When they released their first independent album in 2007, Schneit chose to work under the moniker Air Waves, a name inspired by a Guided by Voices song. Their talent for an easy melody and a slightly scuffed-up pop sound earned some early admirers including Dan Deacon, who once referred to their music as "a favorite blanket wrapped around you." Influenced by acts like the Clean, the Velvet Underground, and Neil Young, Air Waves' blend of folk, country, and lo-fi indie rock caught the ear of the New Jersey-based Underwater Peoples label, which released Schneit's second LP, Dungeon Dots, in 2010. The album was recorded by Kevin McMahon at Marcata Recording, the Walkmen's home studio, and featured a guest vocal by fellow Brooklyn songstress Sharon Van Etten. Following an extensive tour schedule, Schneit took their time writing a follow-up album, eventually working with Woods member Jarvis Taveniere to record 2015's Parting Glances, Air Waves' third LP and first for Austin-based label Western Vinyl. Three years later, Schneit's songwriting took on more overtly political tones on Warrior. With themes ranging from human rights and LGBTQ issues to her mother's battle with cancer, it was Air Waves' most personal record to date.
Schneit remained active over the next fe w years, working on new material at Brooklyn's Figure 8 Studios with collaborators including Luke Temple, Cass McCombs, and Fleet Foxes' Skyler Skjelset. After signing a deal with Fire Records, Air Waves delivered their fifth LP, 2022's The Dance.
Biography by Timothy Monger
shine On
Air Waves Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
your marching troops were proud of what you've done this far.
when you shine on, shine on.
when you shine on, shine on.
thinking of me.
it was my duty to be on time.
never expected you to believe me.
when i said that dino's never die.
when you shine on, shine on.
thinking of me.
you came from richer things.
drown with you in oceans for two years and three days.
when you shine on, shine on.
when you shine on, shine on.
thinking of me.
when you shine on, shine on.
when you shine on, shine on.
thinking of me.
The lyrics of "Shine On" by Air Waves reflect the aftermath of the loss of a loved one. The opening line, "I lost someone this year, you gained a star" hints at the idea that the person who passed away is now a 'star' in the sky. The next line, "your marching troops were proud of what you've done this far," could be referring to the deceased's accomplishments in life and the pride that their friends, family, or colleagues had for them. The repetition of "when you shine on, shine on" is likely meant to represent the idea of the deceased still shining on and being remembered despite being physically gone. The repeated line, "thinking of me" may indicate that the singer is reminiscing about their relationship with the deceased.
The next verse could be interpreted as the singer's regrets about their relationship with the deceased. It seems like there was some sort of obligation that the singer had to fulfill that caused them to be late, but the deceased never believed them. "When I said that Dino's never die" is a curious line that could represent the idea of the deceased living on in memory or the singer speaking in metaphorical terms about the concept of immortality. The chorus repeats the same messages of the deceased still shining on and the singer thinking of them.
The final verse of the song is especially melancholic as the singer states that the deceased came from "richer things" which could suggest that they were better off in life in some way. The line "drown with you in oceans for two years and three days" is ambiguous - it could be a hyperbolic way of saying that the singer would have done anything for the deceased or could be an actual event that took place between the two of them. The final chorus again repeats the same message of the deceased's enduring light and the singer remembering them.
Overall, the song seems to be about coming to terms with a significant loss while also stressing the importance of continuing to remember and honor the person who has passed away.
Line by Line Meaning
i lost someone this year, you gained a star.
I experienced the death of a loved one, and in turn, they became a shining star in the sky.
your marching troops were proud of what you've done this far.
The people who support and follow you are proud of all that you have accomplished up until this point.
when you shine on, shine on.
Keep shining bright and never dim your light.
thinking of me.
Even as you continue to succeed and shine, please remember me and our shared experiences.
it was my duty to be on time.
I had a responsibility to be punctual and reliable.
never expected you to believe me.
I didn't anticipate that you would trust me or have faith in my abilities.
when i said that dino's never die.
When I claimed that something or someone would always exist, even after seemingly disappearing or ceasing to exist.
you came from richer things.
You were born into a more privileged and advantaged background.
drown with you in oceans for two years and three days.
I would willingly and wholeheartedly spend an extended period of time with you, even if it meant being immersed in difficulties or challenges.
when you shine on, shine on.
Continue to shine your light and remain confident in yourself and your abilities.
when you shine on, shine on.
Don't let anyone or anything dim or discourage your brightness and success.
thinking of me.
Even as you progress and achieve more, please don't forget the bond and memories we share.
Contributed by Bailey B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.