"Boxing Day" is the opening track from Car Seat Headrest’s 2013 album Nervous Young Man. Written and performed by Will Toledo, the song is notable for its introspective lyrics and lo-fi indie rock style, characteristic of the band’s early self-released work13.
Key details:
- Album: Nervous Young Man (2013)
- Track position: 1 (opening track)
- Length: Approximately 15:34 (the entire album’s first track is lengthy, but "Boxing Day" itself runs about 4:39)43.
- Musical style: Melancholic indie rock, with a tempo of 155 BPM5.
- Personnel: Will Toledo (songwriter, performer), Amanda Schiano di Cola (trumpet)3.
Lyrical themes:
The lyrics of "Boxing Day" explore feelings of isolation, regret, and self-reflection, with repeated references to feeling "haunted." The song touches on anxieties, personal mistakes, and the struggle to heal from familiar problems. There’s a sense of vulnerability and raw honesty, with lines like:
"I feel so haunted... Get some exercise, get me exorcised, but do we ever really heal? These problems are familiar, these songs that I’ve been singing for, God, it feels like years"6.
The song also addresses relationships and communication difficulties, as well as a yearning for safety and comfort.
Reception and legacy:
"Boxing Day" is highly regarded among Car Seat Headrest fans, with some considering it one of the best songs in the band’s catalog78. It sets the tone for Nervous Young Man, an album praised for its emotional depth and DIY ethos.
Notable facts:
- The song’s lo-fi production and extended, stream-of-consciousness lyrics are emblematic of Car Seat Headrest’s early style.
- "Boxing Day" has become a fan favorite, often discussed for its emotional impact and lyrical resonance within the Car Seat Headrest community18.
Overall, "Boxing Day" stands out as a deeply personal and haunting introduction to Nervous Young Man, capturing the confessional songwriting that defines much of Car Seat Headrest’s early work.
