All of the lyrical content is written by Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree.
Showing posts with label Lyrics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lyrics. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Self-Portrait Story Project
I thought I'd share some of my recent self-portrait story projects with my readers. The photos, their composition as well as their editing have all been conducted by myself.
All of the lyrical content is written by Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree.
All of the lyrical content is written by Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Lyrical Greats (pt.4)
Hey there folks.
I'm apologize that I didn't update my Blog with the continuance of "Lyrical Greats" on the 23rd as promised. I've been a busy little bee!
Anyways..enough BS...
'Dreamline'
From the album: 'Roll the Bones' - 1991
A Key Line:
They travel in the time of the prophets
On a desert highway straight to the heart of the sun
Chorus:
N/A
Thoughts:
Dreamline boasts some Peart's most amazing lyrics. While the meaning isn't aggressive as something like the 'The Weapon' or 'Time Stand Still'; it offers what I believe to be an interesting look at life and it's journey's.
'Bravado'
From the album: 'Roll The Bones'
A Key Line:
When the dust has cleared
And victory denied
Chorus:
We will pay the price
But we will not count the cost
Thoughts:
We will do something, but not realizing the consequences.
I'm afraid I haven't much time to analize the rest of the albums, but in short:
'Everday Glory'
'Resist'
Snakes & Arrows lyrical greats (nearly the entire album..)
'Far Cry'
Spindrift
Armor & Sword
Faithless
Bravest Face
'The Way the Wind Blows'
Good News First
I'm apologize that I didn't update my Blog with the continuance of "Lyrical Greats" on the 23rd as promised. I've been a busy little bee!
Anyways..enough BS...
'Dreamline'
From the album: 'Roll the Bones' - 1991
A Key Line:
They travel in the time of the prophets
On a desert highway straight to the heart of the sun
Chorus:
N/A
Thoughts:
Dreamline boasts some Peart's most amazing lyrics. While the meaning isn't aggressive as something like the 'The Weapon' or 'Time Stand Still'; it offers what I believe to be an interesting look at life and it's journey's.
'Bravado'
From the album: 'Roll The Bones'
A Key Line:
When the dust has cleared
And victory denied
Chorus:
We will pay the price
But we will not count the cost
Thoughts:
We will do something, but not realizing the consequences.
I'm afraid I haven't much time to analize the rest of the albums, but in short:
'Everday Glory'
'Resist'
Snakes & Arrows lyrical greats (nearly the entire album..)
'Far Cry'
Spindrift
Armor & Sword
Faithless
Bravest Face
'The Way the Wind Blows'
Good News First
Friday, July 20, 2007
Lyrical Greats (pt.3)
Now into the year of 1987; Peart's expertise in lyrical writing continued to expand and ultimately, become more intelligent. One thing that you'll notice is the lack of actual chorus with the late 80's tunes.
'Time Stand Still'
From the album: 'Hold Your Fire' - 1987
A Key Line:
I let my past go too fast
No time to pause
Chorus:
(Time stand still)
I'm not looking back
But I want to look around me now
(Time stand still)
See more of the people and the places that surround me now
Freeze this moment a little bit longer
Make each sensation a little bit stronger
Experience slips away
Experience slips away
Thoughts:
Time Stands Still is relatively upsetting song. As the song title and lyrics would suggest, it's about time slipping away with one's lack of control over it; and perhaps, the lack of appreciation you had for a certain event at that particular moment (but now, happen to appreciate it more than ever).
'Lock and Key'
From the album: 'Hold Your Fire' - 1987
A Key Line:
Plenty of people will kill you
For some fanatical cause
Chorus:
I don't want to face the killer instinct
Face it in you or me
So we keep it under lock and key
Thoughts:
This song's message is pretty clear in displaying the fact that we all have a bad side, but naturally, never want to see it.
'Mission'
From the album: 'Hold Your Fire' - 1987
A Key Line:
We each pay a fabulous price
For our visions of paradise
But a spirit with a vision is a dream
With a mission
Chorus - there isn't one..
Thoughts:
Admittedly, 'Mission' is a song about achieving goals and of course, the struggles to accomplish them.
'Turn the Page'
From the album: 'Hold Your Fire' - 1987
A Key Line:
We disengage, we turn the page
Racing down the river running fast
Every day we're standing in a wind tunnel
Chorus - there isn't one..
Thoughts:
Meaning of this particular song? I dunno actually. Evolution, perhaps routine. God knows..
'The Pass'
From the album: 'Presto' - 1989
A Key Line:
And now you're trembling on a rocky ledge
Staring down into a heartless sea
Can't face life on a razor's edge
Nothing's what you thought it would be
Chorus - there isn't one
Thoughts:
No speculation here. This song is about a teenager who was an alcoholic (most likely brought on by his alienation at school) and then with no one there to help him find the path of 'good'; decides to commit suicide.
'Scars'
From the album: 'Presto' - 1989
A Key Line:
I've heard the lions hunting
In the Serengeti night
I get this feeling...
Chorus:
Scars of pleasure
Scars of pain
Thoughts:
Hearing the actual song (rather than just reading the lyrics) gives you a better impression of what the lyrics are talking about. With various mentions of Africa and an African inspired drum beat, I have no doubts that it's about...ding..ding..Africa!
'Available Light'
From the album: 'Presto' - 1989
Thoughts:
Like 'Turn the Page', AL leaves me lost. My speculation is that it's about a soul of a deceased individual floating through the earth; searching for the perfect place. Could be entirely wrong though! :D
More great lyrics on the 23rd!
'Time Stand Still'
From the album: 'Hold Your Fire' - 1987
A Key Line:
I let my past go too fast
No time to pause
Chorus:
(Time stand still)
I'm not looking back
But I want to look around me now
(Time stand still)
See more of the people and the places that surround me now
Freeze this moment a little bit longer
Make each sensation a little bit stronger
Experience slips away
Experience slips away
Thoughts:
Time Stands Still is relatively upsetting song. As the song title and lyrics would suggest, it's about time slipping away with one's lack of control over it; and perhaps, the lack of appreciation you had for a certain event at that particular moment (but now, happen to appreciate it more than ever).
'Lock and Key'
From the album: 'Hold Your Fire' - 1987
A Key Line:
Plenty of people will kill you
For some fanatical cause
Chorus:
I don't want to face the killer instinct
Face it in you or me
So we keep it under lock and key
Thoughts:
This song's message is pretty clear in displaying the fact that we all have a bad side, but naturally, never want to see it.
'Mission'
From the album: 'Hold Your Fire' - 1987
A Key Line:
We each pay a fabulous price
For our visions of paradise
But a spirit with a vision is a dream
With a mission
Chorus - there isn't one..
Thoughts:
Admittedly, 'Mission' is a song about achieving goals and of course, the struggles to accomplish them.
'Turn the Page'
From the album: 'Hold Your Fire' - 1987
A Key Line:
We disengage, we turn the page
Racing down the river running fast
Every day we're standing in a wind tunnel
Chorus - there isn't one..
Thoughts:
Meaning of this particular song? I dunno actually. Evolution, perhaps routine. God knows..
'The Pass'
From the album: 'Presto' - 1989
A Key Line:
And now you're trembling on a rocky ledge
Staring down into a heartless sea
Can't face life on a razor's edge
Nothing's what you thought it would be
Chorus - there isn't one
Thoughts:
No speculation here. This song is about a teenager who was an alcoholic (most likely brought on by his alienation at school) and then with no one there to help him find the path of 'good'; decides to commit suicide.
'Scars'
From the album: 'Presto' - 1989
A Key Line:
I've heard the lions hunting
In the Serengeti night
I get this feeling...
Chorus:
Scars of pleasure
Scars of pain
Thoughts:
Hearing the actual song (rather than just reading the lyrics) gives you a better impression of what the lyrics are talking about. With various mentions of Africa and an African inspired drum beat, I have no doubts that it's about...ding..ding..Africa!
'Available Light'
From the album: 'Presto' - 1989
Thoughts:
Like 'Turn the Page', AL leaves me lost. My speculation is that it's about a soul of a deceased individual floating through the earth; searching for the perfect place. Could be entirely wrong though! :D
More great lyrics on the 23rd!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Lyrical Greats (pt.2)
Here we are once again!
'The Weapon'
From the album: 'Signals' - 1982
A Key Line:
With an iron fist in a velvet glove we are sheltered under the gun
Chorus:
And the things that he fears are a weapon to be held against him...
Thoughts:
Perhaps the most influential lyrics to ever been written by Peart. I know the line, "Thy kingdoms will be done" is a slightly modified version of a quote from The Lord's Prayer in the New Testament. What's also worth noting is that the quote "We've got nothing to fear - but fear itself?" is from the third sentence of President Franklin Roosevelt's First Inaugural Address on March 4th of 1933. Having said that, I think that it's quite clear that this song aims at delivering the message of control, obedience and the population being mislead - whether that be in a political or religious format. And on that note, I think it's unbelievably amazing how well this song reflects the current administration in United States.
Now, we move onto the album 'Grace Under Pressure' - which to say the least, is full of excellent lyrics.
'The Enemy Within'
From the album: 'Grace Under Pressure' - 1984
A Key Line:
Steely-eyed outside to hide the enemy within
Chorus:
I'm not giving in to security under pressure
I'm not missing out on the promise of adventure
I'm not giving up on implausible dreams
Experience to extremes
Experience to extremes...
Thoughts:
Considering it's part of the 'Fear Series', (which includes four parts, one of which is 'The Weapon) I feel the message of this song is quite clear. It follows the same premise as 'The Weapon' - obedience and control.
'Distant Early Warning'
From the album: 'Grace Under Pressure' - 1984
A Key Line:
That the truth is not the truth?
Chorus:
The world weighs on my shoulders
But what am I to do?
You sometimes drive me crazy
But I worry about you
Thoughts:
A song clearly influenced by the fear of superpowers and nuclear annihilation.
'Afterimage'
From the album: 'Grace Under Pressure' - 1984
A Key Line:
Suddenly, you were gone from all the lives you left your mark upon
Chorus: (doesn't really have one..is this it?)
I feel the way you would
I feel the way you would
Thoughts:
I know for a fact that this song was written about friend of the band who died in the early 80's. It's a short song with few lyrics, but nevertheless, they hit hard.
'Red Sector A'
From the album: 'Grace Under Pressure' - 1984
A Key Line:
Skeletons, they shuffle away
Chorus:
All that we can do is just survive
All that we can do to help ourselves is stay alive
Thoughts:
Well..the song is about the holocaust and the unspeakable acts which the Jews suffered. The basis of the song was written by Peart with input and inspiration from Lee (who's parents were survivors).
'Marathon'
From the album: 'Power Windows' - 1985
A Key Line:
It's not how fast you can go
Chorus:
From first to last
The peak is never passed
Something always fires the light that gets in your eyes
One moment's high, and glory rolls on by
Like a streak of lightning
That flashes and fades in the summer sky
Thoughts:
Self explanatory - but the use of a 'marathon' is a metaphor for life.
'Territories'
From the album: 'Power Windows' - 1985
A Key Line:
Don't feed the people, but we feed the machines
Chorus - There isn't one!
Thoughts:
As described by Peart, the aim with PW was, well, power. The corruption of it to be exact and I interpret this song to be a look at China's situation (at the time).
This song deserves great praise as it reads like a book.
More tomorrow!
'The Weapon'
From the album: 'Signals' - 1982
A Key Line:
With an iron fist in a velvet glove we are sheltered under the gun
Chorus:
And the things that he fears are a weapon to be held against him...
Thoughts:
Perhaps the most influential lyrics to ever been written by Peart. I know the line, "Thy kingdoms will be done" is a slightly modified version of a quote from The Lord's Prayer in the New Testament. What's also worth noting is that the quote "We've got nothing to fear - but fear itself?" is from the third sentence of President Franklin Roosevelt's First Inaugural Address on March 4th of 1933. Having said that, I think that it's quite clear that this song aims at delivering the message of control, obedience and the population being mislead - whether that be in a political or religious format. And on that note, I think it's unbelievably amazing how well this song reflects the current administration in United States.
Now, we move onto the album 'Grace Under Pressure' - which to say the least, is full of excellent lyrics.
'The Enemy Within'
From the album: 'Grace Under Pressure' - 1984
A Key Line:
Steely-eyed outside to hide the enemy within
Chorus:
I'm not giving in to security under pressure
I'm not missing out on the promise of adventure
I'm not giving up on implausible dreams
Experience to extremes
Experience to extremes...
Thoughts:
Considering it's part of the 'Fear Series', (which includes four parts, one of which is 'The Weapon) I feel the message of this song is quite clear. It follows the same premise as 'The Weapon' - obedience and control.
'Distant Early Warning'
From the album: 'Grace Under Pressure' - 1984
A Key Line:
That the truth is not the truth?
Chorus:
The world weighs on my shoulders
But what am I to do?
You sometimes drive me crazy
But I worry about you
Thoughts:
A song clearly influenced by the fear of superpowers and nuclear annihilation.
'Afterimage'
From the album: 'Grace Under Pressure' - 1984
A Key Line:
Suddenly, you were gone from all the lives you left your mark upon
Chorus: (doesn't really have one..is this it?)
I feel the way you would
I feel the way you would
Thoughts:
I know for a fact that this song was written about friend of the band who died in the early 80's. It's a short song with few lyrics, but nevertheless, they hit hard.
'Red Sector A'
From the album: 'Grace Under Pressure' - 1984
A Key Line:
Skeletons, they shuffle away
Chorus:
All that we can do is just survive
All that we can do to help ourselves is stay alive
Thoughts:
Well..the song is about the holocaust and the unspeakable acts which the Jews suffered. The basis of the song was written by Peart with input and inspiration from Lee (who's parents were survivors).
'Marathon'
From the album: 'Power Windows' - 1985
A Key Line:
It's not how fast you can go
Chorus:
From first to last
The peak is never passed
Something always fires the light that gets in your eyes
One moment's high, and glory rolls on by
Like a streak of lightning
That flashes and fades in the summer sky
Thoughts:
Self explanatory - but the use of a 'marathon' is a metaphor for life.
'Territories'
From the album: 'Power Windows' - 1985
A Key Line:
Don't feed the people, but we feed the machines
Chorus - There isn't one!
Thoughts:
As described by Peart, the aim with PW was, well, power. The corruption of it to be exact and I interpret this song to be a look at China's situation (at the time).
This song deserves great praise as it reads like a book.
More tomorrow!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Lyrical Greats (pt.1)
Well, hello there. As is rather obvious, I haven't had much time to update my Blog as of late.
Rather than wasting any more time - let's get to the point. As per usual, I've been listening to Rush and in particular, their most recent album, 'Snakes & Arrows'. Aside from being musically brilliant, it is most certainly lyrically brilliant. In fact, I'd say that the S&A lyrics are easily on par with my other favourite Rush album(lyrically), 'Hold Your Fire'. Such is an accomplishment, especially considering the latter was distributed to High Schools around Montreal thanks to it's meaningful and stylistic poetry-like writing.
Having said that, I thought I'd be interesting to take a look at some of Rush's best lyrics.
The Writer:
For those unaware, Rush's primary lyricist is their drummer, Neil Peart and he is the original writer of these fantastic lyrics. Mind you, band vocalist Geddy Lee has also been known from time to time to add or change lyrical input. So.. special thanks to the both of them!
Before we go on, one must make note that Peart's lyrics can be interpreted many different ways. These are my personal interpretations!
-- Chronologically ordered --
'Something For Nothing'
From the album: '2112' - 1976
A Key Line:
What you do is your own glory
Chorus:
You don't get something for nothing
You can't have freedom for free
You won't get wise
With the sleep still in your eyes
No matter what your dreams might be
Thoughts:
'Something For Nothing' is the typical Rush song of the late 70's. Especially as Neil had a fascination with reading Ann Ryann books (which very much focused on the Russia's Communism).
'The Spirit of Radio'
From the album: 'Permanent Waves' - 1980
A Key Line:
One likes to believe in the freedom of music
Chorus:
Invisible airwaves crackle with life
Bright antennae bristle with the energy
Emotional feedback on timeless wavelength
Bearing a gift beyond price, almost free
Thoughts:
The SPOR has a wonderful message. Music is magical and the lyrics in this particular song are stringed together like a masterpiece.
'Entre Nous'
From the album: Permanent Waves' - 1980
A Key Line
Each of us a world apart
Chorus:
Just between us
I think it's time for us to recognize
The differences we sometimes fear to show
Just between us
I think it's time for us to realize
The spaces in between
Leave room for you and I to grow
Thoughts:
A song about clearly about a relationships.
'Freewill'
From the album: 'Permanent Waves' - 1980
A Key Line:
You can't pray for a place In heaven's unearthly estate
Chorus:
You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice
If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice
You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill
I will choose a path that's clear
I will choose freewill
Thoughts:
'Freewill' is very much akin to 'Snakes & Arrows', 'Faithless'. It's about choosing religion and how you're religion, might be not to choose one.
'Tom Sawyer'
From the album: 'Moving Pictures' - 1981
A Key Line:
No his mind is not for rent to any god or government
Chorus:
The world is, the world is
Love and life are deep
Maybe as his eyes are wide
Thoughts:
A song about alienation and social impact on the youth.
'Limelight'
From the album: 'Moving Pictures' - 1981
A Key Line:
One must put up barriers to keep oneself intact
Chorus:
Living in the limelight
The universal dream
For those who wish to seem
Those who wish to be
Must put aside the alienation
Get on with the fascination
The real relation
The underlying theme
Thoughts:
This is what I believe to be what Neil felt were the negatives about the band's success.
More tomorrow!
Rather than wasting any more time - let's get to the point. As per usual, I've been listening to Rush and in particular, their most recent album, 'Snakes & Arrows'. Aside from being musically brilliant, it is most certainly lyrically brilliant. In fact, I'd say that the S&A lyrics are easily on par with my other favourite Rush album(lyrically), 'Hold Your Fire'. Such is an accomplishment, especially considering the latter was distributed to High Schools around Montreal thanks to it's meaningful and stylistic poetry-like writing.
Having said that, I thought I'd be interesting to take a look at some of Rush's best lyrics.
The Writer:
For those unaware, Rush's primary lyricist is their drummer, Neil Peart and he is the original writer of these fantastic lyrics. Mind you, band vocalist Geddy Lee has also been known from time to time to add or change lyrical input. So.. special thanks to the both of them!
Before we go on, one must make note that Peart's lyrics can be interpreted many different ways. These are my personal interpretations!
-- Chronologically ordered --
'Something For Nothing'
From the album: '2112' - 1976
A Key Line:
What you do is your own glory
Chorus:
You don't get something for nothing
You can't have freedom for free
You won't get wise
With the sleep still in your eyes
No matter what your dreams might be
Thoughts:
'Something For Nothing' is the typical Rush song of the late 70's. Especially as Neil had a fascination with reading Ann Ryann books (which very much focused on the Russia's Communism).
'The Spirit of Radio'
From the album: 'Permanent Waves' - 1980
A Key Line:
One likes to believe in the freedom of music
Chorus:
Invisible airwaves crackle with life
Bright antennae bristle with the energy
Emotional feedback on timeless wavelength
Bearing a gift beyond price, almost free
Thoughts:
The SPOR has a wonderful message. Music is magical and the lyrics in this particular song are stringed together like a masterpiece.
'Entre Nous'
From the album: Permanent Waves' - 1980
A Key Line
Each of us a world apart
Chorus:
Just between us
I think it's time for us to recognize
The differences we sometimes fear to show
Just between us
I think it's time for us to realize
The spaces in between
Leave room for you and I to grow
Thoughts:
A song about clearly about a relationships.
'Freewill'
From the album: 'Permanent Waves' - 1980
A Key Line:
You can't pray for a place In heaven's unearthly estate
Chorus:
You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice
If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice
You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill
I will choose a path that's clear
I will choose freewill
Thoughts:
'Freewill' is very much akin to 'Snakes & Arrows', 'Faithless'. It's about choosing religion and how you're religion, might be not to choose one.
'Tom Sawyer'
From the album: 'Moving Pictures' - 1981
A Key Line:
No his mind is not for rent to any god or government
Chorus:
The world is, the world is
Love and life are deep
Maybe as his eyes are wide
Thoughts:
A song about alienation and social impact on the youth.
'Limelight'
From the album: 'Moving Pictures' - 1981
A Key Line:
One must put up barriers to keep oneself intact
Chorus:
Living in the limelight
The universal dream
For those who wish to seem
Those who wish to be
Must put aside the alienation
Get on with the fascination
The real relation
The underlying theme
Thoughts:
This is what I believe to be what Neil felt were the negatives about the band's success.
More tomorrow!
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