Amplifier is a British alternative rock/progressive rock band from Manchest… Read Full Bio ↴Amplifier is a British alternative rock/progressive rock band from Manchester, United Kingdom. The band has released four albums and four EPs since its inception in 1999. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2004 by Music for Nations. Their second album, Insider was released in Europe in 2006 on the SPV label. Their third album, The Octopus, was released to fans in December 2010 ahead of a full release in January 2011.

The band's sound has been described as "Soundgarden, Tool, Black Sabbath, Oceansize and Pink Floyd taking copious amounts of mind-altering substances and venturing on a trip through time and space (to another dimension), and back again." Their music is characterised by guitarist Sel Balamir's effects pedals, extended heavy sections, atmospheric compositions and philosophical lyrics.

https://www.amplifierband.com/

On/Off
Amplifier Lyrics

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Flicker television.
Like something that is breathing.
I'm dead in bubblegum
And wishing you were here.

You're where the rain doesn't pour,
It just floods down.
But in the places where the insects die.

In the blinking of an eye, we'll be.
We'll be.

Switching on and off, on/off.
Switching on and off, on/off.
Switching on and off, on/off.
Switching off, on/off.

Don't you know we'll be.
Don't you know we'll be? Yeah, yeah.

Watching all the ash fall.
It's just like cigarette snow.
And when I'm stoned
I'm missing you my dear.

And then the light,
Yeah, well it's telling me that I'm alive.
It's telling me that I'm alive.
And you know that I'll be.
I'll be with you.
I'll be with you.

Switching on and off, on/off.
Switching on and off, on yeah
Switching on and off, on/off.
Yes I'll be.
Switching on and off, on/off.
You know we'll be.
Switching on and off, on/off.
You know we'll be, be, be, be

Don't you know, we'll be.
You know that we'll be. Oh oh oh.

Don't you know we'll be? Oh oh oh.
You know that we'll be! Oh oh oh...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Amplifier's song, "On/Off" evoke an intense sense of longing and nostalgia. The first verse starts with the line, "Flicker television/ Like something that is breathing," describing how the TV set flickers on and off, resembling breathing. The following line, "I'm dead in bubblegum/ And wishing you were here," suggests a feeling of disconnection and longing for someone who is not there.

The chorus of the song, "Switching on and off, on/off," repeats several times in a hypnotic and almost trance-inducing way. The lyrics depict a sense of being lost and disconnected, with the repetition of "switching on and off" symbolizing an attempt to connect with someone or something.

The second verse maintains the themes of loss and longing, as well as the sense of disconnection from reality. "Watching all the ash fall/ It's just like cigarette snow," creates a melancholic image of falling ash. The line, "And when I'm stoned/ I'm missing you my dear," creates a sense of longing and pain that amplifies the feeling of disconnection that runs throughout the song.

Overall, "On/Off" is a song that explores the feelings of loss and disconnection that are part of the human experience. Whether it's flickering TV sets or falling ash, this song portrays these emotions in a unique and intense way.

Contributed by Samantha L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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