Current members of Blue October include Justin Furstenfeld (lead vocals), Ryan Delahoussaye (violin/viola, mandolin, keyboards, and vocals), Jeremy Furstenfeld (drums, percussion), Matt Noveskey (bass guitar) and Will Knaak (guitar).
Popularized by their platinum-certified album Foiled (2006), which features the hit singles “Hate Me” and “Into the Ocean,” the group has continued to evolve… shifting from a far more pensive sound to one that is more optimistic and reflective of lead singer/songwriter/guitarist Justin Furstenfeld’s transformation—which will also be the focus of his soon-to-be-released documentary film, I Want It.
Once known for their stormy dynamic and self-destructive tendencies, Blue October couldn’t be more distinct from the band it once was, which is why their latest studio album, I Hope You’re Happy, looks to push the envelope even further with a whole new approach. Justin Furstenfeld is quoted as saying "I think Blue October should never be limited to the instruments we have in the band. I’m always about bringing in whoever can play what’s best for the song in. I’m also a huge fan of Peter Gabriel, and if you were to him all you can have is a guitarist a bassist and a drummer, he’d go “what?!” That’s how I feel. We took all the tools we had gotten from working all these kinds of people over the twenty-year span and made a really good album and we’re super proud of it. It’s nice and colorful and positive and universally themed. It’s something you can really sink your teeth into and not get sick of. You can always discover little new secrets about it along the way."
Their latest album, I Hope You're Happy, was released on August 17, 2018 on the band's own Up/Down Records label and was produced by Justin Furstenfeld and engineer Eric Holtz.
Previous band members have included Liz Mulally, Brant Coulter, Dwayne Casey, Piper Dagnino, Julian Mandrake, CB Hudson and Matthew Ostrander.
Blue October has an official site www.blueoctober.com/.
For the British band, please see Blue October UK
Sweet and Somber Pigeon Wings
Blue October Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't we all recall when mama and papa
Were the sweet toothed christmas ball
I said, picture as holiday family
Yeah of course I was small and I all I knew was my grandpa
But I really didn't know him at all I said,
My blood, my cousins, my calvelry
Yeah a piece of them gone but still I feel them strong
I shout out, I got love for the family!!
Yeah my mother is a doll and my brother can stop any brawl
But uhm, I pucker up I'd like to kiss you all
I said
but open your eyes, a new song cause the family is wrong
So don't lecture me, don't lecture me
But as far as I can see
A step mom yeah the widow's palm is what's crushing me
And this family
it's beyond my time, yeah it's beyond my time
Haaayyyyeah!!
The song "Sweet and Somber Pigeon Wings" by Blue October is an emotional and reflective piece about the complicated dynamics within a family. The opening line of "sweet and somber pigeon wings" sets a gentle and delicate tone for the song while also symbolizing the fragility of the situation at hand. The following lines recall nostalgic memories of childhood and holidays with family. However, the singer acknowledges that they were young and didn't fully understand the complexities of their family.
The chorus expresses love and appreciation for the family, despite their imperfections and struggles. The line "a piece of them gone but still I feel them strong" suggests that even though certain members may no longer be present or involved, their impact and love still resonates. However, in the second verse, there is a shift in tone as the singer speaks of a step-mother and feeling crushed by her presence. The line "don't lecture me" suggests that there may be tensions or disagreements within the family, and the singer feels ostracized or judged.
Overall, "Sweet and Somber Pigeon Wings" is a deeply personal and introspective song that explores the many layers of family dynamics. The singer acknowledges the love and appreciation they have for their family, but also recognizes the challenges and conflicts that are present. The use of symbolism and emotive language adds depth and complexity to the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Sweet and somber pigeon wings
The feeling of bittersweet nostalgia.
Can't we all recall when mama and papa
Remembering the good old days of one's family and childhood.
Were the sweet toothed christmas ball
The happy memories of Christmas holidays.
I said, picture as holiday family
Imagining the perfect family gathering during the holidays.
Yeah of course I was small and I all I knew was my grandpa
Being too young to fully understand family relations and dynamics.
But I really didn't know him at all I said,
Realizing that there were family members who were not fully known or understood.
My blood, my cousins, my calvelry
The importance of family ties and connections.
Yeah a piece of them gone but still I feel them strong
Feeling the absence of some family members but still feeling their presence and influence.
When I reach for david cause my granpa is gone
Turning to other family members for support and comfort after the loss of a loved one.
I shout out, I got love for the family!!
Expressing love and appreciation for the family despite its imperfections.
Yeah my mother is a doll and my brother can stop any brawl
Acknowledging the positive traits of some family members.
But uhm, I pucker up I'd like to kiss you all
Expressing affection and love for the family.
But open your eyes, a new song cause the family is wrong
Realizing that the family is not perfect and needs to change.
So don't lecture me, don't lecture me
Not wanting to hear criticisms or advice about the family.
But as far as I can see
From one's perspective or point of view.
A step mom yeah the widow's palm is what's crushing me
Having difficulty dealing with the new family structure and stepmother.
And this family
Referring to one's own family and its issues and struggles.
it's beyond my time, yeah it's beyond my time
Feeling overwhelmed by the family's problems and unable to deal with them.
Haaayyyyeah!!
An expression of frustration or exasperation.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JUSTIN S FURSTENFELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
BlizzardBeaches
on Congratulations
Spent many nights in 2006 crying myself to sleep listening to this song from Blue October's Foiled album. Although different than the interpreted mean, It helped me realize that often times a relationship is dead long before it's over.