Walter soon began working with a singer-songwriter who went by E and drummer Butch Norton as The Eels. After a promising debut, Walter left the band due to differences with E. He formed a short-lived band, Tely, who released a CD that was distributed on the internet. He was also in the touring band for the Ken Andrews solo project ON, though in the end the band saw little touring. Later he went on to form Abandoned Pools and recorded a solo album, Humanistic, in 2001. Humanistic actually features a couple of songs that were once performed by Tely, like "Start Over."
In 2002 they performed the theme song for the short-lived MTV animated series Clone High. Many of their songs can be heard in the background during the show.
Walter teamed up with drummer Bryan Head and guitarist Sean Woolstenhulme in 2004 to record "Armed to the Teeth," the follow up to Humanistic. In June of 2005, they released an EP, consisting of a few songs from the new album along with b-sides and demos, called The Reverb EP. This was followed by the full album in September 2005.
In January of 2006, Walter wrote in his blog that Universal Records had stopped promoting the album. However, he has included several song snippets on his MySpace and has said he is writing songs for a new album.
In March of 2010, Walter announced via Twitter that he would enter the studio to work on a third Abandoned Pools album after five years of hiatus.
In mid-May 2011, via the Abandoned Pools' MySpace page, two new songs, "Marigold" and "In Silence" from the upcoming album, "Sublime Currency" were made available for streaming and download, or iTunes, as well as a full length demo of the first album, "Humanistic." The third studio album was expected to be released in late 2011, but is now due out sometime in 2012. On Friday, January 27, 2012, the Abandoned Pools' Facebook page posted: "Announcement coming on Monday." (January 30th)
Going South
Abandoned Pools Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Waiting to get passed over
Never staying right between the lines
Falling flat down on our faces
Never right time or right places
Until it hits us right between the eyes
I can see you thereBy the glow of your phone
And I can hear you sigh
Am I wearing you out?
Are you still full of doubt?
Are you going south?
You're not so alone
One step forward and ten steps backward
Stumbling through the thick of it
Goal posts moving just beyond our reach
You and me and all our vices
Have come to rescue us from crisis
We may be better off than we can see
I can see you there
By the glow of your phone
And I can hear you sigh
Am I wearing you out?
Are you still full of doubt?
Are you going south?
You're not so alone
You're not so alone
You're not so alone
You're not so alone
I can see you thereBy the glow of your phone
And I can hear you sigh
Am I wearing you out?
Are you still full of doubt?
Are you going south?
You're not so alone
You're not so alone
You're not so alone
You're not so alone
The lyrics of "Going South" by Abandoned Pools delve into themes of uncertainty, self-doubt, and a sense of being lost or directionless. The opening lines speak to the feeling of constantly falling in and out of favor, waiting to be overlooked or ignored. There is a sense of instability and chaos depicted as the singer describes never staying within the confines of societal expectations, always falling flat on their faces in situations where timing and circumstances seem to conspire against them.
The imagery of the singer observing someone by the glow of their phone suggests a sense of detachment and isolation in the modern world, where people often seek solace and connection through technology. The repeated questioning of whether the other person is worn out, full of doubt, or "going south" conveys a deep concern for the well-being and emotional state of the individual being addressed. Despite the uncertainties and struggles they may be facing, there is a reassurance that they are not alone in their experiences.
The lyrics further explore the idea of progress being hindered by setbacks and obstacles, with the singer and their companion stumbling through challenges that seem just out of reach. The reference to "all our vices" implies that coping mechanisms and distractions may offer temporary relief but can also contribute to a cycle of crisis and instability. Despite this, there is a glimmer of hope suggested in the notion that they may be better off than they realize, hinting at the potential for growth and understanding hidden within their struggles.
Overall, "Going South" conveys a poignant reflection on the complexities of navigating life's uncertainties and the emotional toll it can take on individuals. Through introspective questioning and a sense of shared experiences, the song captures a universal sense of vulnerability and longing for connection amidst the chaos and challenges of existence. The repeated refrain of "you're not so alone" serves as a comforting reminder that even in moments of doubt and despair, there is a sense of solidarity and empathy that can offer solace and strength to those in need.
Line by Line Meaning
Falling in and out of favor
Experiencing fluctuations in popularity or acceptance
Waiting to get passed over
Anticipating being overlooked or ignored
Never staying right between the lines
Consistently straying from expectations or norms
Falling flat down on our faces
Failing in a manner that is obvious and complete
Never right time or right places
Continually feeling like timing and circumstances are not favorable
Until it hits us right between the eyes
Suddenly becoming aware of a harsh reality
I can see you there
Observing someone's presence
By the glow of your phone
Noticing the light emitted by a mobile device
And I can hear you sigh
Perceiving someone expressing a sign of frustration or weariness
Am I wearing you out?
Wondering if one's actions are causing exhaustion or stress
Are you still full of doubt?
Questioning if doubt or uncertainty persists
Are you going south?
Asking if things are heading in a negative direction
You're not so alone
Assuring the listener of companionship or support in difficult times
One step forward and ten steps backward
Making slow progress due to setbacks or regressions
Stumbling through the thick of it
Navigating through challenges and difficulties clumsily
Goal posts moving just beyond our reach
Finding it challenging to attain set objectives or goals
You and me and all our vices
Acknowledging personal flaws or bad habits
Have come to rescue us from crisis
Realizing that one's faults may unexpectedly provide a solution to a problem
We may be better off than we can see
Suggesting that the situation might not be as dire as it appears
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Tommy Walter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind