Acollective is the resonating echoes of quacking ducks in a sealed room, a … Read Full Bio ↴Acollective is the resonating echoes of quacking ducks in a sealed room, a dual-headed machine of construction-yard-nihilism consuming everything in its path, from banged-up Folk to burned-down Middle-Eastern-Funk, breaking hips and shaking hearts along the way.

Formed in 2008, Acollective was a 7-piece band and social movement, fronted by Roy Rieck and Idan Rabinovici. The band's early shows became a weekly cult gathering in Tel-Aviv, and they were soon playing sold-out shows - establishing a loyal fan-base and gaining critical acclaim and extensive airplay in Israel – all this without any support or plan of any sort. Since 2009 they have toured and lived between Israel, France and the UK, quickly earning a local following and a reputation for show-stopping concerts, wherever they are.

Acollective are a mesmerising live experience, a mayhem of whisky, sweat, and a seemingly infinite arsenal of genres and musical instruments - mixing up boogied-folk, electronic-jazz and a Middle Eastern-bluesy twang. Their distinctive captivating sound and energetic stage presence has led to support slots for Okkervil River and Jose Gonzalez, amongst others, rave reviews in international press (including NME and Filter Magazine), and even a recording session at the Manic Street Preachers' private studio, courtesy of the band.

Acollective's new album - Onwards, produced by Chris Shaw (Bob Dylan, Super Furry Animals, Guillemots, and many more), was released in 2011.

The band declared an indefinite seize of activity by the end of 2019 with two good bye concerts taking place in the Tel Aviv Barby club on the 14/12/2019.

www.joinacollective.com

A Better Man
Acollective Lyrics

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I hope you're breathing well and made it through the flight
I hope you learn to sleep with all these flashing lights
I hope your feet don't hurt, I hope they treat you nice
I hope your teeth won't crack from chewing all this ice

I hear you lost some weight, I bet you're feeling small
I hear you did not hear anything at all
I hear you're already here and you're not letting go

I hear and can see quite clear how it ends up in tears, how it ends up in so and so...

And please wake up a better man
I know you want it too
Turn the rust back into sand
Please wake up a better man
Or else just let me through
I hope you can

So let the bed bugs bite 'till they blood-let the night
And when morning comes, let up, let down, put up a hell of a fight
Hold still, if you will, try to think it through
Hold still - it's just a thrill, the joy of killing you're addicted to
Hold still - for what you spill is best served chilled but has no use

So please wake up a better man,
I know you want it too
Turn the rust back into sand
Please wake up a better man

Or else just let me through
I hope you can

Overall Meaning

In "A Better Man," Acollective addresses someone who has just arrived and wishes them well. They speak of hope that they have slept well, are comfortable, and are safe. The lyrics mention concerns like hurt feet and cracking teeth from chewing ice, indicating a difficult journey. In the second verse, the singer acknowledges that the person may have gone through some troubles, but they haven't let it break them. However, they can see the potential for tears and pain in the future. The chorus pleads for the person to "wake up a better man" and turn their "rust back into sand." The verses that follow hint at violence and addiction, warning the person to "hold still" and think before acting.

The lyrics can be interpreted in different ways, but it seems like the singer is addressing someone who has gone through a difficult experience like a trip or a life change. The hope expressed is that they will come out on the other side a better person, but there are also warnings about potential dangers.

Overall, "A Better Man" is a haunting and atmospheric song that balances hope and dread. It's a unique take on the theme of personal transformation and it leaves the listener with a sense of unease.

Line by Line Meaning

I hope you're breathing well and made it through the flight
I hope you're doing okay and have survived the challenges you faced

I hope you learn to sleep with all these flashing lights
I hope you're able to adapt and find peace amidst the chaos

I hope your feet don't hurt, I hope they treat you nice
I hope you're comfortable and well-treated

I hope your teeth won't crack from chewing all this ice
I hope you won't be pushed beyond your limits and suffer physically

I hear you lost some weight, I bet you're feeling small
I hear that you've struggled and perhaps lost some confidence

I hear you did not hear anything at all
I hear that you've faced some form of silence or rejection

I hear you're already here and you're not letting go
I hear that you're present but struggling to let go of something

I hear and can see quite clear how it ends up in tears, how it ends up in so and so...
I can predict how this situation will end and I'm worried it won't be good

And please wake up a better man
I hope you're able to improve and overcome your challenges

I know you want it too
I believe you desire this as well

Turn the rust back into sand
Find a way to renew and rejuvenate yourself

Or else just let me through
If you can't change, I may have to move on

I hope you can
I have faith that you're capable of growth and change

Let the bed bugs bite 'till they blood-let the night
Endure the difficulties of the night until they're resolved in the morning

And when morning comes, let up, let down, put up a hell of a fight
When daytime arrives, fight fiercely for what you believe in

Hold still, if you will, try to think it through
Take a moment to pause and reconsider your actions

Hold still - it's just a thrill, the joy of killing you're addicted to
You may enjoy causing harm, but it's not a healthy or sustainable way to live

Hold still - for what you spill is best served chilled but has no use
The things you say and do may feel satisfying in the moment, but they won't have a positive impact in the long run

Contributed by Kylie P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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