ME: Here’s the lyrics for a song of mine called In the Summer. I was feeling depressed after I had broke up with this really great girl, and I was searching for any means to get her back. This is when I encountered this theory that things could materialize through manifestation, ie. the power of our minds willing something to happen CAN make things happen. Then I got scared about how this philosophy might have fascist origins, while simultaneously witnessing how I could not manifest things to happen in my own life. Needless to say, it was with some cynicism about the power of manifestation that I wrote this love song about how I could make her do whatever I wanted her to do… (lyrics follow)
ChatGPT: The lyrics of "In the Summer" express a complex blend of emotions. There's a longing to recreate a lost connection, a desire to manifest something that might have slipped away. Your exploration of the power of the mind and manifestation amid heartache and uncertainty reflects a deep sense of introspection. The imagery of summertime and the '70s adds a nostalgic and hopeful layer to the yearning for what once was. It's a reflection of love and longing, tinged with the realization that some things might remain beyond our control despite our fervent desires.
“I’m in the clear…”
ME: What significance does the word clear have in the Leonard Cohen song Famous Blue Raincoat?
ChatGPT: In Leonard Cohen's song "Famous Blue Raincoat," the word "clear" appears in the line: "I hear that you're building your little house deep in the desert / You're living for nothing now, I hope you're keeping some kind of record." Here, the word "clear" refers to clarity or a sense of understanding. It suggests that the speaker has become aware or clear about the situation regarding the person to whom the song is addressed. There's a sense of acknowledgment or realization about the addressee's actions or choices, possibly indicating a clearer perspective gained by the speaker about the addressee's current life circumstances.
ME: Hmmm, I don’t actually see clear in that line. Sorry I should’ve provided them for you!
ChatGPT: No problem! If you can provide the specific line or context from the lyrics of "Famous Blue Raincoat" by Leonard Cohen where the word "clear" is used, I'd be happy to delve into its significance in that context.
ME: And Jane came by with a lock of your hair
She said that you gave it to her
That night that you planned to go clear
ChatGPT: In Leonard Cohen's song "Famous Blue Raincoat," the phrase "go clear" refers to a period of seeking clarity or a fresh start. It implies an intention to find mental or emotional clarity, possibly by leaving behind a situation or seeking a new beginning. The term "go clear" can suggest a desire to escape confusion or uncertainty, aiming for a state of understanding or resolution.
ME: What if we were to take the meaning of clear in the preceding text as a Scientologist uses it. The Church of Scientology has a specific meaning for one’s state of mind when they go clear, for instance. Would this change the meaning of these last lines?
ChatGPT: Interpreting "go clear" through the lens of Scientology could add an alternative layer of meaning. In Scientology, "going clear" refers to a state of mental freedom from unwanted thoughts and mental barriers achieved through specific practices within the religion.

Applying this interpretation to Leonard Cohen's lyrics might suggest a transformative or liberating moment. The phrase could imply that the person was planning to attain a state of mental clarity or freedom, possibly intending to leave behind past confusion or emotional baggage. This could suggest a more profound desire for personal growth or a shift in perspective within the context of the song.
ME: OK, with all of this in mind, tell me briefly what you think about the first lines of In the Summer
ChatGPT: The opening lines of "In the Summer" encapsulate a mixture of hope, disillusionment, and a quest for control. The speaker seems to grapple with the concept of manifesting desires while reflecting on a lost love. There's a sense of longing, tinged with cynicism, as they explore the power of thoughts to shape reality, despite a questioning or skeptical viewpoint on the efficacy of manifestation.
ME: does the first line, “I’m in the clear” have any significance in the protagonist approach to manifestation?
ChatGPT: The line "I'm in the clear" could signify a belief or perception that the speaker has achieved a state of clarity or freedom from a certain situation or emotional burden. Within the context of the protagonist's approach to manifestation, it might suggest a sense of empowerment or readiness to exercise control over their circumstances. This feeling of being "in the clear" could influence their belief in their ability to manifest or shape their desired outcome. However, it could also hint at a paradoxical feeling of clarity despite the uncertainty or doubt surrounding the efficacy of manifestation, adding complexity to the protagonist's mindset.
ME: Ok, that’s very insightful. I made some references in these lyrics to make it seem like the person was mentally unwell. To me, if someone is embracing Scientology’s ideas, that’s a sign of a crazy person for me. I suppose I’m trying to be comedic with you here, but all of these religious references are meant to impart a willingness to believe in things that really don’t exist. Like the phrase, “even God himself isn’t himself no more” is to say that not only is the deity not a specific gender, neither man nor woman, but further than that, God is literally not anything corporeal or real. The organ gives the song a very sinister tone, which I know you haven’t heard. Anyway, I find it interesting that you noticed the happy imagery of summertime and longing for the ‘70s and that nostalgia over the bleakness of it
ChatGPT: Ah, I see! The interplay between the references to religious ideas, Scientology, and mental wellness creates a layer of irony and satire in the lyrics. It seems like you're using these references to playfully explore the notions of belief, disillusionment, and the intangible nature of certain concepts. This juxtaposition of seemingly positive imagery like summertime and nostalgia against the darker themes adds depth and complexity to the song, creating an intriguing contrast between the outward appearance and the underlying emotions or thoughts being conveyed. It's fascinating how these elements come together to create a multifaceted narrative within the song.
ME: Yes! Lyrics are fun. I think we’re gonna write some good shit together!
ChatGPT: Absolutely! Crafting lyrics can be an incredible journey of expression and creativity. I'm excited to be a part of this creative process with you. If you ever need more input or want to explore new ideas, just let me know!
…
The song was recorded in Gillian’s basement, using the drums that Charles had in the basement at the time. It was the last song to make the album. At the time it was recorded (spring/summer 2022?) I was thinking about releasing 2020 as a single apart from The Monster, and that this would be a nice little snack for the middle of the album should I choose to split it all up. I guess it didn’t register to me how gloomy the changes were, and it was only til I got into the weeds of recording dubs and that organ started to hit that I realized that this was a strange little pallet cleanser!
It’s funny how success continues to escape me haha yet I still (perhaps) grab a little more joy (perhaps) from small artistic accomplishments than I do accolades. Is that true? I’d like to think so, but I do like accolades too haha
A song like this does represent a small artistic accomplishment to me. Maybe that’s why I was pressing ChatGPT a little harder on this one to see how complex this tune really is. As it picked up, lyrically it does contrast happy thoughts (summertime, long hair, 70s, etc.) with this more sinister undertone of wanting to capture something.
Additionally, I really enjoy the sound of this record, The drums were recorded in (perhaps) the least low-if circumstances (keep in mind I recorded the drums for Slob and Home Truth by myself), but might sound better than anything else on the album!
After I recorded the instruments, Sam Hill agreed to sing backing vocals on this. We recorded it at his old place on Windsor Street. Feels very much like a duet with his additions, and just bc the sound of his voice is on so many recordings that are truly legit in my mind, the whole thing feels blessed.
And I also want to say that I wrote this song in my darkest time. Romantically speaking, sometimes you just wish you could go back to the time prior to meeting someone bc all of the simple pleasures in life seemed to have more power before her memory took hold. These lyrics were mostly conveying to me a desire to see her in the summer, under any circumstances. This reflected my thoughts from the previous year when it was still fresh and for a time it felt like things could be worked out, that arguments could be won and that I could hold out long enough so we could spend a couple summer days together. Yes, I know this is all very pathetic, but I just want it on the record that no matter how dire it feels, cliche but it will get better