The French Letter

Eventually, after their demise, Juno solidified themselves as one of my top ten essential bands of all time. Arlie's writing is a huge influence on me, and listening to some of their songs now, I realize that quite a few things I said were inspired by the way he stated them. I've always been curious about the line "Bulgakov to Woland's crowd" in the song the French Letter. It's one of my favorite songs, I've probably intentionally listened to it more than any other song (my new computers itunes count is already in the double digits for both versions after a few days). So I felt a little dumb for not having any idea what Arlie Carstens was referencing, especially after so long; A Future Lived in Past Tense came out in 2001.
It turns out it's in reference to a famous Russian Novel, "The Master and Margarita" by Mikhail Bulgakov. Woland is a character in the book, a manifestation of Satan.

I haven't read the book myself, yet - but it is now on my list. From what I gather it is a classic tale of good and evil, the ironies of the relationship between social power and Art. It's a controversial novel, with a very interesting history, even being banned as Satanic propaganda. You can read more about it here -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Master_and_Margarita


Also the line "When you were young listening to 'the lung'..." makes me wonder if that is a reference to the song by Dinosaur Jr. - I'd like to believe so.

Most of my friends love this band and song, so I wanted to share this with them.

here's an absolutely amazing live version that is required listening.
The French Letter - Live at Graceland February 1, 2003 --> right click (or control click for mac) and save target as, etc.

Who was it you said you were? and what was it you were sent here for? To drive him out so no one knows the true sentiment of your analysis now. Slave to the assassin? Bulgakov to Woland's crowd. Your ruse of sublime benevolence tapped out. A future lived in past tense right now. Who was it you said you were? and what was it you were sent here for? Bad cop wants to stir it up at the scene of the accident. Good cop wants to kiss and make up. Ever suppressing the evidence, court of opinion whispers, "there's no point left." Who was it you said you were? and what was it you were sent here for? "Only your insincerity thanks him for waiting" Stop off for a pack of smokes & a length of rope at the nearest Safeway. Hero slapped across your face. So badly in need of belief to distract from this emptiness you mistake for feeling. Who was it you said you were? Mistaking might for miracles. And what was it you were sent here for? Mistaking might for miracles? This is not going to hit you from behind, but right between the eyes. Watch the whole blinding light from the comfort of your car. A future erased by the things you never were. Who was it you said you were? Mistaking might for miracles? And what was it you were sent here for? Mistaking might for miracles? Born into oblivion, swept up and back out again "You'll leave behind all we ever did." "The only things forgotten will be the things you knew to hide" Mistaking might for miracles. Focusing on the spectacle, the purpose in the animal. Who was it you said you were. Mistaking might for miracles. What was it you were sent here for? Mistaking might for miracles. Find a sequence of numbers, all's revealed in the codes. While you sleep keep your ear on the dulcet tones. Hell no, you're not wrong if you think you're alone. Hell no, you wonder why they torch your car and smash your windows? Who was it you said you were? and what was it you were sent here for? Mistaking might for miracles. When you were young listening to "the lung" and acting like a kid. Who knew you'd always stay so thick. Faking is not enough. Wasting is not enough for this "You're not who you say you are you have no idea what you were sent here for."