwise to much copy-paste-like sound.
 Propayne wrote:
Tame Impala are coming to Richmond Va next month.

Because of RP introducing them to me I plan on attending. 

 
as a followup - great show!
Very nice sonic landscape.
Oh WOW; this thing, with stereo cranked, on a Standard Orbit Afternoon, rocks like I wish more music would! Worship this Trippy Sound!   I can also recommend The Bold Arrow of Time and I Don't Really Mind on this album; chock-full of old-school Cream and Yes-type bass!
 WonderLizard wrote:

Okay. Please, then, upload your work so we can all hear something that isn't, well, crap. I'm sure you have loads of material. And send me a message via RP so I won't miss it, okay? Thanks.

 
Really! {#Clap}

Love the psychedelia.
Tame Impala are coming to Richmond Va next month.

Because of RP introducing them to me I plan on attending. 
Sounds like John Lennon. Love this band.
I have lost count of all the great bands Bill has introduced to me.  
Lacks form....form is very important...dont mean formulaic, but some symmetry or something...
I love this band—-I've only heard this and "Elephant" but...
Saw them jam on Jimmy Fallon a couple nights ago...they had to play a shortened version of Elephant (^%^%&$ obnoxious commercial-glutted network policies nowadays!) but wow, they looked mighty cool...
I still love this, my original exposure to them...