Codeine released their first album Frigid Stars on the German label Glitterhouse in 1990. The album was released on Sub Pop the following year.
Their second release, the Barely Real EP was issued in 1992. Immerwahr rejected several of the songs after the recording session. Some of these songs were re-recorded for the final album. The song w. is a solo performance on piano by David Grubbs (of Bastro, Squirrel Bait and Gastr del Sol). A somewhat different full-band version of the song appears on Codeine's next album, but titled Wird.
Brokaw left the band after the release of Barely Real to play full-time with his other band Come. He was replaced by Douglas Scharin of the band Rex.
Codeine's next and final release was the full-length album The White Birch, released in 1994. David Grubbs also participated on the album. After this release the band broke up. Stephen Immerwahr has since then been playing with the band Raymond, while Douglas Scharin continued in June of 44 and later HiM.
The band reformed in May 2012 for a Mogwai-curated ATP I'll Be Your Mirror in London. They played their final reunion show in July 2012 in New York.
Sea
Codeine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Takes my love from me
And it takes so long
But then I understand
I under...
STAND
Put your hand in my good hand
And it takes so long
But then I understand
I under...
STAND
In Codeine's song Sea, the lyrics are quite metaphorical and poetic in nature. The first line: "A white ship sails on a black sea, takes my love from me" symbolizes the loss of the singer's love or a significant other. The contrast between the white ship and black sea represents the idea of light vs. dark, or hope vs. hopelessness. It suggests that the ship- the hope- is sailing on this dark, bleak ocean and taking away the love that the singer holds dear. It's clear that the separation is painful and the next line "And it takes so long" reinforces that.
However, as the song progresses, we hear a change in tone as the singer begins to "understand" the situation. They don't elaborate on what exactly they understand or come to terms with, but it's apparent that the pain and struggle of the separation have led to newfound clarity. The repetition of "I under... STAND" at the end could signify the completion of this understanding, as though it's slowly dawning on them.
The second half of the song introduces another character, addressed as "you." The line "Put your hand in my good hand, promise not to leave this dry and barren land" highlights a desire for solidarity and reassurance in the midst of what seems to be a bleak and trying period. The repetition of "And it takes so long, but then I understand" bookends the song nicely and reinforces that this painful situation has led to a newfound wisdom.
Line by Line Meaning
A white ship sails on a black sea
A pure and innocent-looking ship is traveling on a mysterious and ominous sea.
Takes my love from me
The ship is taking away the singer's beloved one, and they feel helpless to stop it.
And it takes so long
The process of losing someone is slow and painful, and it feels like it will never end.
But then I understand
After some time has passed, the artist gains a new perspective on the situation.
I under...
STAND
The repetition of 'understand' emphasizes that the artist has come to a deep understanding and acceptance of their loss.
Put your hand in my good hand
The singer is reaching out to someone for comfort and support.
Promise not to leave this dry and barren land
The singer hopes that whoever they are addressing will not abandon them during this difficult time and that they can find a way to endure their pain together.
Contributed by Christian O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
lonewizzard
One of the very greatest live bands that I've ever seen!!!
Ryan Klauk
counting the days until the codeine show. one of my bandmate's favorite bands ever and i love them as well.
Matthieu Leperlier
I used to listen to this band, and especially this song, a lot when I was on opioids.
Brings back memories.
The Hovelists
The couch lock has taken hold and it only made sense to listen to these guys as i melt into the upholstery.
Matthieu Leperlier
Opioids?
Rafaela Ferrada
Todo lo que tiene este tema, esta bien
Effe1⃣7⃣
which are your favourite sadcore/slow-core bands? Mine are Codeine, Bedhead, Macha, Seaworthy, New Year. This Codeine song is amazing.
SKAG ARCADE
A lifetime soundtrack.
Owlenstar
the white birch is also a good band :3
De Grinpipol
they will play @ Primavera Sound this year..we'll see them live!