“Your Ex-Lover is Dead” is the first Song I ever heard from Stars. I was immediately drawn in, first with the spoken word intro of “When there is nothing left to burn, you have to set yourself on fire” (spoken by the lead singer Torquil’s father Douglas Campbell), and second, when the gorgeously, heartbreakingly, bittersweet chorus and melody takes over. This Song has been known to make me cry, and reflect on certain memories from my life – especially the Lyrics:
“I’m not sorry I met you.
I’m not sorry it’s over.
I’m not sorry there’s nothing to save.”
“Your Ex-Lover is Dead” is the Opening Track off of Stars’ Album, “Set Yourself On Fire”. It is one of my favorite “break-up” Songs, full of sadness and resolve, and is overflowing with bittersweet emotion.
“Your Ex-Lover Is Dead” by Stars
from the Album, Set Yourself On Fire (2004)
I never took the Song to literally be about an ex-lover who has died, more of a relationship that has died. That said, having an ex-lover who did die gives this Song an extra emotional gut and heart punch to me. There have been times when the Song has hurt too much to listen to, and I’ve had to put it away for awhile.
The Music Video shows the band lying on their backs, playing their instruments, while on ice outdoors, possibly in reference to the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, my all-time Favorite Movie.
Though not used in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, “Your Ex-Lover Is Dead” was used in another Favorite Film of mine, Daydream Nation.
There is another version of the Song, from the Album Do You Trust Your Friends?, that is my absolute Favorite. There is a 1920’s feel to the production and effects that have been added that I just love.
