The Undertow
The Feelies Lyrics
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It may be later than you think
There's new places to explore
But the old ones return tomorrow
Lines are forming all around
Hear them cry out above our heads
Divide the years apart
The passive grumble like a shell
I'm the intended, hear the call
Try to be careful and I don't know why
One hundred years, maybe more
I'm the intended and I don't mind it
Waiting patiently
Walk over to the window
Then you look away
Can't see no accidents
Waiting endlessly
It will be easier and
We will be together
Just another test
Like any other test
I'm the intended, hear the call
Try to be careful and I don't know why
One hundred years, maybe more
I'm the intended and I don't mind at all
And it all comes down
As you wait for the dream
You've known all along
But you're waiting alone
For the moment to come
And you hear them call
And you hear them call
And you're waiting alone
The Feelies' song The Undertow has a mysterious, somewhat eerie tone that corresponds with its lyrics about waiting and anticipating a future event. The opening lines, "Bring back the innocent lords, It may be later than you think," suggest a longing for a simpler time that may never come. The next line, "There's new places to explore, But the old ones return tomorrow," seems to suggest that while there may be new experiences to be had, the past always finds a way to resurface. The image of "lines forming all around" and people crying out "above our heads" adds to the sense of chaos and confusion that often comes with change and uncertainty.
The chorus, with its repeated refrain of "I'm the intended, hear the call," adds to the song's sense of anticipation and suggests that the singer is waiting for something important to happen. The lines "Try to be careful and I don't know why, One hundred years, maybe more, I'm the intended and I don't mind it," suggest a willingness to go along with whatever is about to happen, even if the singer doesn't fully understand it.
The second verse adds to the sense of waiting and anticipation, with lines like "Waiting patiently, Walk over to the window," and "It will be easier and We will be together." The final lines of the song, "And it all comes down, As you wait for the dream, You've known all along, But you're waiting alone, For the moment to come, And you hear them call, And you're waiting alone," suggest both hope and uncertainty, as if the singer is waiting for their destiny to be fulfilled but is unsure of how it will happen.
Line by Line Meaning
Bring back the innocent lords
Long for a time when life seemed more pure and innocent
It may be later than you think
Time is passing and life is moving on, so make the most of it
There's new places to explore
Life is full of new opportunities and experiences waiting to be discovered
But the old ones return tomorrow
The past never truly goes away and influences the present
Lines are forming all around
People are waiting for something and anticipating change
Hear them cry out above our heads
Voices of others can be heard loud and clear, expressing their feelings
Divide the years apart
The length of time causes a separation and a difference in experiences
The passive grumble like a shell
Some people quietly express their discontent or dissatisfaction
I'm the intended, hear the call
Feeling like one is meant for something, an opportunity or a change
Try to be careful and I don't know why
Feeling cautious, but not quite sure why
One hundred years, maybe more
Reflecting on the past, thinking about the future, and recognizing the passage of time
Waiting patiently
Being prepared for something to happen, but not feeling anxious or restless
Walk over to the window
Taking a moment to pause and reflect on what's happening outside
Then you look away
Feeling uneasy or uncomfortable and choosing to avoid thinking about it
Can't see no accidents
Noticing the absence of unexpected events, and feeling a sense of tension because of that
Waiting endlessly
Continuing to wait, but feeling increasingly restless and anxious
It will be easier and
Feeling hopeful for the future and expecting things to get better
We will be together
Feeling a sense of comfort and comfort in the presence of others
Just another test
Seeing the world as a series of challenges or obstacles to overcome
And it all comes down
A moment of reckoning or realization
As you wait for the dream
Feeling hopeful for something better or different in the future
You've known all along
Realizing something that was always there or always true
But you're waiting alone
Feeling isolated or disconnected from others while waiting for something to happen
For the moment to come
Anticipating a specific moment or event
And you hear them call
Hearing voices or sounds that signal a change or an opportunity
And you're waiting alone
Feeling lonely or disconnected while waiting for change
Contributed by Kayla I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
epigrenada
Best album of '88. No contest. A masterpiece.
TheSkinflutes
Canzone magnifica di un album magnifico!
catchrick
I had to see the fortune of seeing the Feelies last Friday with a buddy of mine whose been a fan for 30 years but, had never seen them live. Such a great time. Every member of the Feelies should be proud.
catchrick
I've searched for this song for years on YouTube without luck. I had broke out my Feelies t-shirt tonight after seeing someone's at this year's Solid Sound Festival weekend. (I had worn mine at last year's Solid Sound Festival and received a couple of knowing smiles and nods because of it}. The barkeep tonight acknowledged my Feelies shirt. I told him of my vein search for this tune on YouTube. I arrived home and here it is waiting for me. Thank you very much for the post.
blueconversechucks
The drums in the bleachers at the Oakland A's game brought me here! I had this album in high school but never fell in love with it. But in trying to locate this track I took an amazing tour of their old albums and I have to say that, in revisiting them, I'm WAY more impressed with them now than I was back then!
Claude Alain
un sillon discret mais très profond et bien droit dans la riche histoire de la musique anglo-saxonne... le parallèle avec Yo La Tengo est évident mais il y a quelque chose de plus "dramatique", de plus essentiel (selon moi) chez les Feelies...
Zachary Taylor
It nearly feels cinematic at the beginning- what a revelation- Thank you so very much for posting, Paperastronza. I admit, I am struggling with an adequate (to me) interpretation of the lyrics, but perhaps I am missing the point?? I still want to know why Glenn sings "I'm the intended, heed the call." Any thoughts on lyrics? Many thanks!
The Skinflutes Official
awesome song!!
lingcod91
There is Nothing weak or lacking with the Feelies.
MisterWhist
Acknowledged.