The Commander Thinks Aloud Lyrics
i love this song so much, it was my introductory song to the Long Winters. I liken it to the same vibe that I get when I listen to Bowie's Ziggy Stardust or Mr. John's Rocket Man. There is something so rock and roll and yet so tragic about space travel. The climatic ending to the song is scary and beautiful no matter how many times that you listen to it.
To me this song evokes memories of the Columbia. They're about to land, and everyone is excited, and all of a sudden: "The crew compartment's breaking up." Makes me tear up a little every time. I also love the second vocal part at the end: "This is all I wanted to bring home."
I'm 98% sure this is about the Columbia incident. Espescially as it said on the website that the EP featured a song about a space shuttle crash. The "crew compartment" section is just heart breakaing.
John Roderick talks about this song at length on Song Exploder, Ep. 28. (http://songexploder.net/the-long-winters)
This is absolutely about the breakup of the Space Shuttle Columbia. Even now, John has a hard time singing this song live without crying.
This song is absolutely amazing. The first time you hear it (at least the version on Future Soundtrack for America) is an uplifting and inspiring experience. The piano and percussion melt and sublimate together to form the perfect background to the equally perfect vocals.
The song is about dying on reentry to earth's atmosphere. On another level, I think it's about having an 'authentic experience' but then realizing you'll never be able to share it with the person you love...
This song is genius...Could it be about an astronaut's experience upon landing home?? Almost like the song "Major Tom" from Peter Schilling.
@GrungyBeatle It is about the columbia blowing up.
@GrungyBeatle It is about the columbia blowing up.
I think this song is about breaking up. At first everything is great...you feel like you can touch the sun. But as you feel your weight return (relationship is going into the toilet), it's like crashing back into the atmosphere...the shell (crew compartment) of your relationship is breaking up...
Amaaazing song. I love this band!
Amaaazing song. I love this band!
I agree with what you said. But there is such relief as you feel your weight return. More of an actual floating than a crashing.
I agree with what you said. But there is such relief as you feel your weight return. More of an actual floating than a crashing.
The Long WInters bring me major joy!
The Long WInters bring me major joy!
if you like this song, you should also check out the band called "Now It's Overhead", especially their song "Hi".
The song IS about the Columbia. It's hauntingly beautiful without knowing the back story, but when you tie the lyrics in with what happened, let's just say I like this song for a good cry.