The band quietly disbanded in late 2017.
What Dogs See
Cymbals Eat Guitars Lyrics
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Spawn in the sweet smelling tinder-filled basement
From Prince Edward Island I hitched a long way
Would you turn by some orange grove road?
To a lake in the wilderness shining black
With a silver forest forming our backs
In its depths found a monolith adorned with great paintings
The grey, freezing water, it swirled around, whispering
Tuned from a phonograph, stuck between brain cells for months
Since I heard your voice issue thoughts freezing
I touched the world slowly
Each radial of the spectrum revealed itself to me
Dark matter was illuminated in his extremities
Into this way of being
Serpents writhing on all sides of me
Celestial castles whose spectral planets
Filled gaps between stars in the night sky voids crystallize
This is what dogs see and this is why they obey
Cowering, something just over your shoulder
And this is what dogs see and this is why they obey
Cowering, something just over your shoulder
And this is what dogs see and this is why they obey
Cowering, something just over your shoulder
And this is what dogs see and this is why they obey
Cowering, something just over your shoulder
The lyrics of Cymbals Eat Guitars' song "What Dogs See" are quite abstract and open to interpretation, but there are some clear themes that emerge. The song seems to be about a transcendent experience in nature, where the singer loses themselves in the wilderness and discovers a monolith adorned with wolf paintings. They describe how they touched the world slowly and saw each radial of the spectrum revealed, even dark matter in its extremities. It's a moment of spiritual awakening and enlightenment that seems to transcend language and rational thought.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "this is what dogs see and this is why they obey, cowering, something just over your shoulder." This suggests that dogs have a different experience of the world than humans do, one that perhaps involves more instinct and intuition. The line "cowering, something just over your shoulder" implies that dogs have a sensitivity to danger or other presences that humans don't always share. The singer seems to be suggesting that their own transcendent experience has given them some insight into the way dogs experience the world, and that this insight has humbled them.
Line by Line Meaning
I lost myself in the wild hills
I became completely immersed and lost in nature's beauty and freedom.
Spawn in the sweet smelling tinder-filled basement
Emerging out of a place of renewal and fresh beginnings, surrounded by a fragrant and stimulating environment.
From Prince Edward Island I hitched a long way
I traveled great distances to reach this place, determined to explore and discover its secrets and wonders.
Would you turn by some orange grove road?
Can you visualize a particular path or direction that will lead us to even more treasures and adventures?
To a lake in the wilderness shining black
Arriving at a dark and mysterious lake, hidden away in the midst of untouched nature.
With a silver forest forming our backs
Standing at the edge of a dense forest that seems to protect and watch over us, quietly reflecting the shimmering light of the moon.
In its depths found a monolith adorned with great paintings
Deep within the lake's waters, discovering a magnificent and ancient monument, decorated with skillfully crafted artwork.
Of wolves with yellow little sirens
The paintings depict wolves with hauntingly beautiful and alluring calls, drawing us closer to their mysterious and captivating world.
The grey, freezing water, it swirled around, whispering
The chilly water encircles us, whispering secrets and hidden truths that only the lake's depths can reveal.
Tuned from a phonograph, stuck between brain cells for months
A sound or melody that has been etched into our minds, replaying over and over again, like an old recording on a phonograph.
Since I heard your voice issue thoughts freezing
The sound of your voice causes my mind to freeze, filled with a sense of both wonder and apprehension.
I touched the world slowly
I explore the world with careful, gentle movements, wanting to fully appreciate and understand everything around me.
Each radial of the spectrum revealed itself to me
Every color and shade of light is revealed to me in its full glory, creating a breathtaking display of beauty and wonder.
Dark matter was illuminated in his extremities
Even the shadowy and unknown parts of the universe are brought into focus and revealed to me, becoming just as fascinating and captivating as the rest.
Into this way of being
Embracing this mindset and perspective, fully immersing oneself in this sense of awe and exploration.
Serpents writhing on all sides of me
The beauty and danger of nature is fully present, with snakes and other creatures moving and slithering all around me.
Celestial castles whose spectral planets
The grandeur and mystery of the stars and planets is brought to life, forming vast and magnificent structures in my mind.
Filled gaps between stars in the night sky voids crystallize
Even the empty spaces between stars are filled with wonder and imagination, becoming crystallized and full of beauty and intrigue.
This is what dogs see and this is why they obey
Dogs are often in tune with the mysteries and secrets of nature, following their instincts and submitting to the power and beauty of the world around them.
Cowering, something just over your shoulder
A sense of fear and apprehension, caused by an inexplicable and unseen force lurking just out of sight.
And this is what dogs see and this is why they obey
Dogs are able to sense danger and beauty in ways that humans often are not, leading them to both obey and protect us.
Cowering, something just over your shoulder
Even when we can't see or understand what is happening in the world around us, dogs are able to pick up on even the slightest signs of danger and keep us safe.
And this is what dogs see and this is why they obey
Their instincts and ability to perceive the world in ways that we cannot often leads them to be our most loyal and protective companions.
Cowering, something just over your shoulder
Even when everything seems calm and under control, there may still be hidden threats and dangers that only our dogs can sense, protecting us from harm.
And this is what dogs see and this is why they obey
Their unique view of the world and their inherent understanding of the power and mystery of nature makes them valuable partners and protectors for humans.
Contributed by Hunter D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.