So Says I


So Says I is a song by American indie rock band The Shins, the third track of their second album Chutes Too Narrow. It was released as a single on 21 September 2003 on Sub Pop Records.
The song was written by the band's lead singer, James Mercer. His lyrics reference and compare life under communist and capitalist economic systems.
This song is performed by The Shins live in the Gilmore Girls season four episode, "Girls in Bikinis, Boys Doin' The Twist."
It remains a fan favorite and is often performed as a set closer at their live shows.

Music video

The music video was Music [video director|directed] and animated by Plates Animation Inc. It starts with a 'prehistoric' penguin extracting a tooth from a walrus. The penguins are divided into Communist and capitalist roles as the video progresses. The 'Red' penguins are in upheaval. Ominously, the 'Red' penguin leaders are moving strategic assets in a war room, focusing their attention to the West.
The 'Capitalist' penguins are oblivious to the world outside their lives. A derelict penguin is begging for spare fish. One penguin finally shows pity and gives a walrus tooth to the homeless penguin. The video closes out with a protest. Both sets of protesters ironically want the same thing, as many of the signs for both have the same message.

Single track listing

  1. "So Says I" -
  2. "Mild Child" -
  3. "Gone for Good " -