Wells creates music by blending her many influences. She is a classically-trained violinist with a penchant for hip hop production. Live, Wells creates a lush layer of "symphonies" by looping and live sampling everything from her violin and voice, to her many toys and electronics. She performs both solo, and as a trio with drummer Sam Halterman and bassist Joey Reina, who also appear on her records.
Wells was born in Amarillo, TX and now resides in and tours from Los Angeles, CA. She is, however, moving back to NYC after her upcoming tour.
Symphony 4: America's Mercy War
Emily Wells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
me, America, do you believe in mercy? Penance, I got a penance, but I got no
God, so I won't get no mercy. Money, just makes you hungry. America, there's
your god… I'm a lover like no other, know how to get down on my knees, beggin,
till the morning sings. And even if I board your ship, saunter up with a swollen
lip, bleary eyed and talkin' shit, easily we could lose our grip. So mercy,
mercy, tell the whole world your wide story. Mercy mercy, here's another
allegory. Mercy mercy, Lord Lord have mercy.
The lyrics of Emily Wells's song Symphony 4: America's Mercy War are a commentary on the state of America and its society. The song begins with the repetition of the word 'mercy', as though asking for leniency and compassion from the country. The lyrics imply that America is a place where there is no mercy, and the singer is in dire need of it. The lyrics touch on the concept of penance, indicating that the singer has recognized their wrongdoings but has no belief in God to seek absolution. The song critiques the way money holds power and how it drives people towards greed.
The lyrics go on to show the singer's vulnerability and the willingness to beg for mercy, even if it means lowering themselves. The lyrics also suggest that even if the singer tries to fit in and play along with the society's rules (represented by the ship), they might lose their sense of morality and control. The song's chorus emphasizes the importance of mercy and sharing one's story with the world, suggesting that mercy and compassion should be at the core of all human interactions.
Line by Line Meaning
Mercy, have mercy on me, America you won't get no mercy.
I ask for compassion, but as a country, you refuse to show it.
Mercy, have mercy on me, America, do you believe in mercy?
I plea for mercy, but I wonder if as a nation, you believe in it.
Penance, I got a penance, but I got no God, so I won't get no mercy.
I have punishment to endure, but without a higher power to appeal to, I know I won't receive any mercy.
Money, just makes you hungry. America, there's your god…
Your society is so focused on wealth and power that it has become like a religion to you.
I'm a lover like no other, know how to get down on my knees, beggin, till the morning sings.
I am capable of great love and devotion, willing to humble myself and plead until my voice gives out.
And even if I board your ship, saunter up with a swollen lip, bleary eyed and talkin' shit, easily we could lose our grip.
Even if I try to fit into your society, I know that the slightest mistake or deviation could cause us to lose control.
So mercy, mercy, tell the whole world your wide story.
We need to spread the message of compassion and humanity to the entire world.
Mercy mercy, here's another allegory.
Another tale that serves as an example of the importance of mercy and kindness.
Mercy mercy, Lord Lord have mercy.
A plea for divine intervention and mercy during these troubled times.
Contributed by Maria Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Antti Kantola
Cool to be merciful