“Now You Know,” from the anonymously released album The Blue Dirt of Paradise, eases into the ear with harmonized doo wop non-lexicals. They fade in with plenty of dark reverb, making a comfortable velvet curtain backdrop for the lead singer’s mellow country phrasing and gravy baritone. He follows a mostly-major melody that feels right for a sunny day psychedelic listen. A guitar wanders in, bringing to mind the sweetness of an afternoon spent cloud gazing. This soft facade skirts the lyrics which, with a little deeper listening, belie the style and comfort that’s first available.
The unidentified singer strolls easily through lyrics that denote a reserved type of loss, affirming and lamenting “Now you know and you cannot stop/You’ve done it before.” Using ambiguity and metaphor (e.g. “it’s nice to float until the bottom falls out,” and “an inch given to the specter of Night”) he relays an experience which, while lacking in specificity, is relatable to anyone who ruminates on an erstwhile lover, or is inclined to drink a little too much when the days go grey in our beloved PNW.