In the past two years, Dopapod has firmly planted seeds in music fan’s ears all up and down the East Coast and into the Midwest with their incessant touring schedule. Covering all this ground has seen the young, yet seasoned group make appearances at numerous festivals including Camp Bisco, Mountain Jam, Bonnaroo, Burning Man, Bear Creek, The Big Up, Rootwire, Strangecreek, and more. Their electric live showcase has been cultivating a fast growing, loyal fan base, and seen them share bills with artists such as Lotus, EOTO, John Medeski & Billy Martin, Papadosio, Zach Deputy, Brothers Past, Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, Spam Allstars, Sam Kininger (Lettuce, Soulive), and Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake, & Palmer).
Present Ghosts
Dopapod Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Earths
Ten
Mine
Living for all time
I know I'm bound for sure
Steel, light, and fire
Three present ghosts of hope
On a track, It seems set, It seems set
Wait
Ask the eyes of your neighbor
Gearing up as it comes
One of Earth's and ten of mine
Out is the ready for my passing time
I'm just a fly on a window
Just want to leave but I can't go
One of Earth's and ten of mine
I was ready for my passing time
Hills with clouds blocked by metal
Of the falling lines in the sky
I'm ready, I need a light
I'm ready
I'm just a fly on a window
Just want to leave but I can't go
Just like a moth flying towards the light
I never learn but I still try
I'm just a fly on a window
Just want to leave but I can't go
Just like a moth flying towards the light
It never learns but I still try
The lyrics of "Present Ghosts" by Dopapod touch on themes of mortality, time, and the human experience. The cryptic opening line "one earth, ten mine" suggests a universal sense of ownership and accountability. The following line, "living for all time," speaks to the idea that humans are destined to try and leave lasting legacies, despite the ephemeral nature of life. The singer admits to being "bound for sure," acknowledging their eventual death.
The lyrics then mention "steel, light, and fire," which could be interpreted as symbols of human innovation and progress. The "three present ghosts of hope" might indicate the challenges and obstacles that come with pushing boundaries, but also the possibility of overcoming them. The image of a glowing red sun implies a sense of urgency, as though time is running out.
The next stanza suggests a sense of community, with the singer urging the listener to "ask the eyes of your neighbor." There also seems to be a sense of anticipation, as something approaches ("gearing up as it comes"). The repetition of "one of Earth's and ten of mine" emphasizes the personal stakes involved in whatever is about to happen. The final lines suggest a desire to escape, but a sense of being trapped ("just want to leave but I can't go").
Overall, "Present Ghosts" by Dopapod is a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the human condition, with a focus on the fleeting nature of time and the desire to leave a lasting impact.
Line by Line Meaning
One
I am one with the universe
Earths
I am a part of the natural world
Ten
I am also unique and individual
Mine
I have my own path to follow
Living for all time
My existence transcends beyond death
I know I'm bound for sure
I accept my destiny
Steel, light, and fire
The building blocks of civilization
Three present ghosts of hope
The past, present, and future all offer promise
The red sun glows possibly
There is potential for something great beyond us
On a track, It seems set, It seems set
Sometimes we feel stuck and directionless in life
Wait
Patience is a virtue
Ask the eyes of your neighbor
We should look to those around us for guidance and support
Gearing up as it comes
We must prepare ourselves for whatever the future holds
One of Earth's and ten of mine
My journey is a balance between my place in the world and my individuality
Out is the ready for my passing time
I am at peace with the inevitability of death
I'm just a fly on a window
I am small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things
Just want to leave but I can't go
I feel trapped in my current situation
Hills with clouds blocked by metal
Nature and technology can both be beautiful but also obstruct each other
Of the falling lines in the sky
The natural world has its own patterns and cycles
I'm ready, I need a light
I am prepared for change and growth, but need guidance
Just like a moth flying towards the light
We are drawn to that which can both help and harm us
It never learns but I still try
We are doomed to repeat our mistakes but must keep trying to improve
Contributed by Colton I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.