Absynthe Minded originally formed in 1999 as a one man band. Singer/guitarist Bert Ostyn recorded the first demos solo in his bedroom in Ghent. In 2002 Ostyn recruited Renaud Ghilbert (violin, trumpet, percussion), Sergej Van Bouwel (bass, contrabass) and Jan Duthoy (Hammond, piano) to form the Absynthe Minded Quartet, shortly Absynthe Minded. The History Makes Science Fiction EP (2003) was their first release on the independent Keremos label.
One year later the band finished second the infamous Belgian rock contest Humo's Rock Rally, which gathered them a serious amount of media coverage. After the addition of drummer Jakob Nachtergaele to its line-up, Absynthe Minded released their first full length Acquired Taste later that year to much critical acclaim.
Their sophomore album New Day was released only a year later. With the succes of hit-single My Heroics, Part One, Absynthe Minded start touring Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany. They also supported dEUS on their European tour.
For the release of their next albums There Is Nothing (2007) and the self-titled Absynthe Minded (2009), the band signed with Universal.
In february 2015 Absynthe Minded announced their split, due to solo ambitions of Ostyn.
Smoke gets in your eyes
Absynthe Minded Lyrics
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What is left is worth
Much more than that what you expected
Of dust and bones, the core
If you're searching and somebody finds you
What you're gonna get?
Take it in and breathe it out
No one's better of without
Aaah, that's how it is
Oooh, now give me a kiss
Aaah, that's how it is
Oooh, now give me a kiss
It took a while before I got it
There is a gap to fill
This can make us stronger,
Be this as it may, it will
If you want a different answer
Don't ignore that vibe
I can't tell you that I miss you,
No that river I won't dive in
Aaah, that's how it is
Oooh, now give me a kiss
Aaah, that's how it is
Oooh, now give me a kiss
Aaah, that's how it is
Oooh, now give me a kiss
Aaah, that's how it is
Oooh, now give me a kiss
The lyrics to Absynthe Minded's "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" are about the search for understanding and the value of what is left behind. The first verse acknowledges the irony of gaining understanding when what is left is worth much more than what was expected. The mention of "dust and bones" refers to the core, or the essence of what remains after everything else has been stripped away.
The second verse talks about the importance of acknowledging and filling the gap in order to become stronger. The lyrics encourage listeners to pay attention to their gut feelings (the "vibe") and to seek different answers if they are not satisfied with the ones they have. The line "I can't tell you that I miss you, no that river I won't dive in" suggests that there are some things that are better off left unexplored.
The chorus repeats the phrases "Aaah, that's how it is, Oooh, now give me a kiss" several times. The repetition of these lines could be interpreted in different ways, but it seems to suggest that the singer has come to a realization about the nature of things and is now seeking a connection with someone else.
Line by Line Meaning
It's funny, this is understanding
It's amusing how one's comprehension can bring about a realization.
What is left is worth
The remaining things in life may have more value than what was previously thought.
Much more than that what you expected
These things exceed any initial hopes or predictions one may have had.
Of dust and bones, the core
The essential part of something, despite being fragile and temporary like dust and bones.
If you're searching and somebody finds you
When someone comes across you while searching, what will you gain?
What you're gonna get?
What is the end result of someone discovering you during your search?
Take it in and breathe it out
Accept the outcome and move on from it.
No one's better of without
Everyone benefits from the presence and experiences of others.
It took a while before I got it
It took some time before I could fully comprehend the situation.
There is a gap to fill
There is something missing that needs to be addressed.
This can make us stronger,
Addressing the issue can lead to emotional fortitude and growth.
Be this as it may, it will
The situation is what it is and we must accept it.
If you want a different answer
If you desire a different outcome, a change in approach is necessary.
Don't ignore that vibe
Pay attention to the gut feeling or intuition about the situation.
I can't tell you that I miss you,
I cannot express feelings of longing for you.
No that river I won't dive in
I will not get in too deep and risk getting hurt.
Aaah, that's how it is
A resigned acceptance of the way things are.
Oooh, now give me a kiss
The desire for an intimate moment despite the acceptance of the situation.
Contributed by Juliana R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.