Avant Gardener

Courtney Barnett's 'Avant Gardener' is a vivid portrayal of the mundane and unexpected moments in life, wrapped in her signature deadpan delivery and witty lyricism. The song begins with the protagonist waking up late on a Monday, a day often associated with routine and monotony. The lyrics, 'Oh what a wonder / Oh what a waste,' capture the ambivalence of starting another seemingly uneventful day. The yard filled with 'hard rubbish' and the neighbors' potential judgment add a layer of social commentary on suburban life and its hidden struggles.

As the day progresses, the protagonist decides to engage in gardening, a seemingly simple and therapeutic activity. However, this act of seeking solace in nature quickly turns into a medical emergency. The lines, 'I'm having trouble breathing in,' repeated multiple times, emphasize the sudden shift from tranquility to panic. This unexpected asthma attack serves as a metaphor for how quickly life can change, highlighting the fragility of human existence. The protagonist's interaction with the paramedic, who admires her for playing guitar, juxtaposes the mundane with the heroic, adding depth to the narrative.

Barnett's clever wordplay and cultural references, such as feeling like Uma Thurman in 'Pulp Fiction' after an adrenaline shot, enrich the song's storytelling. The mention of 'pseudoefedryn' and the protagonist's struggle with breathing also touch on themes of health and vulnerability. The song concludes with a reflection on the preference for the mundane over the chaos of unexpected events, encapsulated in the line, 'I much prefer the mundane.' Through 'Avant Gardener,' Barnett masterfully blends humor, irony, and poignant observations, making it a relatable and thought-provoking piece.