In 1996 she moved to Chicago after signing to the city's Drag City label, which released her demo as a self-titled EP. Debut album Calling Over Time was released in 1997, and has been followed by Telescopic (1998), Wonder Wonder (2001) and It's a Game (2005). All were produced by Rian Murphy except Telescopic, which was produced by Neil Hagerty and Jennifer Herrema from the band Royal Trux; Wonder Wonder was engineered by Steve Albini. Frost relocated to the San Francisco Bay town of Albany in 2006.
Ancestors
Edith Frost Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When we go to glory
When our time is over
Will we stand unspoken for
When the light becomes too blinding
When my ancestors come to meet me
They may look on my enemies kindly
When my life becomes a memory
Will my ancestors meet me up there
They may look upon me
They may take it badly
All the men I used to love
All the things they won't approve of
When my ancestors come to meet me
Well I hope that they welcome me there
They'll forgive me forgetting their names
When the place becomes too frightening
Will my ancestors meet me up there
The song Ancestors by Edith Frost explores the idea of meeting one's ancestors in the afterlife and being judged for the actions taken during the lifetime. The opening lines suggest uncertainty and fear regarding the judgment passed when the time comes to leave the material world. The use of the word 'unspoken for' implies potential guilt or regret for not having lived up to the expectations of one's ancestors.
The song then moves on to a hypothetical conversation with the ancestors, where the singer fears judgment for having indulged in drugs and having loved men who may not have been approved of by the ancestors. This highlights the moral and cultural differences that may exist between different generations and how one's actions may be judged based on those differences. The singer hopes for forgiveness and acceptance from the ancestors, for even forgetting their names.
The entire song encapsulates the idea of coming to terms with the consequences of one's actions and fearing the judgment that may be passed by one's ancestors. It is a haunting reflection on mortality and the importance of living up to the expectations of the generations that came before.
Line by Line Meaning
When we go to glory
As we come to the end of our lives and face judgement
When our time is over
As our time on earth comes to a close
Will we stand unspoken for
Will we be left without a voice to defend ourselves
When the light becomes too blinding
When faced with overwhelming truth or knowledge
When my ancestors come to meet me
As I come face to face with my ancestors in the afterlife
They'll have questions about my drugging
They may ask me to account for my drug use
They may look on my enemies kindly
They may show mercy to those I saw as enemies
When my life becomes a memory
After I have died and my life is seen in retrospect
Will my ancestors meet me up there
Will I be welcomed into the afterlife by my ancestors
They may look upon me
My ancestors may judge me
They may take it badly
They may be upset or disappointed by my actions
All the men I used to love
My ancestors may judge my romantic choices
All the things they won't approve of
My ancestors may disapprove of my actions or beliefs
Well I hope that they welcome me there
I hope to be welcomed by my ancestors in the afterlife
They'll forgive me forgetting their names
My ancestors may show mercy for my forgetfulness
When the place becomes too frightening
When faced with a daunting or scary situation
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BJORK GUDMUNDSDOTTIR, TAGAQ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
stormybrow
This has been one of those enduring songs that I've returned to time and again since I've heard it. Always so haunting and lovely. Thank you!
Screamer Slice
love it , beautiful song
birthdaynick80
It takes you to a darker place and shines a warm silent light
maegan rasmussen
where are you ef? You are the magic that is missing and the sound of every little thing, quietly singing.
Edith Frost
I'm on Twitter :-)