Funnily enough, we are currently learning about crossing the threshold in terms of sound in Psych class. This accrued knowledge gives the lyrics a whole new passive meaning. I say it could be interpreted in two ways: the "sounds" of modernity and society which can feel so close yet so far depending on how you look at it: the glass half empty, if you will. And at its worst, it is deafening, and Lana is metaphorically referring to moving away from the noise. The other is the non-scientific meaning of "threshold": crossing a wooden moat-like path, according to Google. Lana...
Funnily enough, we are currently learning about crossing the threshold in terms of sound in Psych class. This accrued knowledge gives the lyrics a whole new passive meaning. I say it could be interpreted in two ways: the "sounds" of modernity and society which can feel so close yet so far depending on how you look at it: the glass half empty, if you will. And at its worst, it is deafening, and Lana is metaphorically referring to moving away from the noise. The other is the non-scientific meaning of "threshold": crossing a wooden moat-like path, according to Google. Lana is basically referring to the path of freedom to do what she wants (hence the title 'Get Free'). She is finally unbound from the restraints of the castle, the "institutional" life she once lived - take from that what you will. The references to Amy Winehouse and Whitney Houston make sense in this context - both were in rehab/and suffered/died from drug addiction. Lana was allegedly institutionalised as a teen for alcohol addiction at Bellevue Hospital, which she mentions in some of her unreleased songs. (That's all I'm going to say on the matter.) Also, the thing about 'Get Free' sounding like Creep, I think we can all agree that they are both GREAT SONGS. Obviously nothing will ever beat 'Creep', but why should it? This album references many titles/sounds from the past: 'Tomorrow Never Came' (with John Lennon's son singing on it) could easily be a John Lennon/Yoko Ono deep cut, 'Lust For Life' is an Iggy Pop song, 'Get Free' may be unintentionally a reference to the hit Vines song, essentially their 'Creep'. If the lawsuit thing wasn't such a biggie I'd love to hear a mash-up of both songs being played instead of all the shit you currently hear on mainstream radio. Because of everything (which ended up being nothing) Lana may never play this song live again, and it makes me sad. Anyhow I will be using this info to help with my exam revision haha
Cat Stevens sought spiritual enlightenment because he was dissatisfied with the Christian Church. He explored different religions and they all show up in his lyrics. He wrote "Oh very young" in response to Don McCleans song "American Pie." Both referenced Buddy Holly, who died tragically as a young man, and his songs. Riding the great white bird into heaven is a Hindu reference about Vishnu riding a great white bird into heaven. Vishnu was king of the gods and Buddy Holly was king of fifties rock. Both songs reference Holly's song "Not Fade Away." ...
Cat Stevens sought spiritual enlightenment because he was dissatisfied with the Christian Church. He explored different religions and they all show up in his lyrics. He wrote "Oh very young" in response to Don McCleans song "American Pie." Both referenced Buddy Holly, who died tragically as a young man, and his songs. Riding the great white bird into heaven is a Hindu reference about Vishnu riding a great white bird into heaven. Vishnu was king of the gods and Buddy Holly was king of fifties rock. Both songs reference Holly's song "Not Fade Away." Cat's reference is the faded blue jeans that you know will never last forever. "Last Forever" was also a Holly song. The reference about "what will you leave us this time" actually does refer to reincarnation. I think Stevens would be amused at some of the reader interpretations.
I think this is a happy song that means exactly what it seems to mean. Neil is a man of the people and the lower classes rock.
I think this is a happy song that means exactly what it seems to mean. Neil is a man of the people and the lower classes rock.
this is a great 3eb tune, another one from this album motorcycle drive-by .. and then Ursa Major was great --
this is a great 3eb tune, another one from this album motorcycle drive-by .. and then Ursa Major was great --
this song is prolly Transcendent for some ppl 4 sure, I'm sure there may be a post on here from an insider who knows exactly what Stephan wrote this of -- but I do take it to be that maybe actually his significant other was both victim and perp. - it's prolly real powerful for some chicks looking back too. this feeling that whoever was over your intoxication up on high had ordained it, coping with it all.. anyway it's...
this song is prolly Transcendent for some ppl 4 sure, I'm sure there may be a post on here from an insider who knows exactly what Stephan wrote this of -- but I do take it to be that maybe actually his significant other was both victim and perp. - it's prolly real powerful for some chicks looking back too. this feeling that whoever was over your intoxication up on high had ordained it, coping with it all.. anyway it's a great tune of theirs and the Lyrics are \m/ in this one amongst many others.
If the verse is not yours and not mine, why should we still search for it?
If the verse is not yours and not mine, why should we still search for it?
The song's name itself is a reference to Aleister Crowley's poem Hymn to Pan:
The song's name itself is a reference to Aleister Crowley's poem Hymn to Pan:
Thrust the sword through the galling fetter,
Thrust the sword through the galling fetter,
All-devourer, all-begetter;
All-devourer, all-begetter;
Give me the sign of the Open Eye
Give me the sign of the Open Eye
Black flame is a concept shared by many forms of Satanism, although its exact meaning varies.
Black flame is a concept shared by many forms of Satanism, although its exact meaning varies.
Some of you have suggested that the words "they're beating plowshares into swords" is a reference to the plight of farmers who had lost their lands; but that is incorrect. Henley is actually drawing from the Bible to make a specific point about the state of the world, and he does this by inverting several words from a specific verse. In Isaiah 4:2, the prophet Isaiah looks into a future era of world peace: "He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning...
Some of you have suggested that the words "they're beating plowshares into swords" is a reference to the plight of farmers who had lost their lands; but that is incorrect. Henley is actually drawing from the Bible to make a specific point about the state of the world, and he does this by inverting several words from a specific verse. In Isaiah 4:2, the prophet Isaiah looks into a future era of world peace: "He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore." Henley converts the Biblical "they shall beat their swords into plowshares" into "they're beating plowshares into swords." In other words, the prophesied notion of world peace is being disregarded by the powers that be; instead of peace, world leaders are metaphorically converting plowshares (which represent working for the common good, i.e. tilling the land we all love, and all that is associated with wholesome agricultural work) into swords. In essence, Henley is declaring that they (the powers that be, which obviously includes Ronald Reagan in the late 80s) are not seeking world peace at all, but are promoting war instead.
There's a part missing in the lyric above, as per sang by Gary in one of his latest gigs: "Now it's over but there's no one left to see" The first part is missing.
There's a part missing in the lyric above, as per sang by Gary in one of his latest gigs: "Now it's over but there's no one left to see" The first part is missing.
It's amazing how Gary can talk about machines, androids, robots and the like but still create another layer of interpretation focused on human (or a particular man) feelings, associated to relationship fears or issues already.
It's amazing how Gary can talk about machines, androids, robots and the like but still create another layer of interpretation focused on human (or a particular man) feelings, associated to relationship fears or issues already.
I feel like this song can have two meanings - she either sings about her ex boyfriend or perhaps a friend. Maybe about Barrie. It seems like she's trying to talk about regretting leaving him and willing to do anything just so he can come back. I kind of got a vibe that this song might be about someone deceased. Maybe a friend. Everything I said about a former love can also apply for a friend. She's willing to do anything just for them to come back.
I feel like this song can have two meanings - she either sings about her ex boyfriend or perhaps a friend. Maybe about Barrie. It seems like she's trying to talk about regretting leaving him and willing to do anything just so he can come back. I kind of got a vibe that this song might be about someone deceased. Maybe a friend. Everything I said about a former love can also apply for a friend. She's willing to do anything just for them to come back.