After acrimonious fighting with that label and changing music times, the group broke off and has since released multiple independent albums to a devoted following of synthpop fans. They've also incorporated more industrial and techno influences. 1990's 'Peace' was notably followed up by 1993's 'Hope'.
As time went on, their music has received some critical acclaim. Their 2001 album 'Worth, which was recorded in 1991 but released later for legal reasons, is named by Allmusic as "one of the most beautifully dark synth-pop albums ever made." The band garnered attention for releasing a free EP entirely in MP3 format in 2003 as well.
Their official site is www.anythingbox.com, which contains several free song downloads. They also have an active MySpace page at www.myspace.com/anythingbox.
These titles are all available on iTunes digitally as stated, or on CD:
Elektrodelica (iTunes)
Hope V3(iTunes)
Worth V2 (iTunes + CdBaby.com)
Peace(iTunes + Most Retail Stores)
Recovered 1993-1995 (iTunes + CDBaby.com)
The Universe Is Expanding (iTunes)
The Effects of Stereo TV (iTunes + CDBaby.com)
100% Air-Friendly Groove Pak (iTunes + CDBaby.com)
The Diary 'Page One'(iTunes)
The Diary 'Separate'(iTunes + CDBaby.com)
Carmen
Anything Box Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
At the grey house by the bridge
At the edge of the empty world
Carmen's the name
That evokes the fear and shame
From the people that she left behind
To live her life so free
Although many people wanted to clip her wings
She ran away
She broke away the chains
That they wrapped around her heart
The people said, out of all the things she's done
The worst one was just leaving without saying goodbye
The people said, out of all the things she's done
The worst one was just leaving without saying goodbye
Goodbye (say goodbye)
Goodbye (say goodbye)
Carmen
The voices cry out
Carmen
The voices die out
Carmen
The voices cry out
Carmen
The voices die out
(Oh, oh, oh)
(Oh, oh, oh)
(Oh, oh, oh)
(Oh)
Carmen
The voices cried out
Carmen
The voices died out
The song Carmen by Anything Box is a melancholic and empathetic tribute to a girl who broke free from the confines of her hometown and society. The song speaks of a girl named Carmen who used to live at the grey house by the bridge, which was located at the edge of the empty world. The mention of the "empty world" could refer to how the world seems to be empty and meaningless for Carmen's community, which is why they cling to their conventions so tightly. The song goes on to explain how Carmen left her hometown, and the people she left behind have a fear and shame that comes with her name. This fear and shame may have stemmed from the fact that Carmen’s daring act of pursuing her dreams went against the traditional values of her community.
The song reflects on the fact that Carmen had the courage to live her life on her own terms, but this freedom came at a cost. The people who wanted to clip her wings represent the society that she left behind. The chains that they wrapped around her heart could refer to the emotional burden that they put on her. Through the lyrics, it is apparent that Carmen fought against society's expectations and decided to follow her own path. People were resentful of her leaving without saying goodbye, and this absence was the worst thing she did. The chorus of "Carmen, the voices cried out/Carmen, the voices died out" could be interpreted as the voices of society reverberating long after she left.
Line by Line Meaning
There was a girl who used to live
The story is about a girl who used to live in a place mentioned in the next line.
At the grey house by the bridge
The girl used to live in a gray house located near a bridge.
At the edge of the empty world
The girl's house was located at the edge of the world, which was empty and deserted.
Carmen's the name
The girl's name is Carmen.
That evokes the fear and shame
The name Carmen makes people feel scared and ashamed.
From the people that she left behind
Carmen left behind some people who are now feeling scared and ashamed because of her name.
She had the spirit
Carmen possessed a strong spirit.
To live her life so free
She had the willpower to live her life freely, without worrying about anyone else's opinions.
Although many people wanted to clip her wings
Despite the fact that many people tried to limit her freedom, Carmen refused to be held back.
She ran away
Carmen escaped and left the place where she used to live.
She broke away the chains
Carmen broke free from the chains that bound her, both physically and mentally.
That they wrapped around her heart
The people had emotionally tied her down and controlled her life, but Carmen managed to break free from their grasp.
The people said, out of all the things she's done
People were criticizing Carmen for many things she had done in the past.
The worst one was just leaving without saying goodbye
Of all the actions taken by Carmen, leaving without saying goodbye was considered the worst one by the people.
Goodbye (say goodbye)
The people wanted Carmen to say goodbye before she left.
Carmen
The people are calling and thinking about Carmen.
The voices cry out
The people are screaming and shouting Carmen's name.
The voices die out
As time passes, people gradually stop calling for Carmen.
(Oh, oh, oh)
A sound effect used in the song.
(Oh)
A sound effect used in the song.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STRILIO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind