Courtney Barnett - City Looks Pretty

'City Looks Pretty' is taken from Courtney Barnett's album 'Tell Me How You Really Feel' out now! courtney-barnett.lnk.to/tmhyrf
Out on Milk! Records, Marathon Artists and Mom+Pop
courtneybarnett.com.au/
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Follow: courtney-barnett.lnk.to/follow
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Video by Courtney Barnett
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Words & Music by Courtney Barnett
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Lyrics
The city looks pretty when you been indoors
For 23 days I’ve ignored all your phone calls.
Everyone’s waiting when you get back home
They don’t know where you been, why you gone so long.
Friends treat you like a stranger and
Strangers treat you like their best friend, oh well
Spare a thought for the ones that came before
All in a daze bending backwards to reach your goal.
Sometimes I get sad
It’s not all that bad
One day, maybe never
I’ll come around
The city takes pity on your injured soul
N heavenly prose ain’t enough good to fill that hole.
Everyone’s soaked in animosity
It’s vicious in winter, you never say what you mean.
Friends treat you like a stranger and
Strangers treat you like their best friend, oh well.
Wakin’ up to another dismal day
You got a ways to go, you oughta be grateful.
Sometimes I get mad
It’s not half as bad
Pull yourself together
N just calm down
I’ll be what you want oh when you want it
But I’ll never be what you need
And the city looks pretty from where I’m standing...
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Listen: courtney-barnett.lnk.to/listen

[@frieda2718]

Sometimes i sit and think and sometimes i just listen to this song over and over again

[@hoganholo99]

Sometimes I just think and sit

[@uhhh_adam]

Signalschwarz same

[@mrinvisible9644]

I don’t think much

[@jorgejunior1372]

Yea same. The lyrics and instruments in this song fantastic. I don’t know where I’d be without this song.

[@shravaniedhate1354]

i can n't ignore the intense voice, I am never going to get bored of this song.

[@mtgasa]

"Your friends treat you like a stranger and, the strangers treat you like their best friends, oh well"

[@arcl14543]

just read it while she was singing it

[@marcowilliams1841]

Real shhh

[@serveandscore]

I don't play FIFA (anymore) but I always check out their playlist to discover awesome tunes like this :)

[@ebob4177]

True. Fifa always has the best songs.

[@elkingrecarte9082]

But look now fifa 20 has the worst playlist

[@arthurgarton4104]

Elking Recarte it has 2 maybe 3 good songs.

[@elkingrecarte9082]

@@arthurgarton4104 yes it has two or three, but have less alternative and indie songs. Just compare fifa20 soundtrack with fifa 09 or fifa 14

[@R9Allan]

Same. I'm on PES now, but always check their playlist. It's the best part of the game nowadays.

[@wookiewhat]

that shift in the middle was excellent

[@deus7085]

Same here

[@mikebasketball11]

Almost brings me to tears... :)

[@titusrichardson539]

Yes very well placed and it gives a moment to quickly reflect on what you already heard 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@RazzleDazz72]

Indeed

[@luisdiz8303]

Damn i must be the only one that hates the shift

[@andreas3304]

I'm sure this precious Australian will be one of the grands of our generation.

[@Moondancin]

Indeed. Aussies are killing it wit music these days. Check out these guys. Rolling Coastal Blackout Fever - French Press Dope Lemon - Marinade

[@jannikberridge]

Caring Is Creepy can't forget Alex Cameron and Kirin J Callinan.

[@Ksaver91]

Check out Tiny Little Houses. Their debut is pretty good, espacially if you like bands like Pavement or Modest Mouse.

[@Moondancin]

+Jannik Berridge +Ksaver91 Thanks for the suggestions!!

[@jillianfrances2488]

okay trueeee

[@willowwaters3815]

The city looks pretty when Courtney's music plays in headphones

[@mikebasketball11]

Lovely :)

[@vitormelomedeiros]

"The city looks pretty when you've been indoors for 23 days"...

[@tdmm]

Relevant

[@superjeesh2777]

Thought it was 20 straight days

[@mathezeu8448]

3 months

[@Jerry11201]

and this is reality for some of us when the outside realm is smiling welcoming us to come out. usually its the first step that's the hardest lol

[@dylanfromtwitch7538]

It’s been 100 days + and it still looks like shite

[@roachkid6367]

The second half of this song is so beautiful. It's the kind of music you can just close your eyes and appreciate.

[@marciorodrigues183]

Music industry needs more songs like this.

[@lucapasseroni6371]

best part of this wonderful song

[@adityagoel4224]

3:58 gets me every time

[@thewhatness]

I'm glad to be alive at a time where I can experience the release of music like this firsthand.

[@creepyclown3551]

Well said, she's awesome.

[@thaddeuswinslowcooper8962]

I KNOW RIGHT! Just when I thought for sure we were the era of shit music, I'm starting to see an array of great music come out of nowhere. Really makes me happy that I need not be so cynical anymore lol

[@tomwilko7841]

you would have loved the 90s!

[@bacongaming5447]

Courtney is one of those artists who don't care all about money. She's doing what she loves, even though she wouldn't make much money for making this kind of music these days.

[@Fellipe180]

same

[@kennylitto]

I don't know why from 2:38 this song makes me wanna cry and think of so many deep things! ✨

[@kingjam3s540]

sameeeee

[@tobyalderwield3462]

The city looks pretty when you been indoors For 23 days I've ignored all your phone calls And everyone's waiting when you get back home They don't know where you been, why you gone so long Friends treat you like a stranger and Strangers treat you like their best friend, oh well Spare a thought for the ones that came before All in a daze bending backwards to reach your goal [Chorus 1] Sometimes I get sad It's not all that bad One day, maybe never I'll come around [Verse 2] The city takes pity on your injured soul And heavenly prose ain't enough good to fill that hole Everyone's soaked in animosity It's vicious in winter You never say what you mean Friends treat you like a stranger and Strangers treat you like their best friend, oh well Wakin' up to another dismal day You got a ways to go, you oughta be grateful [Chorus 2] Sometimes I get mad It's not half as bad Pull yourself together And just calm down [Outro] I'll be what you want oh when you want it But I'll never be what you need And the city looks pretty from where I'm standing...

[@rajsilwal08]

just sign the bloody deal toby!!! COYS

[@stevesaldanha75]

@@rajsilwal08 😂

[@R9Allan]

This Outro is class!!!

[@serotoninaV]

More than 40 days you mean

[@serotoninaV]

Coronavirus

[@Waynimations]

I was gonna shower but I guess I'll just listen to this for a few hours

[@xxLivvy212xx]

Listen to it in the shower for a few hours

[@xinruiying1507]

good commend~

[@Waynimations]

Olivia Sun I’ve taken this tip and utilized it in my life

[@vincentwheatley523]

Cb. Is my goddess. Fin

[@alexmannrocks]

I used to get random bouts of sadness or just overly stressed from work, school, and everything else that was going on in my life. I would love to just get out sometimes and go wonder around the city I lived in or wherever I was at the time to try to get away from things and take in the rest of the world that wasn't part of mine. As tough as some of those times were, I miss it since I felt like there was more going on and there was still a hopefulness things can change in my favor. This song totally was a mood back then. I had and somehow still have the same sentiment now despite being in a calmer environment, but still feeling isolated. I miss my random walks around the city, looking for more that was out there in the world

[@hoibsh21]

Courtney is Australia's greatest female popster export since Olivia Newton John!

[@drugly542]

I feel like this song is talking about like running away from home and getting lost in this psychedelic garden. And coming back to see that all the people you knew aren’t people you knew at all. And people that just met you treat you much friendlier. But it also has a point to say about getting lost in this psychedelic garden about how it just feels like your filling a empty void with meaning less nonsense. But it’s easier to fill it with something meaningless rather than fill it with something very meaningful.

[@TGrote11]

Came here thinking I just wanted to listen to that killer slow riff at the end, turns out I actually meant the entire song

[@shadyweeze]

She is easily one of the best songwriters out there right now, can't wait for the new album

[@t1money358]

I just thought about about courtney barnett and BAM an upload 18 minutes ago and i just learned that theres's a new album, today's a good day.

[@serotoninzero]

You should definitely go listen to the other two singles then because they are also awesome.

[@thehobowhisperer]

This song has a Pavement feel about it to me. I love it.

[@TheScottoline19]

bob won ton - I was thinking the same! And a little Sonic Youth too.

[@janahijazi5899]

this was extremely beautiful on *every level possible*

[@maahrooreekee4295]

Great to see someone with great taste in music and with an Asuka profile pic

[@sigmund5]

She is one of the top 3 musical artists of the last 20 years-said the old guy who listened to too much. She does everything very well.

[@lucasargrew5993]

Don't worry, you're not the only old guy that listens to too much.

[@david05111]

There’s something about the solo at the end that I just love. It’s the tone, the harmony with the rhythm guitar, everything...simple, but awesome

[@strictlynorton]

A special person proving effortlessly how special she is.

[@fifadillon3819]

Coming back to this song it helped a lot with my loneliness 3 years ago. I’m still lonely but no where near what I was like 3 years ago. Will always think of those times when I hear this song.

[@50ShadesOfEndo]

This new album might turn out better than her debut

[@pipeofmagritte9547]

i want this song playing from 2:42 in the background of my life when i'm spinning away in the madness of bright, strobing city lights blinding my vision

[@blankexpression3]

Wow listening to this since its release and it never gets old. Love this so so so so so much

[@ashg1635]

that switch up at 2.40 is the best switch up ive ever heard on a fifa game

[@Internationale7]

i know i'm drunnk and mentally weird rn but honestly if you're out there courtney, i'm going through a really shitty time off my life now and your music is making all the difference, you fecking rock

[@jenjerry4754]

You my friend are in need

[@justmart4455]

She does fecking rock

[@scott0111]

Ditto

[@user-tt3qw2js5p]

Feck yeah

[@HANGtheDJ420]

I really enjoy the line "the city takes pity on your injured soul" I'd like to incorporate that into my graffiti. Then hopefully people would google it and discover this awesome song.

[@YatagarasuTomiyasu]

Bro where is the graffiti so i can see it on Google Maps

[@abelramirez7320]

Was not expecting that psychedelic outro. Amazing.

[@thedeejtable]

amen bro. Check out her live version... she really makes use of the gain on her amp and it sounds way heavier

[@parkerbing1]

Gosh this record is gonna be a god damn CLASSIC

[@laurentsabayo5683]

It's like there are two songs in one. It's perfect !

[@WonkieNJ]

Who else just dropped everything as soon as this popped up?

[@OMAXER2012]

This song is unbelievably underrated

[@robertclarkyoung9141]

Yes it is.

[@stvbrsn]

By whom?

[@hokmner]

One of the few good songs in FIFA 19

[@56postoffice]

I have to say, even if you're not a *FIFA* fan, you gotta admit their choice of tunes over the years have been cracking.

[@foothd7i683]

Nostalgia its just an unexplainable feeling

[@caelinthacker4106]

I feel like this is the perfect song to listen to while I'm stuck inside from the quarantine

[@EMC2Scotia]

Like a journey thru a city, from nights onset to collapsing sunset

[@bnp777]

I adore the way you slow down the pace at (2:32), Gorgeous track!

[@user-bh2zu2ec3r]

her sound has definitely changed since her first ep, but it's still just as beautiful ❤️

[@the1nonlyfiver1]

The live version in the park puts this studio one to all kinds of shame , in a great way !

[@vantrickpaughney3830]

Is it legal to fall in love with the album a month before it is released?

[@stonegold2040]

Nope. Its rare to find an album thats 3 singles could each be described as indie masterpieces. Plus I bought an exclusive 12” with this song and “Sunday Roast” on it which is another great song off this album.

[@fuckyshityfuckshit]

Metalosis Maligna - it’s a grey area. It’s not technically illegal but it dosent look good in court

[@kaeltkottmir]

Similar to some movie that will be released in 5 months later

[@sliffman1]

Submit to my handcuffs because it's got me too

[@patpetersen7645]

like a cascade of loveliness.

[@izaactheberean6860]

She used the number 23 in "Depreston" as well.

[@lorettagrassi9345]

The best soundtrack of FIFA ,all times

[@danielalvarado-angeles8514]

"I'll be what you want oh when you want it, But I'll never be what you need."

[@lilkevin2162]

Tht hits🥲

[@tiisetsothandile8420]

"Spare a thought for the ones that came before. All in a daze bending backwards to reach your goal"😩💔

[@mistressmelvin2169]

Yessss omg I'm so happy I just woke up to this! Thank god the Australians operate while North Americans sleep

[@cheemurai8542]

Surprising how this video has almost a million views and 2 comments as of writing

[@elijahdaniel8058]

well all the comments are very recent so im guessing older comments have been removed or smt

[@lequinntessential]

Isolating yourself from what's out there hides you from so many unpleasant things that evoke cynicism and weariness. The thought of how short-lived solitary repose has to be for one to survive in such a connected world only brings about even more existential dread and defeatism. Her lyrics really gets one thinking. That aside, I love the galvanising, galloping energy of the guitars that welcomes this track, which then morphs at the 2.5 minute mark into something effervescent, as if someone has popped open a can of soda.

[@lequinntessential]

Tanvi Anand I could be one ;) anyway I just wanted to say that her lyrics are very relatable, and she is capable of some really great guitar work. Depreston for instance

[@Kontra05]

Quinn Lee haha I love your description of the songs progression

[@YouKnowUAreRight]

Michel Kuhn how

[@michelmusik]

There are just different formality levels. Talking about how "one does this" is fitting for a term paper but sounds a little odd in a casual conversation in the KZbin comments. It just feels like trying too hard. I just pointed it out because I really liked the comment until this point.

[@lequinntessential]

Great point. My brain slaps context in the face sometimes when it's too eager to express itself - thanks for highlighting that!

[@deus7085]

2:38 so great, so melow..... at the same time made me feel sad, the guitar and drums ..... like when u reach the end of something so good u know it will never be as good ever again.

[@markjames6712]

I rate graham coxon from blur as one of the greatest and most creative guitarist geniuses of our modern time and Courtney with her use amazing use of tones and effects is most definitely the closest comparison I can find! Oh god love you Courtney Barnett you are a nation treasure and must be protected! ❤️

[@darrenmallette4977]

Its a song you don't want to end

[@laaaarwood]

Courtney is effortlessly brilliant, i can't think think of a song by her that i don't like, so hyped for this new record, power to Courtney!!

[@Koshirozation]

i want to go to any party to just take over the music at the end when its 4am and everyone is ready to leave, just so i could play this and dance in a happy-sad aeroplane robert smith way well okay, not any party

[@mellychan71]

nobody really cares if you....just kidding

[@CesarLopez-nz4po]

Maybe a nice little adventure night with buds. And when everyone's tired and calm pop something like this on.

[@purplepeter2867]

Wouldn’t want to party with u lol. It’s definitely not a party song. Just shit you play in your headphones at home haha

[@psychomaji]

This is great. I was worried this album wasn't going to be as good as the other two but everything I've heard so far has been siiiiiick

[@njunge34]

This song makes me feel like I just moved to Portland or Seattle on my own and now I'm in a struggling band and we're trying to become famous while also meeting new interesting people through the night life.

[@amag140696]

I'm sitting here listening to this song for the first time, with a needle in my arm at a plasma center, and I couldn't be more at peace. Courtney is the best.

[@codyspatz6698]

Gotta make a little cash for tha green.

[@domsyadams358]

One of the most underrated places to be when you listen to music!! :-)

[@sidlicious1439]

Shooting up smack while shopping for a new tv i dig that

[@wintervear7]

You are one of the artists that makes me thing that music's future is not lost

[@mingpowman76]

This makes me so happy. Music is getting better and better

[@robertcubinelli4961]

Sensational fresh new music. It's what we need now in this UPSIDE down world we live in.

[@OwainOwine]

I'm moving to Australia just for the music I swear, Courtney Barnett, Tame Impala, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard and Pond but to name a few.

[@danielryan5448]

Don't forget Sticky fingers and DMA's

[@domsyadams358]

Yesss they are our best bands!!! Soooo many more good ones though :D

[@kendurham6784]

Be sure to check out Jen Cloher. Courtney's significant other and a great artist in her own right. Start with Regional Echo and Loose Magic - both with Courtney's signature guitar work. The latter is about a Dirty 3 gig - another cracking Melbourne band.

[@smurfette_blues7922]

owain bestley also alex cameron and kirin j callinan

[@futuristicorange3895]

owain bestley don't forget the jungle Giants and velociraptor

[@MrBrno]

What a masterpiece!

[@pathduck]

All music vids should be shot in super-8, it makes everything look pretty.

[@ilikematches2]

this is about as good as it gets, thank you.

[@inceldestroyer1069]

Windy day music

[@slotharytensei]

tumut I always thought of Courtney Barnett’s music as “lazy summer’s day” music. Granted, not the last few singles, but definitely this one and the double e.p.

[@colebrenkman1166]

You and that dog wizard drinking from a straw are correct

[@Fuckoffslag]

All this new music from Courtney is making for a great 2018 summer anthem!

[@loganleorobert]

Damn Courtney is killin it yet again, that new album is gonna be spicy

[@creepyclown3551]

Gosh, I love her

[@johnIZaUWL]

I’m having FLASHBACKS to 1995😳😎😎❤️❤️ is anyone else?!!? Like Jen Trynin meets Veruca Salt am I right?????

[@goingtobeok]

This is now my quarantine anthem.

[@plakseltapes669]

Great Song.

[@kyleham48]

That ending riff is fucking magic.

[@Larry...W]

Another instant classic from our friend Courtney

[@brotherhh2491]

Cant get enough of this!

[@MrNinjakat27]

I wish I could hang out with Courtney Barnett

[@alexaguillen9011]

Beautiful. No other words to describe it. Work of art.

[@merryn9000]

amazing!! her best song yet IMO

[@cggarrod]

Her new album is going to be really good from the sounds of it. Exceptionally good

[@thelemone3951]

ive spent abt half my day trying to find words as to how i feel about this song, and honestly im speechless im really excited abt the album, this is phenomenal!!!!!

[@mjproebstle]

this is some of the best music i have heard in decades...what a smile this is

[@MrNinjakat27]

I love Courtney Barnett she’s awesome

[@cesarbecerrilreyes5390]

Fifa 19! México 🤔🇲🇽

[@JimmyLBass]

Great song. Looking forward to the full album.

[@ChrisSeahorse]

I liked the 1st two previews from the upcoming album a lot, but this one is the best yet.

[@immakingamovie4444]

why the dislikes, this song rocks

[@andyace78]

FIFA 19 Quality tune 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@rizlahill1806]

Andy England 1978 agree but why did u put English flags

[@rizlahill1806]

Andy England 1978 Orite no need to get fucking mad I asked a fucking question min

[@ricknsn8066]

UK > US

[@mrtmaddison]

Brexit Personified

[@Smokealotofblunts]

Ha you wish. Enjoy your terrible weather and middle eastern immigrants.

[@ludwemlenzana8362]

She's back !

[@robertclarkyoung9141]

She never went away!!

[@farahmoukhtar7946]

I was playing FIFA with my brother...discovered this masterpiece

[@johnminster3205]

I like Courtney the best of all of today's musicians, her and her band.

[@ps3forever15yearsanniverse2]

Parece que ela vai fazer um show no Brasil esse ano. Canta muito!

[@notyouraverageinternetuser]

Thank the lord that there is still good music being released nowadays!

[@chrisshelley4623]

Adore absolutely

[@edgarherdous3585]

I really like this. She is a refreshing voice, for sure...

[@ericlawrence1268]

Love this tune.... thanks Courtney and band for proving there is still great rock n roll out there. ❤️

[@waitwhatl0l]

Strangers are my best friends

[@eskindermamo4178]

Fifa 19 anyone?

[@marcelobatista4387]

HEAH

[@OmarFJ631]

Me

[@kewveg2390]

I not play FIFA but i like ti search the songs

[@Kaneyaugustus1]

glad Fifa bringing her music to new audiences

[@alanbedolla8736]

me