Jon Philpot has previously released music as part of the duo Presocratics, in collaboration with guitarist and composer Need Thomas Windham. Presocratics released two albums on the record label Table of the Elements in 2001; both were produced by Philpot.
The first Bear in Heaven release (Tunes Nextdoor to Songs, Eastern Developments 2003) was an EP of solo recordings by Philpot, recorded in Atlanta, Georgia, with guest musicians performing on various instruments. Shortly after the release of Tunes Nextdoor to Songs, Philpot moved to Brooklyn, New York and joined with guitarist Adam Wills, keyboardist/guitarist Sadek Bazaraa (a graphic designer with Brooklyn design collective GH avisualagency), guitarist David Daniell (of San Agustin), and bassist James Elliott (Ateleia, School of Seven Bells). Eventually drummer Joe Stickney (drummer with Paul Duncan, Rhys Chatham's Essentialist project, and current touring drummer with Panthers) was added to the lineup. Daniell left Bear in Heaven in 2005 to focus on his solo project.
Red Bloom of the Boom, Bear in Heaven's first full-length album with the full band, was released in 2007 by the Hometapes record label.
Elliott left the band after the completion of the recordings of Red Bloom of the Boom to focus on School of Seven Bells and his solo project, Ateleia. Bear in Heaven now performs as a four-piece with Philpot on vocals, guitar and keyboards; Wills on guitar and bass; Bazaraa on bass and keyboards; and Stickney on drums.
Discography
Red Bloom of the Boom - Hometapes CD, 2007
Tunes Nextdoor to Songs - Eastern Developments CDEP, 2003
Beast Rest Forth Mouth - Hometapes
Cool Light
Bear in Heaven Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cool light hanging on
In a sequin coat
Shimmering in the moonlight
Pour through all your sweethearts
Talking to yourself
I might be there hovering just a little bit
I’m watching you
I’m watching you
I’m watching you
Too late now i’m long gone
Talking to myself
Wearing a sequin coat
Shimmering in the moonlight
Warm light washes the sky
You’re weird when he’s around
I might be there hovering just a little bit
I might be there shimmering in the moonlight
I’m watching you
I’m watching you
I’m watching you
And i hope that you don’t mind my looking after
Every moment that I turn around to look at you
The lyrics of Bear in Heaven's song Cool Light seem to be about someone who is watching and admiring another person from a distance. The first verse sets the scene of the person lying in bed with a cool light hanging on, possibly thinking about their love life. The person imagines their lover or past lovers and wonders if they themselves are still in their lover's thoughts, "pour through all your sweethearts, talking to yourself."
The second verse is from the perspective of the unknown admirer, possibly dreaming or wishing to be there with the person they are watching. The lyrics suggest they might be watching from a distance in a sequin coat, which may symbolize something shiny and eye-catching. The person acknowledges that they might not be visible to the one they are watching, yet they still want to be close, "I might be there hovering just a little bit, I might be there shimmering in the moonlight."
The chorus is a repetition of the phrase "I'm watching you," which strengthens the idea of the person being an admirer or possibly a stalker. The third verse switches back to the perspective of the person lying in bed, and the warm light washing the sky could indicate a new beginning, possibly without the lurking admirer. Yet, the previous line "you’re weird when he’s around" suggests that the person may not have entirely moved on.
The final verse echoes the same sentiment as the first, with the addition of hoping that the person being watched doesn't mind. The lyrics suggest that the admirer does not want to be intrusive but can't help watching the person they admire.
Overall, the lyrics of Cool Light are dreamy and almost ethereal, with a touch of sadness and longing. They paint the picture of someone watching from a distance, hoping to be noticed but not wanting to intrude.
Line by Line Meaning
All night in your own bed
Throughout the entire night, you find yourself in your own bed.
Cool light hanging on
The room is illuminated with a calming, cool light.
In a sequin coat
You are dressed in an outfit made of shiny sequins.
Shimmering in the moonlight
Your shiny outfit glistens in the moon's light.
Pour through all your sweethearts
You recall memories of all your past lovers.
Talking to yourself
You find yourself speaking to yourself.
I might be there hovering just a little bit
It is possible that I am there, watching from a short distance away.
I’m watching you
I am keeping an eye on you.
Too late now i’m long gone
It's too late, I have already left and moved on.
Wearing a sequin coat
I am wearing a similar outfit to the one you had on earlier.
Shimmering in the moonlight
My sequin coat is sparkling under the moon's light, just like yours.
Warm light washes the sky
The sky is now illuminated by a warmer, more inviting light.
You’re weird when he’s around
You act differently when you're with your current lover.
And i hope that you don’t mind my looking after
I hope you don't mind me watching out for you.
Every moment that I turn around to look at you
I make sure to pay attention to you every time I glance in your direction.
Contributed by Peyton A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
S96Blue
This took me into another place, another time, another state of existence, so great.
Mike D
Great album. Great vid as always.
Capgungoesbang
Oh yeah! Perfect sync. This really inspires me to make more music videos.
Team Pepsi
+Capgungoesbang
seems its almost unedited - but fits perfect
Antonio Quiroga
I've seen all of your videos
You're awesome...
I can't wait for your next video c:
Greetings from Mexico City
MoiEnNoir
excellent work Dave!
NDE108
Well done David.
AK
This song is so melancholic
phxgator
October 2017 - Shake Shack near Brooklyn Bridge, Sunday afternoon, pouring rain. Very melancholy. This song comes on in the restaurant. How fitting a scene was that?
Jordan A
That's some well synced Aerobicize!