The complexity of new parenthood
Paul Janeway, leader of St Paul & The Broken Bones, gets vulnerable about the joys and anxiety surrounding new fatherhood in the album Angels in Science Fiction. It is a beautifully crafted album filled with love ballads that echo in the mind. Paul Janeway leads the album with “Chelsea,” a love song for his unborn daughter. With lyrics like “I hope daddy never dies / I hope you get your mother’s eyes,” the song takes its time, giving the listener ample space to absorb every line of poetry. Paul has an uncanny ability of putting the audience in his shoes.
In “Magnolia Trees,” Paul discusses how mundane life was before meeting his daughter but existence has a whole new meaning after having children. Themes of birthdays and nature are scattered in the song showing how life-changing events alter the world around us, giving a new perspective on adulthood.
Storytelling is a big part of the record, “Heat Lightning” talks about Paul’s difficult upbringing by telling a story about a father burying the child he murdered; this could be a metaphor for being worried that trauma that was passed down to him will return in raising a child of his own.
“Wolf In Rabbit Clothes” is another storytelling ballad that mainly focuses on greed, with lyrics such as “Get your guns, protect young ones from the wolf that we have just created.” This song begs the question: what is the American Dream? “Easter Bunny” tells the story of a bad storm raging on an Easter night. The beautiful violin in the background makes the listener grip onto every word like a book; pictures of a rainy storm gather, making it nearly impossible not to feel on edge.
Angels in Science Fiction is a sensitive piece of art filled with beautiful metaphors about new fatherhood. Paul bares all with delicate poetry perfect for days spent with family soaking up memories and reflecting on the little things in life.
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