Are You There?

Sorry to disappoint you alimayne but this song is not about a friend or something like that.. This song is written by Danny for their mother. One last goodbye is written from Vincent for their mother. Thats why Danny is the only one who sings this song and Vincent one last goodbye. Two brothers, one mother, one love..

First of all, what an emotionally atmospheric song this is. My eyes well up every time.

My interpretation sways towards someone/the singer uttering a careless whisper towards their best friend, female most likely [excuse the George Michael reference!] Please forgive how disjointed my elaboration is!

First off, "My mind is happy" = the dream the singer has of himself and his friend. "Need to learn to let it go" = in order for the dream to take wing, the singer has to calm down, act casual and take it easy. "I know you'd do no harm to me" lays foundations in the singer's mind when he's thinking about his friend in a different light. Following on, the musical break [ie. introduction of rhythm section] symbolises the singer making his move and the girl's initial reaction of shock and continuing negativity.

The entire second verse reflects the singer's regret over making such a foolish mistake; wanting a more intimate relationship by taking advantage of a close friendship: "Tried and failed as we walked by the riverside" = the aftermath of their encounter, the awkwardness of the situation. "Oh, I wish you could see the love in her eyes" = the singer remembering how he relayed his dream to the girl. "The best friend that eluded you lost in time, burned alive in the heat of a grieving mind" = the singer putting himself in the girl's shoes, perhaps labelling himself as the 'best friend'; after her ultimate answer of "no", he feels dead inside and out [metaphorically].

In the third verse, "Oh, what can I say now? And it couldn't be more wrong 'cause there's no one there" = ie. she's not there. "You lost all the love that we could've shared" = the singer trying to turn around the situation in his mind, possibly trying to place blame on the girl but upon realising "it's wearing me down, and it's turning me round", it's still his fault and there's no-one to blame but himself. "And I can't find a way now to find it out" = the singer can't even talk to his closest friend any more because of his actions. "Oh, where are you when I need you?" = Clearly the singer wishes he hadn't taken such drastic actions in order to make himself happy, presuming his friend wanted the same thing. However he now realises that he still needs his best friend but she might not act the same way around him [now that she knows how he feels about her].

Finally the continuous "Are you there?" at the end is obviously the question the singer is relaying to his friend - either conveying his regret or his naivety in the sense of "why dwell on the past, let's carry on as usual" [the latter has happened to me, so that's my proof that it's possible!] The repetition of the question and no answer suggests that the friend hasn't forgiven him or doesn't really know what to do or say.

That's my alternative interpretation - just throwing it out there!

Though written for their beloved mother who passed away, it's very open for interpretation. I heard it before I knew much about Anathema, so this means something different for me. "Are you there" for me, is when you are reaching out for the love you've lost and you just want to tell her/him what they mean to you. When your down after a breakup, you just want the a bit of sympathy, from your ex. Something that shows you that they haven't forgotten you. Or just a little hope that you'll be together again.

I was thinking it was about his mother who died.

Have you noticed what Danny says at the beginning of the song? He says "yes"; the answer to "Are you there?".

I really love this song...

Some time ago I met someone who turned out to be very special to me. But before I met her, one of her best friends passed away, ever since she's been telling me about this friend. And I feel as if she's quoting this song to me. "The best friend that eluded you lost in time". I now miss this person, though I never knew her, and never will.

"by i_am_the_law on 06-16-2006 @ 09:05:46 AM

the line "i wish you could see the love in her eyes" is one that i often feel like quoting, even though in my case its just wishful thinking as the love just isnt there im afraid."

Odd i was thinking the exact same thing. Its a great lyric and a sad song. That line makes me wish i could

i didnt know his mother died but oh well.. i suppose it is bout her. the whole song just fits with that..

Perfect cinematic music - For all the broken hearts living the 'scenes' of their lives...grieving the lost of someone still 'here' or long gone. It makes me wonder what good it does to feel this much love for someone...and then I come to my senses and realise thats the power of what the heart can do - as much as it can hurt, its only because it can love. I hope to cut my losses and be at ease with it...and believe that its more of a gain. I will get there...when it stops hurting this much.

Honestly, Terry84's words touched me. At least I know that there are more people except for me who feel exactly what the song means. Obviously, the song is about the mother of the Cavanaghs, but I guess it can mean anyone that any person loves and has lost.