Bright Eyes - Forced Convalescence (Official Lyric Video)

"Forced Convalescence" by Bright Eyes out now on Dead Oceans.
Stream/buy - ffm.to/forced-convalescence
Directed and animated by Emily Scaife,
www.emilyscaife.com
“Forced Convalescence” features Conor Oberst (vocal), Nathaniel Walcott (piano, mellotron, synthesizers, harpsichord, choir arrangement), Mike Mogis (electric guitar), Flea (bass), Jon Theodore (drums, percussion), Miwi La Lupa (vocals) and Kip Skitter (percussion). The Choir are Jason McGee (conductor), James Connor, Quishima Dixon, Natalie Ganther, Anthony Johnson, Edward Lawson, Jennifer Lee, Sharetta Morgan-Harmon and Marquee Perkins. It is produced by Bright Eyes, engineered by Michael Harris and Steve Churchyard - assisted by Chris Cerullo and Chandler Harrod. Mixing by Mike Mogis. Mastering by Bob Ludwig. Written by Conor Oberst and Nathaniel Walcott.
Lyrics:
Forced convalescence and bed rest
Staring contest
With the ceiling and my feet
Was momentarily conscious
Of the backflips
I’ve been doing in my sleep
I’m not afraid of the future
Have to suffer and repeat
I tend to agree
What happens will be
Pain of my own making
Cut short by eternity
Now I’ve recovered completely
Life is easy
Hula-hooping around the sun
The calendar’s little boxes
All these presents
Get to open every one
I’ll be prepared for the winter
And the summer
And beyond
Just keep tagging along
Until the feeling is gone
Amazed by the haystack
Needle to oblivion
In a daze
In the doorway
I stood crying for what was
In a trance
In a taxi
Just keep driving please don’t stop
Out of the neighborhood, the multiverse
Iron and rust
Went out of town for the weekend
With my children
Built sandcastles in the sun
Catastrophizing my birthday
Turning forty
Ending up like everyone
There’s no escaping the housework
Or the bank clerk
Or the priest
They’re waiting for me
In my Egyptian sheets
The Seroquel’s working
It’s fighting my fantasies
In the dark
At a distance
I see everything at once
Feel the wind
Through the window
And I’m overcome with love
Inter-dimensional, no obstacles
Mountains and dust

[@dixyiglesias]

Bright Eyes got me through adolescence. Now they're back at a time we ALL need them most. Thanks universe, and thanks Bright Eyes for all of the work and heart you put into this for us. Eagerly awaiting!

[@XenKat]

that's because he is a prophet

[@bodhiswish9392]

Amen to that. Thank you Universe.

[@leighakselson]

I love that background chatter break... really reminds me of the old stuff. I love the growth that’s happened over the years.. but that stuff is so nostalgic and puts me right back to being 13 and full of angst and sadness. I love it.

[@bh29]

Yep reminds me a lot of the cuts from noise floor and “approximate sunlight.”

[@davidr1122]

This comment is spot on!

[@Cryolemon]

@@bh29 Reminded me of the background chatter of "this looks like blues 101!" etc in "When the Curious Girl Realizes She is Under Glass"

[@ChasingChevy]

In a daze in the doorway I stood crying for what was In a trance in a taxi just keep driving please don't stop This verse has me understanding what Conor meant when he said his older stuff was too verbose. Look at all he says here with so little words. Hot damn, it is potent stuff.

[@munizsims6636]

Bright Eyes is just one of those bands... .... that never gets old

[@emilysullivan5302]

This makes my heart so happy. I've been listening since I was 18. I'm now 36 and love your music just as much now as I did when I first heard Lifted. Thank you 🖤🖤🖤

[@CinnamonGirl0]

Same here!!!

[@Numerial0.0]

I remember that this was the last song I played at my last job as a dishwasher before getting laid off due to management changes. Those piano notes remind me of clean floors and dishes, silent and lonely hours. In any case all hail Bright Eyes.

[@carlymarrs3472]

Oh man the lyrics have aged well with where I was to , where I am now! Supposed to get married this Saturday with a bright eyes song, obviously postponed. But glad I've got this to hear!

[@KhristinaaTTV]

The world is suffering, and Bright Eyes comes out here making us forget about all of it, even if it's only for a few minutes 💕 Thank-you guys.

[@deadoceansrecs]

feeling this

[@bodhiswish9392]

Anyone else have this song on repeat since first listen? Jesus Christ.

[@MaryRowen]

The best artists always tap into the current mood, consciously, subconsciously, or unconsciously. Thank you, Conor and Bright Eyes. We need this to get through the summer.

[@treysearcy502]

Bright eyes has gotten me through my entire life. I cannot explain how much they mean to me or how much I love him/them. I even have three related tattoos, including a guy from one of the album covers that looks like the following guys in the background only it’s a skeleton. I think it was from every day and every night

[@PaleBloodHunter]

16 years later and they still hit me where they did back then

[@anjalikukreti1589]

Conor had said in some 2005 interview that his voice was getting low with each passing year. To be honest,I have noticed the change in his voice from before, although I still LOVE it. But voice is just one aspect of music. The feelings,the intention,the vulnerability is what makes it lasting. Bright eyes has it all. :D

[@tjnucnuc]

Love that Flea is playing bass on this track.

[@n.senada]

And Jon Theodore plays drums!

[@tjnucnuc]

N. Senada yeah that is awesome I love QOTSA didn’t know he played drums for them.

[@n.senada]

This track effectively has The Mars Volta's De-Loused In The Comatorium rhythm section on it.

[@CourtTV.]

The bass disappears

[@ChasingChevy]

@@n.senada Whoa

[@AnaMercury]

Bright Eyes is the only band I still get excited about. Thank you Conor and gang for your wonderful music!

[@paulbancroft2812]

Oh man better oblivion community center is so fire tooo and they def have what it takes to get any Conor fan excited about the music they release

[@herbsindie3651]

So I woke up to a text this morning from a friend of mine from about a decade ago texting me the link to this new song. Because he remembered how much I liked bright eyes in high school 😂😂 this made my whole day.

[@MarkAndradefoo]

The calendar's little boxes, all these presents, get to open every one.

[@KAR-5225]

Mark Andrade that line had me tearing up

[@sleepingredwolf]

I am 15 and I'm beyond happy that I got into Bright Eyes last year-- just the right time. Thank you so much for the beautiful music.

[@th3gr81]

Callie T I was 15 when I got into them too, lol. I’m 31 years old now. A friend taught me how to play “A Perfect Sonnet” on guitar, and my music addiction started there.

[@brycez7352]

Perfect time

[@CELINExDION]

Bright Eyes got me through my teenage years and helped me navigate through so many confusing feelings. You picked a great time to start listening.

[@euphoniousnesss]

@@CELINExDION same here

[@samanthalong1517]

I was listening to Bright Eyes in 8th grade. So emo and felt like I was so alone. Now I’m 29, wifed up, knocked up, and a therapist for all the kids who are so emo and so alone. Bright Eyes still sings to my soul.

[@maciekomis]

Bright Eyes at the top of their game. It's good to know some things never change.

[@Cat-tf2ik]

Conor does it again. His lyrics are beautiful poetry

[@paulgreenleaf600]

My forced convalescence was a few years ago, I committed to a woman no doubts no half steps all in, realized I hated my job and it wasnt a life anyone deserved. Quit that sales job and with $500 bought some shovles and tools and started a landscape design company from scratch. Dedicated myself to making a life for her, for us, stopped trying to make my life and made ours, all my unrest was relieved I stopped thinking about myself and what I "needed". All I did for her . . .did ten times that for myself. I love what I do everyday, I plant trees and gardens while it pays for everything . . . and I feel complete and at ease in all chaos . . . A little home, a woman, and a trade. Create more than you consume, serve others more than yourself and God will come and greet you where you are. Nothing can hurt a man that makes his own path in this world of concrete. Sorry about grammar busy, gott get back to digging. Love you all.

[@vigorousveloceraptor]

Love the references to his other songs especially the calendar one. I love Bright Eyes soooo much. Glad they’re back with a bang.

[@davidr1122]

The calendar hung itself. AKA The song that makes me want to die.

[@robynmiles9474]

Beautiful...Bright Eyes must stay together forever...Where would a lot of us be without Conor?

[@championette..]

Hi Beautiful! First comment I’ve seen of yours... I’m all over the comments for our boy Conor. I’m in the big group with you under my real name... do you recognize me? Much love girlie! 🖤♥️

[@maddycates736]

Feeling alone AF in the world.

[@matthewleger5605]

i've listened to this song everyday since it came out. incredible, so fitting for the times ... "the seroquels working / it's fighting my fantasies" i can't wait for the new album

[@alexavila7995]

Why do I picture Oberst at a piano when he sings this song? The interplay of the vague audio midway through is SO 'Letting Off The Happiness'! Its nice to think they're still the worlds most wonderful Emo band after all these years!

[@dansenkat]

Holy shit, it was incredible. The references to previous works. The production. The lyrics.

[@efreed6514]

“Hula-hoopin around the sun“ Sums up the feeling of 2020 // quarantine.

[@Z3nHolEminD]

Ive had the entire Bright Eyes catalog on repeat, and this new track will funnel perfectly with the tides of time. Thanks Bright Eyes , for such beautiful music.

[@jeffreytaylor8496]

This song is not about coronavirus quarantine, it just so happened to have been released at a time when everyone can relate to it. Some people have been social distancing their whole lives

[@justinsulli7257]

Conor Oberst has had that effect his whole career. 1.Writes material, 2.coincidentally releases it as it becomes relevant 3. and like that there is only synchronicity no coincidence 4. repeat

[@elipetta4740]

@@justinsulli7257 relieve, rewind, relive and repeat.

[@edwincurtislloyd]

What a comeback and the rhythm section cmon! Flea such a happy bassline perfect song!

[@JJ__X]

First Persona Non Grata, now this. Fucking phenomenal come back, guys. I didn’t know how much I needed a new Bright Eyes album until now. Holy shit.

[@lunaviolet8445]

In my opinion the greatest lyricist of all time

[@minameier99]

If you think so, you might also really enjoy Elliott Smith if you don't already know of him. They both shaped my childhood

[@lunaviolet8445]

@@minameier99 I love him but bright eyes will always be my go to

[@minameier99]

he was stabbed in the chest twice and it was ruled a suicide, yeah. But with confirmation that he was working on his mental health and no suicide note(other than his sadder lyrics)we really can't know

[@ghost_in_the_robot]

@@minameier99 well, if you listen to the Kings Crossing there is a part where he says gimme a reason not to do it and in the background his mom screams dont do it... I think he was manic

[@veritylaurel194]

Absolutely. Just incredible lyrics, beautiful with or without music. They always read like poetry.

[@shamsal-ani3626]

The day I saw Conor Oberst live and he stage dived into the audience and he and his heavy af boot hit my shoulder...was the best (first) day of my life :)

[@fairyfuck8479]

Songs get better with each listen. This is some gold. Bright Eyes is back.

[@carlosleon6374]

Sounds like Connor is happy for a change, really glad for him if it's true

[@txsmck1350]

Gets better each time I listen

[@LaurenInesRuiz]

I appreciated having the lyrics included. Anyway, this song hit right, at the right time. Just had a birthday, and stuff. Sending love and energy.

[@markbates1807]

How tf hasn’t Conor’s voice changed? Its beautiful

[@JP_517]

This is insane to say. But this might be one of the best songs Conor ever wrote?

[@iwishiwasfreefalling]

Yep. They've done it again

[@hylahealing]

Simply wow. Love the growth in the lyrics but yet staying true to the signature nostalgic/melancholic sound. 💗

[@iPaulie3000]

This is everything you need right here. It's so good to have them back x

[@moriahmylod]

Thank you Bright Eyes for your profound dedication to your art and music. I’ve been listening to you since I was 17. I’m 34 now- and was supposed to see you this pst summer. May you be well and may your music carry on to every poets heart. Love, Moriah

[@adamora_obscura]

Thanks for having it at 11am EST so that I can listen to the song at a reasonable time (4pm) here in the UK :)

[@martinb1680]

Thanks for doing the maths so I didn’t have to melt my brain!

[@samanthalong1517]

Bright Eyes isn’t just for puberty. Welcome back. 🖤🖤🖤

[@Stoic9]

Connor... You've been reading my mind and touching my heart for almost two decades now., Thank you so much...

[@WillStephen1977]

Yep the beauty of music I would not want to be around if it didn't exist

[@justlikehoney1859]

I’m in forced convalescence myself rn. The days are so long and yeah watching anything is awful. But I’m listening to music again ty Connor

[@deadoceansrecs]

god i love that choir

[@FootyCrazyM8]

release the album now. you know you want to

[@felixbeus4531]

@Dead Oceans pleeease! Forget money and capitalism and all that stupid stuff and save our lives ;-) we can't wait any longer!

[@XenKat]

You literally know I feel on a Sunday and release the perfect song on a Monday. I've never been quantum entangled with an artist before. Thank God it's you.

[@EveryTacoInLA]

He's drip feeding us the album.

[@seankerr1187]

Album won't drop until they can perform us live shows.

[@bobby904]

Fill my veins!!

[@Spongepodsquarecast]

I'm okay with it.

[@rike94]

It's called singles

[@Cat-tf2ik]

I like it, gives something to look forward to and countdown the days in lockdown with.

[@kylenestewart9526]

i cannot believe my favorite band resurfaced right when i think everyone needed it most. i wish i had my senior year but new bright eyes songs makes it a lot better ❤️

[@jackkattack4799]

Bright eyes is back, and if i can say it. Better than it ever was. When your tour is ready im SO FUCKING READY to buy the tickets

[@madisonnixon1821]

I can't express how much this means, always, but especially right now.

[@oranjjjggg]

He always has a melody somewhere in each song that makes me feel like a kid in a candy s store

[@tencoconuts679]

There's no escaping the housework or the bank clerk or the priest, in the dark at a distance I see everything at once catastrophizing my birthday & I'm overcome w/ LOVE. Thank you Bright Eyes for this new production.. I'm ready for M O R E

[@johndunnejnr]

Wherever you go there you are

[@vikki2667]

This song is beautiful. I love how the music is almost orchestral and dreamy. And Conor's voice is honest, moves along with the music . The production of this song is perfect. Love it.

[@barryb3074]

Guess I’m lucky to have found this band. Really good music, I could probably listen to it for a long time.

[@farmfreshradio4415]

Yes!

[@lisatesla9058]

Can't wait to hear all of the new material. Really glad you guys are touring again.

[@jimmyweeks9013]

This deserves more views.

[@jacobginer9418]

This is so good, Bright Eyes means so much to me.

[@rooftopsignals7313]

So glad I still have Bright Eyes. Thank you

[@blatz66]

I named my son after you, Conor, i hope he has some of your shine.

[@gregoryhuffman4811]

This song makes me feel alive again,

[@CM-cc1ck]

"...pain of my own making, cut short by eternity" quality writing right there

[@BrownsTown]

What a fucking perfect touch on the chorus with background singers. And this couldn't sound more like Bright Eyes if it had to, but not exactly like any particular previous album.

[@HolyHubcap]

❤️❤️ The song we all need ❤️❤️ Beautiful poetry, wonderful big band sound, great production. Thanks Conor, Mike and Nate 😊

[@zandershores5746]

First listen: Oh I guess that's okay. Second listen: Hmm actually that's got some nice moments. Third listen: Again, AGAIN, I WANT IT AGAIN!

[@cate3758]

exactly how i felt!!

[@2011ESD]

I've listened so much

[@bodhiswish9392]

lol 100%

[@hylahealing]

Accurate

[@tencoconuts679]

I'm so ready for this LIVE

[@DC-bz6iq]

Waited so long for this. Your music helped me so long. Love you guys. Thanks for everything you do.

[@dollboy8829]

I'll sell you my kidney in exhange for the album as long as you include a snicker and a bag of cotton candy.

[@jonhobbs7241]

Same.except a red bull and some Marlboros

[@bLackmarketRadio]

China's forced organ harvesting might just oblige you. Connor has taken the knee to communism. Better dead than red.

[@1800careless]

2ish years ago this song came out and it didn't mean anything to me when I first listened, and I love bright eyes, a couple days later and I was playing basketball and nuked my acl heard a loud pop could not put any weight on that leg it was a nightmare forced convalescents at it's finest, and was left bed ridden for nearly 2 months staring at the ceiling and my feet and in that first relisten the song suddenly became very important to me, n now I'm fully recovered completely and this song is even more nostalgic, bright eyes can't miss.

[@iwashere368]

These lyrics. Damn.

[@raemac9994]

Thank goodness

[@projectnoel]

Wasn't expecting anything new from them again. But this is perfect. Exactly what we need.

[@Iamsleepytired]

My heart needed this so badly!! 🖤🖤

[@th3gr81]

It’s finally happening, my two favorite bands have collided; Bright Eyes and RHCP, I’m astounded. Thank you Nate Walcott for making this possible.

[@jimmyweeks9013]

And beyond 💫

[@AlejandroDiaz-gz1yq]

Flea & Jon Theodore

[@inkershrike]

I’n really really glad they’re back. It makes this quarantine a little bit bearable.

[@MrRocksW]

Discovered this during COVID lockdown where it was very appropriate, great song

[@strongelave]

I "grew up" with Bright Eyes and as I creep closer to 40 this one hit home

[@Spongepodsquarecast]

Can’t wait to hear it!

[@KAR-5225]

Ahh.. nothing like a new Bright Eyes song 😌💜

[@johnsonwaring2167]

Excited!

[@brettb154]

10 seconds! Omg! Yes!

[@yoitsmilotic]

"Catastrophize on my birthday". I thought I was the only one

[@btstwicereveluv]

I am so happy Bright Eyes is making music again.

[@lucasbcesarino]

This song really make my day in this solitude of quarantine thank you guys S2

[@bradleyleacock3381]

Glad to see he us back to bright eyes

[@andykiniry4273]

IS NO ONE NOTICING THAT FLEA IS ON BASS?

[@TalkingMusicAllDay]

The bridge gives me chills.

[@WillStephen1977]

Awesome thanks

[@paulgreenleaf600]

Yes!!!!!!!

[@Danny__Noble]

I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it!

[@dzzydstruction2]

Yes!!!!!

[@veneficia6704]

Beautiful

[@malefic575]

Thank you Conor! I didn’t ever expect this. ❤️

[@wildmercuryfilms]

Thorns I did. I was talking to a friend a couple years ago, and I said: Bright Eyes will make more great music. My friend agreed. I’m glad it’s happening:)