Chimes & Bells is the brainchild of 26 year old Danish singer and cellist C… Read Full Bio ↴Chimes & Bells is the brainchild of 26 year old Danish singer and cellist Cæcilie Trier.

The classically trained multi-instrumentalist has long been a major part of the Copenhagen indie scene, performing with several renowned bands including the highly acclaimed Choir Of Young Believers.

Formed in 2008, Chimes & Bells was quickly signed to local Copenhagen indie label Tigerspring and the debut EP ”Into Pieces Of Wood” was released in Denmark in February 2009 to rave reviews.

The band had played only a handful of shows in their homeland before going to London in early July to perform at The Wireless Festival in Hyde Park and the EP has recently been released in the UK with legendary label Bella Union.

The music of Chimes & Bells defies formal genre definitions, but contains elements of noise rock, art pop, shoegazer and r&b.

On “Into Pieces Of Wood” slow, brooding and circular song structures are seamlessly intertwined with dark, gleaming ”diamond-in-the-rough” pop melodies and climatic explosions of melodic noise rock.

Cæcilies deep, booming, soulful voice – almost a force of nature in itself - combined with the shuffling, gritty and organic groove of the band, creates a massive, yet hauntingly beautiful soundscape, centered around layered vocal harmonies, cello, organ, guitar, bass and drums.

While ”Into Pieces Of Wood” explores a meditative, almost hypnotic feeling, the new and upcoming material embraces pop structures and catchy melodies to a larger degree, and introduces elements of roots r&b and a ramshackle, almost bluesy minimalism.

The band is currently working on new recordings and a full lenght album is expected in early 2010.

Cæcilie Trier has formerly been a member or contributor of several bands including Le Fiasko, Choir of Young Believers, Atoi and Jong Pang.

stand still
Chimes & Bells Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Two feet firm, on top of the ground,
Three steps back, he's sick of it now,
Four men standing, terrified for their lives,
Twenty cigarettes left for the night
And all we are, we are, we are is human
We could leave ourselves today, but it won't change anything
We could leave this all behind, though I know it wouldn't change your mind
We could leave ourselves today, but it won't change anything

We could leave this all behind, though I know it wouldn't change your mind

Keep my peace enough with this place,
All your words are distant and vague,
Distant and vague,
Distant and vague
We could leave ourselves today, but it won't change anything
We could leave this all behind, though I know it wouldn't change your mind

We could leave ourselves today, but it won't change anything
We could leave this all behind, though I know it wouldn't change your mind

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Stand Still" by Chimes & Bells convey a sense of frustration and resignation in the face of an unsatisfying situation. The opening lines describe someone who is firmly grounded but feeling fed up, taking a few steps back and observing the fear in the eyes of others. The mention of cigarettes suggests a moment of pause or reflection during the night.

The chorus emphasizes the human condition, highlighting the universal aspect of our existence. The repetition of "we could leave" suggests a desire for escape or a change, but the lyrics acknowledge that such actions wouldn't actually change anything or alter the other person's perspective. It reflects the realization that sometimes we are trapped in situations and unable to change them, despite our longing for something different.

The second verse continues with the theme of dissatisfaction, as the singer pleads for a sense of peace in their current environment. The words of others are described as distant and vague, suggesting a lack of understanding or connection. The repetition of the phrase "distant and vague" echoes this sentiment.

Overall, "Stand Still" captures the emotions of frustration, resignation, and a desire for change in a situation that seems unchangeable. It explores the human condition and the frustrating realization that there are limits to what we can do to alter our circumstances.

Line by Line Meaning

Two feet firm, on top of the ground,
Standing with stability and confidence in the midst of life's challenges.

Three steps back, he's sick of it now,
Feeling fed up and ready to distance oneself from a situation.

Four men standing, terrified for their lives,
Experiencing intense fear and apprehension about their existence.

Twenty cigarettes left for the night
Having a limited amount of comfort or distraction for the evening.

And all we are, we are, we are is human
Emphasizing our shared humanity and vulnerability.

We could leave ourselves today, but it won't change anything
Recognizing the possibility of escaping our current selves or situations, yet acknowledging that it won't have a meaningful impact.

We could leave this all behind, though I know it wouldn't change your mind
Considering the option to abandon everything, but understanding that it won't alter someone else's perspective or decisions.

Keep my peace enough with this place,
Finding enough contentment and tranquility in the current environment.

All your words are distant and vague,
Feeling disconnected and unclear about the meaning behind someone's words.

We could leave ourselves today, but it won't change anything
Continuing to recognize the possibility of leaving behind one's current self or situation without any significant impact.

We could leave this all behind, though I know it wouldn't change your mind
Acknowledging the option to abandon everything, even though it won't sway someone else's beliefs or decisions.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: William J. Canning, Rimas J. Veselis

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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