Owen Pallett, Lewis Takes Off His Shirt | Wacky Wednesday

In the 28th edition of Wacky Wednesday (2025), we break down the unique “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt,” performed by Owen Pallett.

Do you know what day it is? It is Wednesday, folks! Do you know what that means? Why, it is Wacky Wednesday! In the spirited column Wacky Wednesday, we analyze, break down, and explore songs from various musicians of various genres that can be considered unique, unusual, or ‘wacky.’  These songs can be new or old; the only requirement is that they ‘catch the ears’ because of their distinctiveness.  With the background established, in the 28^th edition of Wacky Wednesday (2025), we break down the unique “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt”, performed by Owen Pallett. Wacky Wednesday vibes commence!

“As soon as I got on the horse, I forgot about the math.” Umm, okay, Owen Pallett. He continues singing on “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt”, “Forgot about the odds against an adolescent standing up to all of Owen’s wrath.” Hmm, is Owen (the character) like Goliath? To alleviate some confusion, our talented violinist, singer, and songwriter is singing from the perspective of Lewis, who wants to kill Owen, the creator. “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt” is the eighth track from Pallett’s 2010 conceptual LP, Heartland. Pallett wrote and produced it. Exceeding five minutes in duration, Pallett delivers some of the most accomplished and intriguing music you’ll ever hear.

“Lewis Takes Off His Shirt” begins enigmatically. Even when the relentless, repeated rhythmic lines enter the mix, the song sounds distinct and unusual, truly, one of a kind. Overall, it features amazing orchestration and production. The orchestra parts are epic, particularly the riffs, providing ample flavor. The blend and contrast of acoustic and electronic instruments is exceptional. Pallett delivers beautiful vocals, never forcing things. As alternative as this song is, it has its fair share of tuneful moments. Beyond the prodigious musical backdrop, the lyrics, songwriting, and theme are captivating, too, as excerpted earlier.

“The heat of prairie summer is impossible to take

I grab the hem and lift the fabric over my sweet head

I know what you’re looking for, and I’m never gonna give it to you

I’m never gonna give it to you

I’m never gonna give it to you.”

So, what is Owen looking for that Lewis is not going to give to him?  The next lines of the song provide answers… sort of.  “Government rule established by a dazzling light show / A hegemony armored with a thousand-watt head and seven inches of echo,” Pallett sings, continuing, “I keep up my velocity, my spurs are in her sides / I don’t know what I’m doing, and it is the only way / Toward the range I’ll ride, singing, I’m never gonna give it to you.” Uh-huh.  The fun answer is that Pallett is using double entendre, specifically regarding the thousand-watt head and seven inches of echo.  Is the openly gay musician intentionally bringing some queerness? I mean, the shirt already came off, regardless of the temperature, and now, size specifics? Of course, there is a more reasonable answer, centered around hegemony (controlling power or influence over others) and the concept/theme of Heartland.  Also, there are poetic lyrics regarding art, ‘Lewis’ asserting he is a vector, and showing resolve despite fear: “My knuckles grip so tightly my fingers start to bleed / If what I have is what you need / I’m never gonna give it to you.”

Taken out of the context of the album, “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt” is less accessible. But, there is a heaping dose of ambition and some queerness, too (Don’t tell me Owen Pallett unintentionally provided some queer undertones). If the celestial, cerebral sounds of “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt” are a product of losing his top, then Lewis should never wear a shirt, like, EVER.  Owen Pallett put his foot into this utterly sublime record. This is the exemplification of a masterpiece, PERIOD.