In 2012 Dirty Projectors released their Swing Lo Magellan album to critical claim, ending up on many Best Albums of 2012 lists (including in our Honorable Mentions).   In addition to just being generally superb players and singers, for many the band’s allure lies in leader David Longstreth’s (and band’s) complex, unique, and risk-taking song structures that oft-times employ harmonic, rhythmic and/or lyric eccentricities.   In short:  these ain’t just silly love songs.

Occasionally though, Dirty Projectors will confuse the listener by tossing in a comparatively accessible and straightforward song.  Check the band out below on WNYC’s Soundcheck, unplugged (with warm, upright bass) and harmonizing on their comparatively straight-ahead song Impregnable Question off the album.  An eyes-wide-open love song for realists, we could even imagine Impregnable Question being sung at weddings next summer.  No?  Would you believe at vow-renewal ceremonies?  After are the song’s lyrics.

Lyrics:

“If there is ever the impregnable question of why?
what did or didn’t pass?
it would help to seek comfort in destiny
but I really don’t, we don’t see eye to eye
but I need you and you’re always on my mind

Whether there is or isn’t any position
you care if I take or if I don’t
I will always hold what we shared so long
to be the only love, and though we don’t see eye to eye
I need you, and you’re always on my mind

Through time, and through many a situation
we both look forward, side-by-side
we have shared it all, we have both stood tall
what is mine is yours, in happiness and in strife
you’re my love, and I want you in my life
you’re my love, and I want you in my life
you’re my love, and I want you in my life”