Since forming in Brighton in 2008, Esben and the Witch have had just a few releases behind them including "Lucia, at the Precipice" from February 2010 - and have had positive press support from NME, Pitchfork Media and The Guardian, plus experience of concerts alongside Warpaint, The xx, Wild Beasts, Foals and The Big Pink.
In May 2010 the band contributed to the London edition of The Creators Project, warping one of 33's tracks, "Corridors", into an eighteen-minute soundscape to soundtrack artist Karl Sadler's lit forest installation.
On October 19th 2010 it was revealed that the band were nominated for a Q Award as "next big thing", pipped to the post by Clare Maguire at the Awards on October 25. The following day Matador Records announced the band's debut album Violet Cries is to be released in January/February 2011.
The band were included in the BBC Sound of 2011 poll long-list, announced December 7th.
Deathwaltz
Esben and the Witch Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Strikes such a chord, it deafens my ears.
Keep your head on, collect yourself
It's all I can do to assemble myself.
The hooks act quick, the barbs dig deep
With eagerness as the sickle reaps.
I feel blood feathers, spike their way,
A terrible thing, this terrible love.
It's all that I have, it's all that I am.
Let the knives out, hidden within,
I'll wash you away with all of my sins.
The hooks act quick, the barbs dig deep
With eagerness as the sickle reaps.
I feel blood feathers, spike their way,
The young buds shoot, with fresh new blades.
In the song "Deathwaltz" by Esben and the Witch, the lyrics describe the experience of being struck by truth and grappling with the intensity of that realization. The singer describes this as a "semblance of me" that strikes a chord so deep that it deafens her ears, disrupting her sense of self. The images of hooks and barbs digging deep evoke a sense of pain and entrapment. However, amidst this darkness, there is also a sense of growth and vitality, as "young buds shoot with fresh new blades."
The song also speaks to the destructive nature of love, describing it as a "terrible thing" that is nonetheless all the singer has. The imagery of knives and sin speak to a sense of violence and guilt that are tied up in this complicated relationship, but through which the singer finds a sense of release.
Overall, the lyrics of "Deathwaltz" are rich with metaphor and ambiguity, suggesting both the intense pain and beauty of grappling with difficult truths and emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
A semblance of truth, this semblance of me
A version of the truth, a version of myself
Strikes such a chord, it deafens my ears.
It resonates with me so deeply that it overwhelms me.
Keep your head on, collect yourself
Stay strong and composed.
It's all I can do to assemble myself.
This is the best I can do to put myself back together.
The hooks act quick, the barbs dig deep
I am being pulled in and hurt deeply.
With eagerness as the sickle reaps.
Those hurting me are doing so with enthusiasm.
I feel blood feathers, spike their way,
I am experiencing intense pain and discomfort.
The young buds shoot, with fresh new blades.
New wounds are constantly being inflicted on me.
A terrible thing, this terrible love.
This love is both wonderful and awful.
It's all that I have, it's all that I am.
This love defines who I am and is the only thing I have left.
Let the knives out, hidden within,
I am ready to reveal my true, darker self.
I'll wash you away with all of my sins.
I will use my past mistakes and wrongdoings to push you away.
Contributed by Colton G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@DanielMclarty
Lyrics :
A semblance of truth, this semblance of me
Strikes such a chord, it deafens my ears
Keep your head on, collect yourself
It's all I can do to assemble myself
The hooks act quick, the barbs dig deep
With eagerness as the sickle reaps
I feel blood feathers, spike their way
The young buds shoot, with fresh new blades
A terrible thing, this terrible love
It's all that I have, it's all that I am
Let the knives out, hidden within
I'll wash you away with all of my sins
The hooks act quick, the barbs dig deep
With eagerness as the sickle reaps
I feel blood feathers, spike their way
The young buds shoot, with fresh new blades
@alexandervonpreyss283
Congenious song, with great lyrics. Go to listen and watch them live. Great experience.
@Nimbereth
One of the best of 2013
@Auzziechook
The drummer is unbelievably attractive.
@lasagna_breath
I love how the last time I saw a video of this band, the drummer and the guitarist have completely switched places. Beards and Instruments.
@ElliMauve
Just saw them live, these guys rock!! And it impressed me how their live sound is so much more powerful than the recording!
@ElliMauve
κι εγώ εκεί ήμουν! :)
@AzulCasiMorado
This part makes me cry! A terrible thing, this terrible love. /It's all that I have, it's all that I am./Let the knives out, hidden within, /I'll wash you away with all of my sins.
@jaicaimcan
why have i only heard of this band till now? i was so into that song that when it was over i realized my heart had been racing, that's how good they are.
@moskva100
Guys it's a triumph! Just you and your music with super slow-mo-ments; can't wait for the album in Jan and your Scala gig in Feb.
@EonScattersoul
Awesome! Can't wait! Love their haunting sound