It's not at all uncommon for Portugal. the Man to sing about race relations, and I very much believe this song is their best when it comes to doing so. It is about other things as well, their lyrics here have multiple meanings as always, but the references to Jean Toomer's book, "Cane" are undeniable.
Having read "Cane" and understanding most of the symbolism in the book, the lyrics "Bits and bits of cane, burning burning burning bit by bit away" speak directly to ancient racially based pains that people hold on to which continue to keep us apart even today. In "Cane" the smell and scent of (especially burning) cane is used as reoccurring imagery that conjurs the pain of the past. Here in this song, that pain is burning away, showing hope for the future.
Other parts of the song hint at this too, the most obvious being the title, but also the extreme separation that can be felt in the subtext of the main verses, and the repeated desire for the colors/rhythms to come together and be as one.
It's not at all uncommon for Portugal. the Man to sing about race relations, and I very much believe this song is their best when it comes to doing so. It is about other things as well, their lyrics here have multiple meanings as always, but the references to Jean Toomer's book, "Cane" are undeniable.
Having read "Cane" and understanding most of the symbolism in the book, the lyrics "Bits and bits of cane, burning burning burning bit by bit away" speak directly to ancient racially based pains that people hold on to which continue to keep us apart even today. In "Cane" the smell and scent of (especially burning) cane is used as reoccurring imagery that conjurs the pain of the past. Here in this song, that pain is burning away, showing hope for the future.
Other parts of the song hint at this too, the most obvious being the title, but also the extreme separation that can be felt in the subtext of the main verses, and the repeated desire for the colors/rhythms to come together and be as one.