Belle and Sebastian
"Get Me Away from Here, I'm Dying" is a beloved track by the Scottish indie pop band Belle and Sebastian. It appears on their critically acclaimed second album, If You're Feeling Sinister (1996), produced by Tony Doogan and released by Jeepster Recordings. The song is recognized for its wistful, introspective lyrics and its jangly, warm arrangement—hallmarks of the band’s early style1.
Key Details
- Album: If You’re Feeling Sinister (1996)
- Writer: Stuart Murdoch (with contributions from band members)
- Genre: Indie pop, chamber pop
- Length: Approximately 3:25
- Label: Jeepster Recordings
Musical and Lyrical Themes
- The song features gentle acoustic guitar, melodic bass, and understated drumming, creating a delicate, intimate atmosphere.
- Stuart Murdoch’s vocals are earnest and slightly melancholic, delivering lyrics filled with self-awareness, dry humor, and a longing for escape.
- Lyrically, the song centers on feelings of limitation within one’s surroundings and the desire for liberation from everyday monotony. It also nods at the power and limitations of songwriting itself—“play me a song to set me free / nobody writes them like they used to”—with a hint of meta-commentary on being a musician.
Notable Lines
"Oh, get me away from here, I'm dying
Pay me a song to set me free
Nobody writes them like they used to
So it may as well be me"
The narrative blends self-referential storytelling (a songwriter reflecting on the act of writing) with whimsical, often ambiguous imagery. There’s an interplay of naivety and world-weary wisdom, evident in lines like:
“This is no declaration, I just thought I'd let you know
Goodbye said the hero in the story
It is mightier than swords
I could kill you sure, but I could only make you cry with these words”.
Cultural Context & Influence
- "Get Me Away from Here, I'm Dying" is often cited as an anthem for those feeling out of place or disenchanted—its gentle self-mockery and sincerity connect with listeners dealing with similar emotions in their lives.
- The chord progression and melodic sensibility have been compared to Pachelbel’s Canon, highlighting the song’s timeless feeling.
- The track is frequently featured in live performances and remains one of Belle and Sebastian’s most cherished songs.
Album Significance
If You're Feeling Sinister, which houses this track, is widely regarded as Belle and Sebastian’s defining record. Stuart Murdoch himself has cited it as the band’s best collection of songs, with "Get Me Away from Here, I’m Dying" as a standout for its emotional resonance and clever commentary1.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | Belle and Sebastian |
| Album | If You’re Feeling Sinister (1996) |
| Writers | Stuart Murdoch and band members |
| Genre | Indie pop, chamber pop |
| Key Themes | Escape, longing, meta-musical reflection |
| Noted For | Lyrical depth, gentle arrangement, wit |
"Get Me Away from Here, I'm Dying" endures as a quintessential example of Belle and Sebastian’s sensitive, literate approach to indie pop—balancing irony and melancholy with hope and enduring melody1.
