Pyle was born and raised in Colorado but got a rolling start in music after moving to New York City to attend New York University. Her first band Chumped, released its debut EP & LP to critical acclaim before disbanding in 2015. From there, Pyle started her second, more indie-rock project katie ellen and in 2019 she released a collaborative EP with fellow songwriters Augusta Koch (Gladie, Cayetana) and Sheena Ozzella (Lemuria) on Asian Man Records. She has performed in the US, Canada, Europe and West Africa and has sang for studios, television and film, including writing and performing original music for 'Her Smell' starring Elisabeth Moss.
Anika has pivoted significantly in her recent work, exploring a more intimate, downtempo sound akin to the likes of Sharon Van Etten, Mount Eerie and even Billie Eilish. Wild River, her debut solo record, is a quiet collection of song and poetry making sense of the sudden death of her father in October of 2019 through the lens of radical acceptance, intergenerational trauma and the inherent cyclicality of nature.
The content of her songs remains deeply emotive and personal, her ability to tap into a well of vulnerability and the human experience her greatest creative asset.
Emerald City
Anika Pyle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rounding the curve straight into a canyon
Where the Earth briefly cracked open
Let us in on its infrared secret
All sapphire and spilled out
Glimmering like the way you look at me
When no one else can see
When no one else can see
On the seam of the sky or the ocean from the airplane
You know the realness of it
But can't ever grasp the infinite depth
Thus rendering that which is right in front of you
Seeing into you and your tiny dreams and intentions
Somehow completely otherworldly
Pure and above it all the plans and the details
The missed opportunities
The voodoo of scheduling
If only the Earth right here right now
Would answer when I ask it
"Why can't I have the things that I'm after?"
I think it might say
"Look up you dummy"
The first verse sets the stage for the song's narrative as the singer embarks on a journey from the east coast to the west coast, specifically Seattle, via the I-90 West highway. As they approach Seattle, they describe the landscape as a canyon, emphasizing the awe and grandeur of the natural surroundings. The mention of the Earth cracking open and revealing its "infrared secret" suggests a hidden beauty or truth that is only accessible to those who pay close attention.
The lyrics then shift to a metaphorical comparison between the glimmering sapphire hues of this secret and the way someone looks at the singer. This person's gaze holds a sense of intimacy and understanding that is unique to their connection. It's a look that goes unnoticed by others, hidden from prying eyes. The reference to the distance of the mountains and the seam of the sky or ocean from an airplane conveys the vastness and depth of this connection, beyond comprehension.
Despite the depth and realness of this connection, the singer acknowledges their inability to fully grasp the infinite nature of it. They long to understand the true essence of this profound bond, while recognizing its otherworldly qualities. The lyric suggests that this connection is pure and transcendent, detached from mundane plans, missed opportunities, and the trivialities of everyday life. It's a glimpse into a realm that exists outside of our limited human experiences.
The final lines of the verse contemplate the singer's desires and aspirations. They express a sense of frustration and yearning for the things they desire, questioning why they can't attain them. In response, the Earth is imagined as a conscious entity that could potentially provide an answer. The singer wonders why they can't have what they desire, only to potentially receive a response from the Earth, instructing them to "look up." This message could be interpreted as a reminder to shift their perspective, to focus on the greater, more profound aspects of life rather than getting too caught up in personal desires.
Line by Line Meaning
I-90 West to Seattle
Embarking on a journey towards an elusive destination
Rounding the curve straight into a canyon
Encountering unexpected challenges and obstacles
Where the Earth briefly cracked open
A moment of revelation or insight
Let us in on its infrared secret
Sharing a hidden truth or knowledge
All sapphire and spilled out
Radiating with brilliance and overflowing with emotion
Glimmering like the way you look at me
Reflecting a special and intimate connection
When no one else can see
In moments of privacy and vulnerability
True and blue like the distance of the mountains
A steadfast and unwavering presence like the vastness of nature
On the seam of the sky or the ocean from the airplane
At the boundary between different realms or perspectives
You know the realness of it
Having a deep understanding of its authenticity
But can't ever grasp the infinite depth
Unable to fully comprehend its limitless significance
Thus rendering that which is right in front of you
Making the present moment elusive and fleeting
Seeing into you and your tiny dreams and intentions
Perceiving your innermost desires and aspirations
Somehow completely otherworldly
Transcending ordinary experiences
Pure and above it all the plans and the details
Untouched and unaffected by mundane concerns
The missed opportunities
Regrets for chances not taken
The voodoo of scheduling
The mysterious influence of time management
If only the Earth right here right now
Desiring the immediate fulfillment of desires
Would answer when I ask it
Responding to the quest for answers and guidance
"Why can't I have the things that I'm after?"
Questioning the obstacles preventing desired aspirations
I think it might say
Speculating on the Earth's response
"Look up you dummy"
Directing attention to the awe-inspiring beauty and possibilities above
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Anika Pyle
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind