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
Wholehearted Mess
Bear in Heaven Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The exit isn't too far
No don't be upset
We'll make it down to that tree
We'll lay back in the shaded green grass
We'll listen to the pond
We'll think of all the fun we will have in our lives now
Come on please
I know I've lied before
But this time I mean it
This time I mean it
When will someone care?
Dig out (x 11)
Hey girl, don't turn the knife into my heart
Building a park of love that runs so far
Go on and dream of the time we all ran
That all the grass that went all down
Someone embedded the knife who came
Smoke detectors will slowly ring
Go on and dream of the time we all ran
When I like grass became alive
You are the product of the great ring up
I was just managed from your wayward son
Go on and change the time we all ran
And like the girls you'll be alright
And don't forget to forget my name
This is the last song you'll want to sing
Just forget me
You don't know me
Just forget me
You don't know me
Just forget me
You don't know me
Just forget me...
The lyrics of Bear in Heaven's song Wholehearted Mess signify a sense of optimism and new beginnings while acknowledging previous mistakes. The song starts with an invitation to walk down the highway and forget about the past. The singer assures the listener that they will make it to the tree and relax in the shade while listening to the pond. They promise to prioritize fun and emphasize how much they mean what they say.
The song then goes on to describe a dream or a memory where love runs so far, and they all run through grass that "became alive." The lyrics suggest that someone may have hurt the singer or embedded a knife in their heart, but they urge the listener to "forget me" and move on.
Overall, the lyrics of Wholehearted Mess offer a ray of hope by encouraging listeners to leave past mistakes behind and embrace new beginnings. It is a call to action to prioritize happiness while acknowledging previous mistakes and hurts.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's walk down the highway
Let's embark on a journey towards a new beginning.
The exit isn't too far
Our destination is within our reach.
No don't be upset
There is no need to feel sad or worried about the future.
We'll make it down to that tree
We will reach our goal and find peace under the shelter of the tree.
We'll lay back in the shaded green grass
We'll take a moment to relax and enjoy the beauty of the environment.
We'll listen to the pond
We'll appreciate the serene sounds of nature.
We'll think of all the fun we will have in our lives now
We'll envision a bright future ahead filled with happiness and excitement.
Come on please
Let's move forward with hope and optimism.
I know I've lied before
I have made mistakes in the past.
But this time I mean it
I am sincere in my intentions this time.
When will someone care?
When will someone show me the love and attention that I desire?
Dig out (x 11)
Break free from negative thoughts and emotions that have been holding you back.
Hey girl, don't turn the knife into my heart
Please don't hurt me more than you already have.
Building a park of love that runs so far
Creating a grand vision of love that extends beyond the present moment.
Go on and dream of the time we all ran
Allow yourself to imagine a time of freedom and regeneration.
That all the grass that went all down
The growth and abundance that permeates the environment around us.
Someone embedded the knife who came
Someone has caused me pain and suffering in the past.
Smoke detectors will slowly ring
Warnings signs are present, indicating the possibility of danger or harm.
When I like grass became alive
When I awaken to the beauty and potential of the world around me.
You are the product of the great ring up
You are shaped and influenced by the world around you.
I was just managed from your wayward son
I was guided and controlled by someone who did not have my best interests at heart.
And like the girls you'll be alright
Just like the young women around you, you too will overcome your struggles and thrive.
Go on and change the time we all ran
Embrace the power to change the past and create a better future.
And don't forget to forget my name
As you move forward and pursue a bright future, leave behind any negativity associated with my name.
This is the last song you'll want to sing
Let this be the end of any sadness or negativity in your life.
Just forget me
Take control of your life and leave any negative influences behind in the past.
You don't know me
I am not the same person I was before, and you should not judge me by my past.
Just forget me...
Let me be in your rearview mirror as you move forward towards happiness and success.
Contributed by Mackenzie T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.