Stephen Malkmus is the lead singer and guitar player of the indie rock band Pavement. He helped start the band in 1989. Their debut album, Slanted and Enchanted, remains a beloved favorite among fans and music critics. After the band disbanded in 1999, he continued to create music with another band called the Jicks. In 2024, he started a new group called The Hard Quartet with three other musicians.

Stephen is also renowned for crafting intelligent and humorous lyrics, and he has inspired numerous other indie rock artists.

About the Song

“Harness Your Hopes” is a well-liked song that features a fun tune and smart lyrics, which have made it really popular, especially after it went viral on TikTok and became one of the band’s most-played songs.

Harness Your Hopes Lyrics by Pavement

Intro

Ah! Ah! La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Sha-sha-sha-sha-ah, sha-sha-sha-sha-ah
Sha-sha-sha-sha

Verse 1

Harness your hopes on just one person
Because you know a harness was only made for one
Don’t telegraph your passes, you’ll end up with molasses
Cauterized in syrup and syrup and molasses
And I’m checking out the asses, the assets that attract us
To anything that moves, we’re deep inside the grooves
And it’s time to shake the rations, ’cause someone’s gonna cash in
The plot, it turns again, the reference starts at ten

Verse 2

Well, show me a word that rhymes with Pavement
And I won’t kill your parents and roast them on a spit
And a-don’t you try to etch it, or permanently sketch it
Or you’re gonna catch a bad, bad cold
And the freaks have stormed the White House
I moved into a lighthouse
It’s on a scenic quay, it’s oh so far away
Far away from the beginning, the shroud is made of linen
The yearling took the purse, the goth kid has a hearse

Chorus 1

Heartbreaking, earthquaking, Kiwis, they are home baking
Minds wide open truly

Verse 3

Leisure, a leisure suit is nothing
It’s nothing to be proud of in this late century
And I’m asking you to hold me just like the morning paper
Pinched between your pointer, your index and your thumb
It’s a semi-automatic, believers are ecstatic
You see the way they cling, the cold metallic sting
And I’m living in a coma for Donna de Varona
The harness made of hopes, the lovers on the ropes

Chorus 2

Nun is to church as the parrot is to perch

And my heart’s wide open truly

Instrumental Outro

Meaning of The Song

The song “Harness Your Hopes” by Pavement features fun and strange lyrics that prompt thought. It doesn’t tell a clear story, but it mixes silly, smart, and emotional ideas. When it says, “Harness your hopes on just one person,” it means putting all your trust in someone. However, the song also suggests that relying on that approach might not always be effective.

Some parts of the song discuss love, emotions, and the peculiar behavior of people. It tells funny and random things like the White House, lighthouses, and old clothes. These things don’t always make sense, but they make the song fun and interesting.

The chorus talks about baking and open hearts. This may involve sharing your feelings or being open and honest. The song employs silly words to convey genuine emotions.

Ultimately, people love this song because it sounds cool and unique. It’s creative, catchy, and fun to listen to, even if the meaning isn’t always clear.

Similar Songs Like Harness Your Hopes

Pavement’s songs often combine offbeat lyrics with catchy melodies, making them unique and fun to listen to.

Here are some similar tracks by the band:

• “Carrot Rope” : This playful song from Terror Twilight has a melodic and upbeat vibe. Its carefree lyrics and catchy tune make it a fan favorite.
• “Cut Your Hair” : A classic hit from Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain, this track humorously finds fame and trends in the music industry with a fun, jangly rhythm.
• “Gold Soundz” : Known for its nostalgic feel, this song from Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain pairs dreamy melodies with heartfelt lyrics about youth and change.
• “Shady Lane” : The clever wordplay and a relaxed tune, this track from Brighten the Corners captures Pavement’s signature indie rock style.
• “Range Life“: This laid-back song from Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain MIXES storytelling with mellow guitar riffs, showing on life and music culture.

Similar Artists Like Pavement

If you enjoy Pavement’s music, you may also appreciate these artists, who share a similar indie rock style and clever songwriting.

• Built to Spill
  Genre: Indie Rock
  Top album: Keep It Like a Secret
• Modest Mouse
  Genre: Alternative Rock
  Top album: The Moon & Antarctica
• The New Pornographers
  Genre: Indie Pop/Rock
  Top album: Twin Cinema
• Sebadoh
  Genre: Lo-Fi/Indie Rock
  Top album: Bakesale
• Silver Jews
  Genre: Indie Rock
  Top album: American Water

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Harness Your Hopes Become Popular Years Later?

The song went viral on TikTok around 2020, and many new fans found it through short videos.

Was Harness Your Hopes a Hit When it First Came Out?

No, it wasn’t very popular at first. It gained fame many years later.

Did the Harness Your Hopes win Any Awards?

No, it didn’t win any awards, but it became one of Pavement’s most-streamed songs online.