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
Deafening Love
Bear in Heaven Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
so deafening I wanna feel it
that’s the scene I
that’s the scene I wanna see it
opposition wanna face it with a missile
that’s the way I
that’s the way I wanna rock it
are you hoping to collide a satellite and change the cycle that you can’t ever seem to get yourself to fuck up
got a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot got a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a
Deafening love
so deafening I wanna feel it
that’s the scene I
that’s the scene I wanna see it
opposition wanna face it with a missile
that’s the way I
that’s the way I wanna rock it
are you hoping we’ll collide, are you wanting to collide
are you hoping we’ll collide, are you hoping to collide
are you wanting to collide, are you hoping we’ll collide
The lyrics of Bear in Heaven's song Deafening Love talk about the desire for an overwhelming love that one can feel and see. The singer of the song is not afraid of facing opposition and wants to rock it in the face of those who try to stop them. The use of the word 'missile' paints a picture of a violent opposition, but the singer still remains steadfast in their desire for love that is deafening.
The second verse talks about a 'floating peace and quiet satellite' that is available for the singer to use and see the places that they might have 'fucked up.' In this context, the satellite could be a metaphor for an opportunity or a person that is available to help the singer chart a better course for themselves. However, the singer is still unsure about whether they want to collide with this satellite or not.
The repetition of the phrase 'are you hoping to collide' in the chorus suggests that the singer is trying to convince themselves to take a chance on this person or opportunity, even if it might be risky. The desire for deafening love is so strong that they are willing to take that risk.
Overall, the lyrics of Deafening Love convey a sense of longing and desire for a love that is all-consuming, even if it means facing opposition or taking risks.
Line by Line Meaning
Deafening love
Intense and all-encompassing love.
so deafening I wanna feel it
The love is so strong that the singer desires to experience it.
that’s the scene I
The singer wishes to witness this powerful love in action.
that’s the scene I wanna see it
The artist expressly desires to see the manifestation of this love.
opposition wanna face it with a missile
The artist is aware that there may be those who would try to destroy or disrupt this love.
that’s the way I
The singer has a clear vision of how they desire to act in the face of opposition.
that’s the way I wanna rock it
The singer wants to stand firm and remain committed to this intense love, regardless of any challenges that may arise.
You’re a floating peace and quiet satellite for us to use and see the places that we really think we might have fucked up
The artist views the person they are addressing as someone who offers them a sense of serenity and perspective, allowing them to assess their mistakes and potentially correct them.
are you hoping to collide a satellite and change the cycle that you can’t ever seem to get yourself to fuck up
The artist questions if the person they are addressing is seeking to disrupt this sense of stability and introspection, potentially causing them to repeat past mistakes.
got a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot got a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot a
Repetition emphasizing the feeling of abundance or excess.
are you hoping we’ll collide, are you wanting to collide
The singer repeats the question, wondering if the person they are addressing is actively seeking conflict.
are you hoping to collide, are you hoping we’ll collide
Further repetition of the question, emphasizing the uncertainty and anxiety the artist feels regarding the other person's intentions.
Contributed by Alexandra O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Thomas Voigt
oh yes! i'd never expected that they'll catch the feeling of the song live, but they managed it. very nice recording!!
Marcus Melvin
Saw them at Pitchfork last Summer in Chicago. AMAZING!!!! It's absurd how full of a sound that comes out of a three piece act.
laurell86
incredible!
NAPLAVA
my god this is good- what are they up to knowadays?
Joel Correa
LOCUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURA!!!
Darin Ledford
AMAZING
MTwoOne
Awesome ... just that.
allthewine
Less than 6,000 views? Jesus
Uhmyeahok
reminds me of janes addiction
avedic
Uhmyeahok To say the least. But....it actually kinda works. The guy clearly has a strong voice. I love this song quite a bit... definite Jane's vibe.