September (3:33)

Between The Shins 2007 release Wincing The Night Away and its follow-up Port of Morrow, the band’s frontman, James Mercer, became a father to two daughters. This steel guitar decorated track hints at the transformative impact of children upon carefree life as he reflects on their unquestioning affection – “I’ve got a good side to me as well, and it’s that she loves,” Mercer croons. The Shins singer told Q magazine how his new role as a parent influenced some of the lyrics for the Port of Morrow album. Said Mercer: “When you love something like that, something as fragile as a child, it completely changes you and your thinking, You just have this joy, you know?”