Song Information
Release Date
February 28, 2018
Duration
03:35
Album
Show Me How
Language
EN
Popularity
84/100
Song Meaning
The sources provide a consistent interpretation: a plea for emotional intimacy and understanding in a relationship, possibly unrequited. It's about longing for a partner to reveal their true self and past.
Lyrics Analysis
I have the lyrics from the YouTube description and can retell the story.
History of Creation
Released as a single on Feb 28, 2018. It was later included on the album *Oncle Jazz* (2019). The band (Emmanuelle Proulx, Jessy Caron, Dragos Chiriac) is known for their DIY approach, handling production themselves, likely in their home base of Quebec. The lyrics are always based on real feelings and experiences of the band members.
Symbolism and Metaphors
The request to "show me how" is a metaphor for a desire for genuine vulnerability. "Cold hands" can symbolize emotional distance, nervousness, or sadness. The "visions of you" and the "friend I'm dreaming of" represent an idealized version of a person who is emotionally or physically distant.
Emotional Background
The song has a melancholic, longing, and introspective atmosphere. It's also described as soothing, cosy, delicate, and hopeful despite the theme of unrequited love. This is created by the combination of Emma's soft, breathy vocals, the gentle melodies, and the slow, steady rhythm.
Cultural Influence
"Show Me How" is one of Men I Trust's most popular and signature songs, often serving as an introduction to their sound. It gained significant popularity through platforms like YouTube, Bandcamp, and Reddit, and later had a resurgence on TikTok. The song was included on their critically acclaimed album *Oncle Jazz*, which was long-listed for the Polaris Music Prize. While not a chart-topper in the traditional sense, its streaming numbers and online presence cemented the band's place in the indie/dream pop scene.
Rhyme and Rhythm
The song has a slow, relaxed tempo and a simple, repetitive structure. The rhythm is steady and soothing, contributing to the "chillwave" feel. The rhyme scheme is simple and contributes to the lyrical flow without being overly complex, resembling free verse in its emotional delivery.
Stylistic Techniques
Musically, it features soft, angelic, whispering vocals from Emmanuelle Proulx, a prominent, groovy bassline by Jessy Caron, clean chorus- and reverb-heavy guitars, and a solid, subtle R&B-influenced drum beat. Dragos Chiriac's production often includes synthesizers like the Yamaha DX7 for warmth. The vocals are often layered to create a fuller, dream-like stereo effect. The band has a DIY production ethos.