Bright Eyes - Shell Games

Music Video for "Shell Games", the first single from Bright Eyes' new album "The People's Key".
Directed by Nik Fackler

[@MrToadRocks]

Took the fireworks (letting off the happiness), and the vanity (fevers and mirrors), the circuit board (digital ash in a digital urn) and the city streets (I'm wide awake it's morning), shooting stars swaying palm trees (cassadaga) laid it at the arbiters feet (the people's key). It's all his album covers.

[@elda7153]

I came here to say this. It's lovely

[@zachwalker9373]

that's awesome

[@OrNaurItsKat]

He notably left out Lifted, as he sang "I do not read the reviews" in a song on that album, as the arbiters are the music critics

[@benjaminwoods510]

wow. thank you for pointing that out!

[@CountGraduon]

Mind fucking blown...

[@RCScorch]

BRIGHT EYES 2020

[@fart66677]

2021

[@JK-xl4ye]

im 32 and been listining to bright eyes since I was wearing headphones on a school night, had 7th grade to go to in the morning. I knew id be tired. I had a CD player with digital ash in it....since then bright eyes has been just extremely influential on another level. never ending spiritual levels. bright eyes follows me, or I follow bright eyes. doesn't matter, it always lifts me up no matter what age I am. Conor Oberst is a Legend, he's Magick, he's made his mark on this fucking planet.

[@mtsr555]

Amen

[@evolution9012]

Im 32 and i only wished i knew about bright eyes. First heard them in 2010, but really only began listening in 2014 (at 24). I feel that this music was what 14 year old me needed. Its nostalgic without ever being a part of my past. Conor Oberst is too good for this world.

[@MiguelLopez-nf5fl]

32 and listening to bright eyes since 15. the music evolves in meaning as I age

[@stephwood7652]

are you me?

[@drownthepoor]

@@MiguelLopez-nf5fl I'm 34 and I've been listening since I was about 15 because of a girlfriend I had. At first it was just a few songs that got me, but then it was a whole album. Now as time goes on there will be another one of their albums that I didn't really get, but get to fall in love with. I don't know if I could pick a favorite though.

[@EtsukiNyappyChan]

Suddenly I felt so happy and calmed...

[@navytoad8152]

Took the fireworks and the vanity The circuit board and the city streets Shooting star, swaying palm tree Laid it at the arbiter's feet If I could change my mind, change the paradigm Prepare myself for another life Forgive myself for the many times I was cruel to something helpless and weak But here it comes, that heavy love I'm never going to move it alone Here it comes, that heavy love Tag it on a tenement wall Here it comes, that heavy love Someone's got to share in the load Here it comes, that heavy love I'm never going to move it alone I was dressed in white, touched by something pure Death obsessed like a teenager Sold my tortured youth, piss and vinegar I'm still angry with no reason to be At the architect who imagined this For the everyman, blessed Sisyphus Slipping steadily into madness Now that's the only place to be free But here it comes, that heavy love You're never going to move it alone Here it comes, that heavy love Tattooed on a criminal's arm Here it comes, that heavy love Someone got to share in the load Here it comes, that heavy love You're never going to move it alone No, I don't want to play It's a shell game, it's a shell game Distorted sounds on oscilloscopes Distorted facts, I could never cope My private life is an inside joke No one will explain it to me We'll be everything that we ever needed Everyone, on the count of three! Everyone, on the count of three! All together now! Here it comes, that heavy love We're never going to move it alone Here it comes, that heavy love Playing as the cylinder rolls Here it comes, that heavy love I only want to share in the load Here it comes, that heavy love I'm never going to move it alone

[@xracerx15x]

The calendar hung itself

[@kissmykma]

Anyone who correctly uses the word "oscilloscopes" in a song lyric is okay with me. But seriously, Conor's lyrics are crazy good, and I'm a tough critic. LOVE ME SOME BRIGHT EYES!

[@tylersterling7532]

i cant imagine a better lyricist

[@oscarwilde9581]

One of the best songs ever. Always returns to me.

[@spermangerman]

I saw these guys the other day in Royal Oak Mi. Oberst has such a great stage presence. Very theatrical. Best show I've ever been to.

[@drownthepoor]

I kow this is a long time later, but if you ever get a chance to see Broken Social Scene live I'd highly recommend it. Although idk if they're still a band.

[@Wessexstock]

I interpret this as him describing the culmonation of his musical career with Bright Eyes and how those experiences have lead to where he is now, awake, happy, and ready for change.

[@blackdropsofrain]

"... for the every man, blessed Sisyphus, slipping steadily into madness, now that's the only place to be free". I think we're all mad, until we realize that we are. And that's when we realize it's all just an inside joke, no one will explain it. It's just the lizard that bites not the architects.

[@TravisMoor]

oh snap, the arbiter is a shell game; siiiick lyrics fr.

[@blacksunfish]

One of the very best song in recent years, maybe decades.

[@123missmurder]

I liked my "0 dislike" comment. Now it's "2 dislikes" Still doesn't change how much I love this song, & The People's Key.

[@flyjaymusic1603]

This band is awesome its males me wanna find a cool group of free spirited people and go places to bad i cant

[@skellvarnsen23]

nothing gets crossed out

[@sudsnfluff]

5 years ago saying you couldn't go somewhere meant you didn't want to.

[@JacobFCO]

Saw these guys play Saturday night. Simply amazing concert!

[@DenarisDuane]

I love how different they are... Amazing music :)

[@daffyuser]

Love how it shows the band coming together like a reunion of old friends for another jam :)

[@Catsarebetter777]

This music honestly helped me a lot with my mindset .

[@hoopsmckay]

Wow. MrToadRocks, great insight. my love for conor is second to none. he expresses thoughts and feelings that have been trapped in me for years. and he is such a humble, gentle soul. (my brother has met him a couple times, once during their italy tour, and the last time at myrtle beach). so thankful for his voice and wisdom.

[@CherylPerson-pi5lq]

I love him.

[@BobbyLeshinski]

love this song sooooooooooooo much.. best song on the album in my opinion. i like that he never directly states the meaning to any of his songs and is talented enough to create lyrics that can apply to anything. "here it come that heavy love, tattooed on a criminals arm"---- soooooo creative and awesome!!!!!!!

[@wallflowercommenter3610]

I will see you in When We We’re Young Festival 💕

[@keith930ful]

thank you so much for bursting back again!

[@josephmikhaely]

I had NO idea this had been released as a single but its definitely my favourite from the new album.

[@derrickmcadoo3804]

Parties are more divided than ever, but I just treat everyone with respect. Can't do it alone.

[@Ninjarmor]

holy shit haha thanks for that. wouldn't of caught it

[@meganlanam9845]

he is the most beautiful being ever. i swear.

[@kelseahelmick9778]

fuck yeah

[@fershologram]

Oh conor, You have no idea how much you've changed my life!

[@_____8003]

Took the fireworks and the vanity The circuit board and the city streets Shooting star, swaying palm tree Laid it at the arbiter's feet If I could change my mind, change the paradigm Prepare myself for another life Forgive myself for the many times I was cruel to something helpless and weak But here it comes, that heavy love I'm never going to move it alone Here it comes, that heavy love Tag it on a tenement wall Here it comes, that heavy love Someone's got to share in the load Here it comes, that heavy love I'm never going to move it alone I was dressed in white, touched by something pure Death obsessed like a teenager Sold my tortured youth, piss and vinegar I'm still angry with no reason to be At the architect who imagined this For the everyman, blessed Sisyphus Slipping steadily into madness Now that's the only place to be free But here it comes, that heavy love You're never going to move it alone Here it comes, that heavy love Tattooed on a criminal's arm Here it comes, that heavy love Someone got to share in the load Here it comes, that heavy love You're never going to move it alone No, I don't want to play It's a shell game, it's a shell game Distorted sounds on oscilloscopes Distorted facts, I could never cope My private life is an inside joke No one will explain it to me We'll be everything that we ever needed Everyone, on the count of three! Everyone, on the count of three! All together now! Here it comes, that heavy love We're never going to move it alone Here it comes, that heavy love Playing as the cylinder rolls Here it comes, that heavy love I only want to share in the load Here it comes, that heavy love I'm never going to move it alone

[@dazj31]

Brutal, me encanta :')

[@courtneybb08]

Love it!! Thank you!

[@mickelloh257]

come back guys i miss you were did you go

[@The_Void_Staring_Back]

this album "The Peoples Key" was their final chapter, closing the book on the band Bright Eyes.... and its a fucking masterpiece...

[@nintend8232]

the most current thing I know of is his work in Better Oblivion Community Center.

[@iwashere368]

:)

[@williamgilmour9628]

I guess your wish came true!

[@TheRyanH.]

#brighteyes2020

[@kennygr8ify]

People's Key was Bright Eyes best album!

[@The_Void_Staring_Back]

I might be like the only person you're gonna find who agrees with you there but I do lol

[@RandAlejandro]

Never ceasing to amaze and inspire.

[@frankk1979]

this video reminds me of (love song, and friday i'm in love) videos by THE CURE...

[@0rbit000]

Thank you for this!

[@myquest666420]

I don’t know if anyone else noticed, but the opening lyrics are references to earlier bright eyes albums. Fireworks = letting off the happiness Vanity = fevers and mirrors Circuit board = digital ash City streets = I’m wide awake it’s morning Shooting stars, swaying palm trees =cassadaga Arbiters feet = the people’s key But I’m trying to figure out where lifted fits in here, but I’m having a difficult time.

[@hollieengdahl1795]

I have been a Bright Eyes fan since Fevers and Mirrors, and this is a damn good mix, nice work, thank you!

[@ishypooful]

Fevers and mirrors is my favorite bright eyes/conor oberst album of all times!!!

[@xxTheCatsMeow]

The Lyrics are brilliant, just like every song by bright eyes. They've changed so much over the years, and they're still amazing.

[@ahlaamrafiq4477]

we love you very very very very very very very much

[@psychodelice92]

Perfect.

[@MissElizabitch]

Agreed, but feel it was referring to laying it out for the critics.

[@dujaccount]

What about Lifted? I guess a kinda hard one to describe, haha. Anyways, great observation, though I feel that "Laid it at the arbiters feet" isn't a reference to this album (the artwork of which is a firewall), but rather him saying that he is laying his work out in front of him - reviewing it and offering it as an insight into his mind, or for whatever reason.

[@demiarchh]

Conor Oberst is a musical genius.

[@Paradigm6790]

Great live!

[@britanygee]

THAT HAT!

[@bddb9]

but the cover of digital ash in a digital urn isn't a circuit board... and there's at least three albums missing there too.

[@RusselMuttly]

All right but I don't see "Arbiters Feet" being The People's Key. I always thought of the Arbiter as like his record label, distributor, or just upper authority that has the say in what they will release and what not.

[@iam10000000]

i really think the same... it's so sad when he is sad.. sometimes i wonder if it's part of his image... but when he is really happy it's like a lightening through the clouds and you instantly feel it in your heart ..so what i was meant to say is: if somebody is sad most of the time it's more emotional when he's happy. but that is just a "problem" of conor ..which every human being has, if he or she is emotionally imbalanced!

[@kelseahelmick9778]

it may be heartbreaking to listen to some of conor’s songs and hear some of his lyrics, but that is why i love him. for those of us who sadness plagues our every day existence, it is very comforting and makes us (me) feel seen. i don’t want conor to be sad, but he’s made me feel less alone in my perpetual depression where i don’t see an end in sight. his sadness is sad, but he also makes beautiful and eye opening things from it, and that is what gives me hope

[@sugarray300]

This album makes me think maybe he is finally happy and it makes me happy too :)

[@mmk090]

"hey neely jenkins, play the keyboard part for shell games in the video?" "sure, why not?" i really hope that was exactly how it went down.

[@HeathenHammer80]

I tried to comment on that as well, but it seems Mr toad has disabled comments. I am not denying that there is a corilation there but it is for sure not all the album covers. And the digital ash part..?

[@kenneld]

here it come that heavy love i'm never gonna be a pine cone

[@peanutbutter013]

Aaahhh I'm loving this! I mean it's not the Bright Eyes i'm used to but it really sucks that this is his last album under that name . . . And things I've heard about Bright Eyes being compared to the Cure, this just confirms it Plus he dances like Robert Smith ;) What a cutie

[@justinwwwalin]

is that the same giant hat from mystic valley band?

[@nunyabizness6248]

To be clear, I am NOT endorsing Mr. Icke. I was merely making a comparison of his theories and this song (or whole album for that matter). I was wondering if anyone else saw this connection, which I why I asked of you had ever heard of him. Although, now I could care less what your opinion is because you have resorted to name calling, poor sentence structure, and horrendous grammar.

[@MoneyKur]

Is it just me or does this remind of an 80's alt-rock song? And then at 3:00 he starts ding dong doing The Robert Smith.

[@GeorgeMaj15]

Conor definitely has moved on--think about his "solo" work (Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band) and then listen to this--his whole style has changed and developed away from what I'd call Bright Eyes--and that's perfectly fine. It's not like he's not making music, his music has just developed out of A Perfect Sonnet, Lua, and Lover I don't have to Love. Am I sad Bright Eyes is done? I'm sad because it was great music, but glad Bright Eyes will always be Bright Eyes and nothing else.

[@octaviopedroza348]

Amazing, I still love it ❤️‍🔥

[@fBuRcOk]

11 people don't know what a shell is . . .

[@NewWaveFilms]

was that a kangaroo???????????

[@justaddwater123]

HOLY SHIT WHOA

[@Tsumami__]

why do bright eyes fans act like they all know every drug conor oberst has ever done? how do you know if he even smokes bud much less if he's a crackhead or something. lyrics are just that

[@pemguinman]

does any one know where the i can find the audio for the guy talking through out the album. most noticable att the begining of firewall

[@nunyabizness6248]

I agree. Have you heard of David Icke?

[@anUnkindness]

I love this. Wish it were in HD :(

[@NeebsLucas]

@randomrecord11 Robert Smith is such a beast.

[@Watchingsounds]

Conor Oberst, lyrical genius. I'm just sad this is his last album with Bright Eyes

[@NESADDICT]

I loved this album so much

[@aClockworkSeven]

my private life is an inside joke, no one will explain it to me

[@MrPernell27]

@garbomoray- Dylan was and is a huge influence on Bright Eyes/Conor Oberst. That's odvious. Dylan never plagiarized anyone. He came from a folk music tradition where it was expected that you borrow a line or tune and then turn it into something completely original. The same can be said for Johnny Cash, Leonard Cohen and many others. Led Zepplin completely plagiarized almost Willie Dixson's entire catalogue. Maybe in about 30 yrs. Conor Oberst is amazing, but nowhere bear Dylan. Check back in 3

[@NoKnownAllergy]

I got thrown out of the Las Vegas show on The Cosmopolitan rooftop because when Connor didn't understand why no one was in the pool I proceeded to get in it. I wasn't the only one to be removed. My friend Caleb was in there too and was asked to leave. Billy Martin was the only one of us who managed to stick around for the whole show. However, being able to see all the hidden passageways throughout the Cosmo really wasn't all that awful. Try and catch me next time. ZippadeeDoooDaaDayyyyyeeOOooOh.

[@arianna5401]

"my private life is an inside joke, and no one will explain it to me" great fucking quote

[@Cryolemon]

later sung live as "my private life is a public joke" because reasons.

[@unabailible]

@brighteyesband this might be one of my most favorite Bright Eyes songs, if not simply because it's great, but also for the meta first verse. Thank you for all your wonderful music throughout the years, it's hard to believe it's almost been a year since this video's release.

[@sundermunich]

whoaaa, mike stopped playing a jm-6? thats saddening

[@Obsomo123]

This band is my reason for living

[@liviecakes]

this song is so good live. conor continues to amaze me

[@JarobTV]

i dont think his old music is as dark as what most people think... I feel like the whole concept of bright eyes is to help people look at themselves. letting off the happiness seems really depressing, so people who are down on life can relate to it.. and then fevers and mirrors is about realizing this self loathing, lifted is obviously about being lifted with the love of friends, family, and life, i'm wide awake it's morning is about waking up and being a new person, and it was political.. ect..

[@semperfidelis3100]

good song on this album though. i really miss the more acoustic bright eyes though. nothing will ever come close to lua or its cool we can still be friends. oh well.

[@jordanbunes8281]

What kinda guitar is mix master Mike mogis playing?

[@elda7153]

I want to know too, just leavin g a comment to remind myself

[@Diablo112687]

He works a lot... Furthermore, It is likely that he has abused questionable substances... causing him to age quicker than someone not as cool.

[@Tsumami__]

I do have to say I dont care what he looks like, I would wreck that.

[@CRileymcr]

@TheDeathlyhallows123 most of his albums differ from each other by quite a large gap in difference of styles. i love almost all his songs

[@MyMorbidFairyTale]

Wow only 13 stupid people have watched this video out of the 264,226, that is quite amazing:]]]

[@Peanutbuttercupid]

@Paradigm6790 I just saw them last night with the mountain goats and I couldn't agree more. It was amazing

[@Fredthe99th]

If i'm really honest, when The People's Key came out, I didn't enjoy it. Now though It has to be one of my all time favourite albums! Grown on my sooo much!

[@skellvarnsen23]

THREE!

[@maryryan679]

I thought you were bravely telling the truth things (what was transpiring in reality) and I thought you wrote well about it I did not have a crush on you Then I started to think about you as a person and felt positive feelings for you Then I took a walk to a rock in the woods and imagined a home with an awesome kitchen I'm not sure what the politics became after the elevators You must know I, upon knowing you, wanted (want) you to be alright I don't know what else to say Apologies Regrets I didn't think it was possible you could have been talking to me Interesting

[@thebb0t]

this is more than a song. the album as a whole is an awakening/enlightening for all of us. im so glad to see the time of love and peace is coming, signs are all among us. and i thank bright eyes for their share in the awakening period

[@Broadway52]

"sold my tortured youth pissing vinegar" I know the feeling, and I still feel angry

[@sudsnfluff]

Piss AND vinegar. It is a term people actually use. Pissing vinegar is a misheard song lyric.

[@politepeppermint]

Idk why, bit this music video reminds me of a tame version of its Friday I'm in love, by the cure

[@trishk505]

i love mike mogis and conor oberst. they are just amazing and beautiful :)

[@manoftheyear121]

If you like bright eyes definitely checkout the song "the Runaway" by Regret the Hour

[@RB-oz1mm]

I would give anything to hear Robert Smith cover this. Why have he and Conor never dueted? Or Conor and Dylan?

[@sophalicious7]

@MrToadRocks that's genius!

[@JarobTV]

so it's all one big spirtual transformation. that's why its called "Bright Eyes" :)

[@JacobFCO]

They absolutely rocked this song when I saw them a couple months ago. It was an amazing concert!

[@alanoneill3065]

Great song...one I heard and instantly GOT

[@Moysauce22]

Who is the girl that plays with them now?

[@ToFabricate]

Yes they do. It's been said in magazines and on television. Lol