Accidentals
Broadcast Lyrics
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Something's got to break
I don't think this plunge
Can take my weight
I've been up this tree
All the time you've been looking for me
And you will not sleep or try to believe
When there's no guarantee
The lyrics to Broadcast's song "Accidentals" suggest a feeling of intense pressure and strain. The singer embarks on a metaphorical climb up a tree - perhaps representing the struggle for success or accomplishment - but feels that something is about to give. There is a sense of imminent collapse, and the singer questions whether they can withstand the weight of the impending failure. The use of the word "plunge" suggests a sudden, catastrophic fall - perhaps a reference to the dangers of ambition.
The second stanza suggests that the climb has been a solitary one - the singer has been up the tree while others search for them (perhaps a metaphor for recognition or validation). However, despite their isolation, the singer refuses to give up, continuing to push towards their goal even in the absence of any guarantees. There is a sense of desperation in the lyrics, as if the singer is willing to risk everything to achieve their desires.
Overall, the lyrics to "Accidentals" suggest a sense of existential angst - the struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving. The metaphor of the tree and the impending collapse suggest the fragility of human hopes and dreams, and the dangers of pursuing them.
Line by Line Meaning
Under the strain
Beneath the pressure of life's challenges
Something's got to break
A breaking point is imminent
I don't think this plunge
I'm unsure if I can handle this descent
Can take my weight
I'm afraid I'll collapse under the weight of it all
I've been up this tree
I've been facing this issue for a while now
All the time you've been looking for me
You've been trying to help me without knowing the full extent of the problem
And you will not sleep or try to believe
You're restless and doubtful of a positive outcome
When there's no guarantee
There's no assurance that things will get better
Lyrics © WARP MUSIC LIMITED, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMES CARGILL, PATRICIA ANN KEENAN, RICHARD BANCROFT STEVENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@platinumdynamite
Broadcast
‘Accidentals’
(Wurlitzer Jukebox, 1996)
Broadcast’s first single was a gentle, woozy electronic ballad entitled ‘Accidentals’, constructed around a sample of Sir John Dankworth’s score to the Joseph Losey’s 1967 film Accident. Produced on an old Commodore Amiga PC by Cargill, Keenan, and Roj Stevens, it’s one of the band’s most beautifully simple tunes, recalling the forlorn, rainy day waltzes of Scott Walker’s Scott 3 album, thanks to the stark dichotomy between Keenan’s icy whisper and the profound poetry she recites (“Under the strain / Something’s got to break / I don’t think this branch / Can take my weight / I’ve been up this tree / All the time you’ve been looking for me / And you will not see, or try to believe / When there’s no guarantee”).
This would become a key component of the band’s power, and ‘Accidentals’ (backed by the soft sci-fi gurgle of ‘We’ve Got Time’) showed a band with a clear mission statement, using “cheap bits of technology that we had around rather than singing about going down the boozer,” as Cargill once said in reference to the laddish Britpop mania overrunning UK pop during the band’s inception. A modest yet promising start.
Source: Not sure if it's FactMag because a search shows it more than one place.
@SarahWhite-zv4zu
One of my favorite songs by them. The lyrics and music along with Trish's haunting vocals really speak to me
@notmyemail24
great song. beautiful video. RIP Trish Keenan
@platinumdynamite
Broadcast
‘Accidentals’
(Wurlitzer Jukebox, 1996)
Broadcast’s first single was a gentle, woozy electronic ballad entitled ‘Accidentals’, constructed around a sample of Sir John Dankworth’s score to the Joseph Losey’s 1967 film Accident. Produced on an old Commodore Amiga PC by Cargill, Keenan, and Roj Stevens, it’s one of the band’s most beautifully simple tunes, recalling the forlorn, rainy day waltzes of Scott Walker’s Scott 3 album, thanks to the stark dichotomy between Keenan’s icy whisper and the profound poetry she recites (“Under the strain / Something’s got to break / I don’t think this branch / Can take my weight / I’ve been up this tree / All the time you’ve been looking for me / And you will not see, or try to believe / When there’s no guarantee”).
This would become a key component of the band’s power, and ‘Accidentals’ (backed by the soft sci-fi gurgle of ‘We’ve Got Time’) showed a band with a clear mission statement, using “cheap bits of technology that we had around rather than singing about going down the boozer,” as Cargill once said in reference to the laddish Britpop mania overrunning UK pop during the band’s inception. A modest yet promising start.
Source: Not sure if it's FactMag because a search shows it more than one place.
@skyistumbling
can you link the sample?
@marssilver
Love this. Love you trish. RIP angel 💛💙💚❤
@fingerin5277
more sacred than bowie
@elizandramarschall
Amazing...
@GrimlyFormingPW
"The White Bus", "The Wicker Man", & "Valerie a Tyden Divu"
@valois89
oh man, I either couldn't find this video clip or it was not available for public viewing on YT for some (talking years here, bro) time; I am so happy it is back. Dude, you made this video yourself? It's literally my all time favorite music video, thank you so much, impeccable taste in music and films
@GrimlyFormingPW
@valois89 Thank you so much! I'm glad it's finally back as well. It's very special for me too...being a huge Broadcast fan. (So glad I got to see them in San Francisco in 2003)
Unfortunately, YT has blocked and unblocked several of my vids over the years. It's been a buzzkill and has defiantly contributed to my derth of new material. Glad people are still watching and enjoying my stuff, though!