Originally hailing from Cape Town, South Africa, Civil Twilight is a power trio that draws parallels with Pilot Speed and is especially known for their similar sound to early U2, Muse, Jeff Buckley, and Radiohead. Their music has been described as having impassioned vocals and stirring, alt-rock songcraft. Brothers Andrew and Steven McKellar were raised in a musical household, having explored their father's jazz collection at a young age while listening to their classically trained mother play piano. In November 1996, Andrew launched a teenaged band with help from his high school classmate, guitarist Richard Wouters. The two scheduled an inaugural rehearsal for the following month; in the interim, Andrew discovered that his younger brother, Steven, could sing and write songs. The three musicians subsequently banded together, with Steven agreeing to master the bass and Wouters giving up the guitar (which Andrew also played) to learn drums.
Their songs have been featured in many TV spots, including One Tree Hill and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. "Quiet In My Town" was prominently featured at the end of Season 6 Episode 3 Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. of One Tree Hill on The CW Network. It played for 6 minutes during the coda – the scene of Quentin's funeral. They have also had songs on Vampire Diaries and the movie, "Underworld: Awakening". "Letters From The Sky" was featured at the end of Episode 11 of Harper's Island, after Wakefield kills Cal and Chloe commits suicide. In addition to this, the song was also featured on Season 7 of One Tree Hill, in the opening scene of the episode, You Are a Runner and I Am My Father's Son. The song has also featured at the end of the film I Am Number Four.
www.civiltwilightband.com
Say Anything
Civil Twilight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you don't wanna know what all of that means
Do you?
Cause you've got something else hidden up your sleeve, I can tell
And I don't wanna know or be part of your show
You do what you have to do
ooh, Cause you will say anything to get your way
Will say anything to make him stay
And that's OK, alright
I saw you walking out to see who's walking in
I saw you walking now, it's a horrible dream hmm
But I think it's sad
Cause you know it's bad, but you just keep pushing and pushing on
Oh, cause you will say anything to get your way
Will say anything to make him stay
Will say anything
And that's ok, alright
So ...
So, I got your message, girl, I got it loud and clear
Ohhh, yes I did
Let's not get on crying just because you think it gets on here
You will say anything to get your way
Will say anything to make Me stay
Say anything and that's OK
Oh you will say anything
Oh you will say anything
Oh you will say anything
Oh you will say anything
And that's all...
That's alright
That's alright
That's OK
Ohhh yeah, that's alright, ohhh yeah
The song "Say Anything" by Civil Twilight is a powerful commentary on the obsessive nature of love and the lengths people will go to in order to maintain it. The opening lines suggest that love is both unpredictable and uncontrollable, much like a string that is tied to the edge of destiny. This imagery sets the tone for the rest of the song, which focuses on the desperate measures people will take to hold onto love, even when it's clearly not healthy.
The singer seems to be addressing someone who has gone to great lengths to keep their relationship intact. He acknowledges this person's cunning and manipulation, but he doesn't want any part of it. He's content to walk away and let the other person continue to say anything to get what they want. The chorus emphasizes this point, suggesting that their actions are okay, even though they're clearly not.
The second verse takes a more melancholy tone, as the singer watches the other person continue to grasp onto a relationship that is clearly not working. The metaphor of walking out to see who's walking in suggests that this person is desperate for any sort of attention or affection, regardless of the source. Again, the singer acknowledges the tragic nature of the situation but is unwilling to intervene. He understands that the other person will continue to say anything to keep things going, even as he's forced to walk away.
Overall, "Say Anything" is a poignant commentary on the unhealthy side of love and the ways in which people will deceive themselves and others in order to hold onto it. The melody and lyrics work beautifully together to create a haunting, unsettling atmosphere that perfectly captures the song's theme.
Line by Line Meaning
Love is like a string tied into the edge of destiny
Love is a force that connects people's futures together, just like a string attaching two points.
But you don't wanna know what all of that means
You are not interested in the deeper meaning of love or relationships.
Cause you've got something else hidden up your sleeve, I can tell
You have a secret or ulterior motive that you aren't revealing.
And I don't wanna know or be part of your show
I don't want to be involved in your deceitful plans or drama.
You do what you have to do
You will take whatever actions necessary to get what you want.
Cause you will say anything to get your way
You are willing to lie or manipulate in order to achieve your goals.
Will say anything to make him stay
You are willing to tell lies to keep someone in your life.
I saw you walking out to see who's walking in
You are always looking for new people or opportunities to manipulate.
I saw you walking now, it's a horrible dream
It is a nightmare to realize how manipulative you are.
Cause you know it's bad, but you just keep pushing and pushing on
You are aware that your actions are harmful, but you continue to act selfishly.
So, I got your message, girl, I got it loud and clear
I understand what you are trying to do, but I don't want to be part of it.
Let's not get on crying just because you think it gets on here
Don't try to use pity or tears to influence me.
Will say anything to make Me stay
You are willing to lie or manipulate to keep me in your life.
Say anything and that's OK
You think it's acceptable to be dishonest or manipulative.
Oh you will say anything
You have a history of being untruthful and manipulative.
And that's all... That's alright That's alright That's OK Ohhh yeah, that's alright, ohhh yeah
You are okay with your actions and their consequences, even if they are hurtful to others.
Writer(s): Andrew Mckellar, Richard Wouters, Steven Mckellar
Contributed by Victoria B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@sweetbabylips
that's very great! If you love that kind of music you'll probably love the group : The Perisher !!
@MrsCT10511
This song sooo gets my blood pumping everytime i hear it..like an adrenaline rush :P
@MedalofPorno
Very beautiful and unique, they will soon become popular band!
@Shiek200
@ReverieInvictus I like being able to tell my friends "I like Civil Twilight" when we're talking about music, and they're all "who?" It's a nice feeling to introduce good music to people who don't know about it.
@CHRISTHEAVEN1231
perfection...
@WallaceTexas
this is not a knock... but listen to this song and then listen to Travis - Something Anything Awesome. Love both of them
@mw2addict1212
This is sick, epic, awesome, cool, amazing, spectacular, extrodinary,(don't think i spelt that right) and all of the above!!!
@johnnydepp1012
This song describes a sister of mine! what a cold B!
@larballoon
Civil Twilight is superfabulosis, and I'm cheesy (smoked gouda variety).
@megsGIRxx
civil twilight is the shit!