Born a fledgling pseudo-solo project of young songwriter Kat Burns, Forest City Lovers took flight in 2006 with the independent release The Sun and the Wind. The band grew up into a fully-realized collaborative outfit and in 2008 launched their critically acclaimed sophmore album Haunting Moon Sinking (Out of This Spark), a collection that bolsters FCL’s signature tunefulness with talented musicianship, strong guitar lines, and swelling string arrangements.
Phodilus and Tyto, a 7” vinyl released at the end of 2009 paved the way for the full-length follow-up, Carriage, being released July 2010 on Out of This Spark. Carriage picks up where Haunting Moon Sinking left off, carrying forward with arrangements and melodies that go from accutely vulnerable to downright sinister. A collection that drifts sonically across decades, Carriage laces 1970s whimsy and elaborate string arragements (Mika Posen) into contemporary pop gems to keep your feet tapping as you go singing down the sunny street.
While Burns and the other Lovers make their home in Toronto, they tour frequently across Canada, the US, and Europe, drawing inspiration for their songs from these migratory ventures into foreign urban and rural environments. With their new album on the horizon, keep an eye out for this unique band of songsters in your hometown.
Phodilus & Tyto
Forest City Lovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and the bloodshot eyes on the prowl
Human air, sticky skin
doesn't let much else in
Just say the word and I can be gone in an hour
say the word and I can be gone in an hour
nighttime is wasted on the owls
and the faces with their pretty mouths
human air, sticky skin, doesn't let much else sink in
Idle hands, an empty house
try to focus on our better selves
human air, sticky skin
just say the word and I can be gone in an hour
say the word and I can be gone in an hour
take a good long round as the city fades (x2)
away, away, away(x2)
& its been growing since the day we planned it many years ago
its hard to start knowing
when to stop digging let the roots take hold
it keeps growing(x2)
just say the word and I can be gone in an hour(x2)
take a good look round as the city fades(x2)
away, away, away(x2)
The song "Phodilus & Tyto" by Forest City Lovers explores the idea of how humans are often so consumed by their everyday lives and experiences that they miss out on the beauty and wonder of the world around them. The opening lines suggest that the owls, creatures of the night, are the ones who truly appreciate and make use of the darkness, while humans with their bloodshot eyes are simply on the prowl. The phrase "human air, sticky skin, doesn't let much else in" evokes a sense of stagnation and suffocation, as if humans have closed themselves off to the natural world.
The repetition of the phrase "Just say the word and I can be gone in an hour" suggests a longing to escape one's current circumstances and seek out something more meaningful. The second verse continues this theme, with the reference to "idle hands, an empty house" suggesting a sense of aimlessness or restlessness. The idea of focusing on our "better selves" suggests a desire for self-improvement or a yearning for something more than the daily grind.
The final lines of the song suggest something deeper and more lasting, as if the song is about the growth and evolution of a relationship or a personal journey. The references to "roots taking hold" and "it keeps growing" suggest a sense of permanence and commitment, even as the city fades away. Overall, "Phodilus & Tyto" is a thoughtful meditation on the human experience and our relationship with the world around us.
Line by Line Meaning
Nighttime is wasted on the owls
The quiet and stillness of night is lost on creatures like owls who are naturally active during this time
and the bloodshot eyes on the prowl
People, who have stayed up late and are now searching for something or someone, have tired, bloodshot eyes
Human air, sticky skin
The oppressive environment we live in feels like it's obstructing our breathing, our skin feels damp and clammy
doesn't let much else in
Our surroundings prevent us from fully experiencing and appreciating what's around us
Just say the word and I can be gone in an hour
I am ready and willing to leave this stifling environment in a moment's notice, all you need to do is ask
say the word and I can be gone in an hour
I am still willing to leave and am emphasizing the immediacy of my departure
and the faces with their pretty mouths
People who are putting on a façade and not truly expressing themselves
Idle hands, an empty house
A lack of purpose and activity can lead to feeling alone and unfulfilled
try to focus on our better selves
We strive to improve ourselves and stay positive despite our environment
human air, sticky skin
The oppressive environment is still present and impacting us
just say the word and I can be gone in an hour
My willingness to leave quickly has not changed
say the word and I can be gone in an hour
I am emphasizing my readiness for immediate departure
take a good long round as the city fades (x2)
Watch as the city disappears in the distance, take a moment to observe and reflect on it
away, away, away(x2)
Emphasizing the distance we are putting between ourselves and the oppressive environment
& its been growing since the day we planned it many years ago
We have been anticipating and working towards this departure for a long time
its hard to start knowing
It can be difficult to begin the journey towards leaving
when to stop digging let the roots take hold
Knowing when it's time to stop trying to save a struggling situation and instead let it go and start anew
it keeps growing(x2)
Our desire to leave and start anew continues to grow stronger
just say the word and I can be gone in an hour(x2)
Reiterating the immediacy of our willingness to leave
take a good look round as the city fades(x2)
Again emphasizing the importance of taking a moment to observe and reflect on our departure
away, away, away(x2)
Our departure is a significant event and we are putting distance between ourselves and our stifling environment.
Contributed by Cooper W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.