"Checking In, Checking Out" is a track from The High Llamas’ acclaimed 1994 album Gideon Gaye. The song exemplifies the band’s blend of literate, whimsical lyricism and lush, sophisticated pop arrangements, drawing on influences from classic pop, jazz, and the baroque stylings of Brian Wilson.
Lyrics and Themes
The lyrics of "Checking In, Checking Out" offer a wry, observational take on urban life, creativity, and the search for meaning in the everyday. Key themes include:
- Urban Absurdity and Alienation:
The opening lines—"If funny looks don’t get you down / you could get on in this town / the drivers crawl along the curb / the thought of walking’s quite absurd"—paint a picture of a city where social norms and routines can feel both stifling and ridiculous. - Embracing Individuality:
The chorus urges, "checking in and checking out / why be shy when you can kick the can and shout?" suggesting a call to break free from conformity and express oneself boldly rather than fading into the background. - Religious and Social Satire:
Verse two references "the living church must move along / the carmelites could use a song," blending gentle satire of religious institutions with a plea to "help the hopeless in their need." The line "they don’t need this kind of sleaze" hints at a critique of hypocrisy or superficiality in modern society. - Reflection and Longing:
The bridge introduces a more personal note: "here’s a man whose run the marathon / sad and lonely now it’s been and gone / let me check upon my family / I wonder, do they still remember me / I’m on the run, on the fun run." This section touches on themes of achievement, loneliness, and the desire for connection. - Artistic Frustration:
The final verse—"gifted artists need respect / true collectors must collect / there behind those rusty gates / dodgy sculptured license plates / the gifted sit around and wait"—laments the lack of recognition for creative people and the sometimes arbitrary nature of what is valued in art and culture.
Musical Context
- Album Placement:
"Checking In, Checking Out" appears on Gideon Gaye, an album celebrated for its cinematic, sun-dappled soundscapes and intricate arrangements. The record is often cited as a touchstone for the 1990s chamber pop revival, with Sean O’Hagan’s songwriting drawing comparisons to The Beach Boys, Steely Dan, and Van Dyke Parks12. - Style:
The High Llamas’ music is marked by lush harmonies, inventive chord progressions, and a playful yet sophisticated approach to pop composition.
Conclusion
"Checking In, Checking Out" is a witty, gently melancholic meditation on modern life, individuality, and the creative spirit. Through clever lyrics and elegant arrangements, The High Llamas invite listeners to reflect on the absurdities of daily existence while celebrating the importance of self-expression and artistic perseverance312.
