Lethe (song)
| "Lethe" | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demo by Weezer | |||||
| Released | Via Weezer.com | ||||
| Format | MP3 | ||||
| Recorded | April 4, 2002 July 2, 2002 July 16, 2002 |
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| Length | April 4 - 3:59 July 2 - 3:53 July 16 - 3:47 |
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| Writer(s) | Rivers Cuomo | ||||
| RC# | 717 | ||||
| COR# | 367 | ||||
| Status | Demo circulating | ||||
| Rivers Cuomo song chronology | |||||
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"Lethe" is a song demoed by Weezer. The song was not given a title when released in demo form on Weezer's official website in the summer of 2002, or in the Catalog O' Riffs. As such, it was known by fans exlusively by its catalog number, "367". Only after the song was listed as dummy data on the demo storefront on riverscuomo.com in early November 2020 and subsequently sold on the storefront weeks later as part of the digital compilation Alone VIII: The Maladroit Years was the song's original title known.
Appearances
Overview
The song's title, "Lethe", is apparently named after the forum user credited with naming the album Maladroit, but the reason for this is unknown.
Weezer initially demoed "367" during the early sessions for their planned fifth album at Westlake Studios in West Hollywood, beginning in March of 2002 (prior to the release of the band's fourth album, Maladroit). The song was recorded at least five times at various studios throughout the year, and three of those demos were released to fans via Weezer.com. The July 2 version introduced new lyrics in the second refrain, and the addition of piano, played by session musician Ryan "Shmedly" Maynes. The July 16 version omitted the piano. The song has never appeared on an album, nor have any of the "Album 5 Demos".
Audio
Personnel
- Rivers Cuomo - lead guitar, lead vocals
- Brian Bell - rhythm guitar, backing vocals
- Scott Shriner - bass, backing vocals
- Patrick Wilson - drums
- Ryan "Shmedly" Maynes - piano (on July 2 demo)
Lyrics
Some versions of the song replace the word "flash" with "hide" in the second verse.
Now that I love you so much
And it’s right there for all to see
Why don’t you let me hold you
And dream of the things that should not be?
Ah-ha ah-ha
You’re so damn intelligent, I can’t stand the way it hurts
‘Cause I’ll never be worth quite what you’re worth
I studied the words you wrote down
And picked them apart to check your style
And as I was doing all this
You'd never forget to flash your smile
Ah-ha Ah-ha
I wonder if my heart will fade or if this is the one
‘Cause I don’t think I’ll find a better one
It all comes crashing down
When my secret flies
Back to loneliness
Why?
Known recordings
| ? | 3:45 | Rivers Cuomo demo (Alone VIII) |
| March 3, 2002 | Westlake Studios, West Hollywood, CA | |
| March 4, 2002 | Westlake Studios, West Hollywood, CA | |
| April 22, 2002 | 3:59 | Cello Studios, Los Angeles, CA |
| July 2, 2002 | 3:53 | Sunset Sound, Los Angeles, CA |
| July 16, 2002 | 3:47 | The Lodge Recording Studios, Indianapolis, IN |
