Adam Roths powerful vocals are backed by a live cello (Alex Ashton), keyboard (David Christensen), guitar (Danny Cocke) bass (Steve Avery) and drums (Chris Brawley), blending together to create a sound that is both dark in tone, yet lyrically powerful.
Their debut CD "The Eyes of Tomorrow," (based on a story written by former guitarist Tony Verdi) was released in September 2007, and guides listeners through a painful story of love and loss. Broken Iris has been gaining momentum and building a faithful following at their live shows, proving that their musical talents are not limited to the recording studio. Broken Iris is currently planning their 2008 tour. .... Synthesis Magazine said, "After winning a highly publicized contest on KWOD 106.5, a local band called "Broken Iris" was the opener of the day for Dave Mathews Band. The Sacramento-based band played an all-too-short set, including the song that won the vote, Beautiful Girl, on the side stage to a large, enthusiastic crowd. In addition to the bass, piano, and guitar, they have a strong drummer, a cellist and an awesome lead vocals. Their lyrics are deep, they harmonize astonishingly well and their style is likely to fall under something like soft, emotional rock. Whatever it is, it works, and they are definitely a band to watch."
^Sight for the sore eyes^
Broken Iris Lyrics
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Others are blind and can feel it
The flame burns as thick as the wick
Dwell in darkness inside, of the withering minds
Is this the part where we start our lives?
What a sight for the sore eyes
To see them shuffle to the back of the line
While they suffer in fear, the marks that we made are so clear
Quivering thoughts now surround you
Engulfed by the times that we undo.
The ties that hold shadows at bay
Are unbound and undone
All but the one
Here comes the part where we start our lives
What a sight for the sore eyes
It's colder in here and it's sobering
To see them shuffle to the back of the line
While they suffer in fear, the marks that we made are so clear
Why does nothing want to make us wanna try?
You're too close to look behind
Just one touch, we could change so much
On the edge I stand preparing to go... But
I feel I've already been here
What a sight for the sore eyes
It's colder in here, it's sobering
To see them shuffle to the back of the line
While they're marching in fear, the marks that were made are so clear
The song "Sight for the sore eyes" by Broken Iris is a contemplative reflection on the human experience of perceiving the world. The first verse acknowledges the diversity of human perception, some relying on physical sight while others can sense things even without vision. The contradiction between being surrounded by light and dwelling in inner darkness is described as being inside of withering minds. The next part of the song seems to be a rhetorical question that the singer asks of themselves, wondering if this is the part where they start their lives.
The chorus of the song shifts from the abstract to concrete images; the feeling of cold described in the chorus is both physical and metaphorical. The shuffle to the back of the line could refer to being marginalized or dismissed in favor of others, while the marks that "we" made could indicate the legacy of the characters in the song. In the second verse, the lyrics become more foreboding, making references to shadows and ties that hold those shadows back. The repetition of the phrase, "Here comes the part where we start our lives" seems almost like a reminder to the self to take action, to make choices that will change the course of one's life. The closing lines of the song are open-ended, leaving the listener to wonder about the significance of the journey the singer has taken.
Line by Line Meaning
Some have to see to believe it
There are people who need visual confirmation to believe in something.
Others are blind and can feel it
Some people don't need to see to believe in something; they can feel it.
The flame burns as thick as the wick
The intensity of the passion or desire is as strong as the source.
Dwell in darkness inside, of the withering minds
There are people whose minds are decaying with negative thoughts and emotions.
Is this the part where we start our lives?
There comes a moment when we start living our lives.
What a sight for the sore eyes
Something pleasant or beautiful to see, especially after having seen ugly things.
It's getting colder in here and it's sobering
The situation is becoming more serious and grave.
To see them shuffle to the back of the line
To witness others who are afraid and retreating.
While they suffer in fear, the marks that we made are so clear
Others who are afraid can see the evidence of one's work or effort.
Quivering thoughts now surround you
Mental hesitation, doubt and fear affect someone's decision-making.
Engulfed by the times that we undo.
Feeling overwhelmed because of past actions and decisions.
The ties that hold shadows at bay
The bonds or connections that keep darkness away or under control.
Are unbound and undone
Those connections have been severed and darkness is no longer under control.
All but the one
Everything is undone except for one thing.
Why does nothing want to make us wanna try?
Why is there no motivation for people to work harder?
You're too close to look behind
When we are too close to a situation, we often cannot see the bigger picture.
Just one touch, we could change so much
Small actions can make a big difference in someone's decision-making.
On the edge I stand preparing to go... But
Someone is getting ready to take a big step, but hesitating.
I feel I've already been here
An experience feels familiar, like it has already been lived before.
While they're marching in fear, the marks that were made are so clear
Others who are afraid can see the evidence of one's work or effort.
Contributed by Allison K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.