Even as We Speak is an indie band from Sydney, Australia - formed in 1986. … Read Full Bio ↴Even as We Speak is an indie band from Sydney, Australia - formed in 1986. The line up changed over the years, with founding members Matthew Love (guitar, banjo, vocals), Mary Wyer (vocals, guitar) and Rob Irwin (bass) joined later by Anita Rayner (drums, mandolin), Julian Knowles (keyboards, production, guitar) and Paul Clarke (guitar, vocals)

After a series of vinyl releases on Australian independent labels and success on the Australian independent music scene, they released several singles and an album on the UK indie label Sarah Records, three of which reached the Top 5 of the Melody Maker and New Musical Express independent music charts in 1992 and 1993. 'Blue Suburban Skies' was one of five tracks on a 7" EP released on Sarah Records which also featured an inspired guitar-led cover of New Order's "Bizarre Love Triangle". They also released one album on Sarah, "Feral Pop Frenzy", an eclectic 17 track collection of songs that received many favourable reviews. A single from the album, 'Falling Down the Stairs', received wide airplay in the UK on BBC Radio 1 in 1993, but major commercial success eluded the band.

Between 1992-3 the group recorded three sessions for John Peel and one session for Mark Goodier for BBC Radio 1. They were among the few Australian bands to record Peel Sessions – others were The Birthday Party, The Triffids, The Go-Betweens and Laughing Clowns. A session was also recorded for Radio France. The band's music is an unusual hybrid of accessible pop and more experimental elements. Some commentators[who?] consider them to be key figures in the post-C86 subculture in the UK, although their music breaks out of conventional pop moulds to experiment with forms.

Signs
Even as We Speak Lyrics

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There are signs written in the
firmament.
There are signs put there by the
government.
There are lines visible from outer space,
That guide the gods to the landing place.
There are signs, signs that are
everywhere.

There are signs so you won’t be scared.
There are signs that designate your
safety zone.
There are signs so you’ll never be alone.
There are signs looking like they’ve
always been there.
There are signs projecting light into
the atmosphere.
There are signs, signs written in the
palm of your hand.
There are signs saying beware beware.
There are signs telling what the future
will bring.

Without signs we might do
impossible things.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Even as We Speak's song "Signs" appear to reflect on the various signs and symbols that surround us in everyday life. The song suggests that these signs serve multiple purposes, both practical and symbolic. The first verse introduces signs written in the firmament, which could refer to celestial signs or cosmic indicators. These signs, however, are contrasted with signs put there by the government, suggesting a more earthly and human-made form of guidance.

The second verse describes lines visible from outer space that serve as a guide for the gods to a landing place. This line can be interpreted metaphorically, suggesting that there are aspects of our world that are intentional and designed for a higher purpose. The following lines express the ubiquitous presence of signs, designed to alleviate fear and ensure safety. The lyrics acknowledge that signs have always been a part of our surroundings, projecting light and offering guidance.

The final lines of the song emphasize the importance of signs, highlighting their role in warning us of potential danger ("beware beware") and their ability to reveal what the future may bring. The lyrics suggest that these signs are crucial to preventing us from attempting impossible or reckless actions, implying that they serve as a form of guidance or limitation.

Overall, "Signs" by Even as We Speak appears to explore the concept of signs in our lives, probing their various functions and symbolic meanings. It reflects on the idea that signs not only provide practical guidance but also serve as markers of safety, caution, and potential.

Line by Line Meaning

There are signs written in the firmament.
There are celestial signs and symbols that have been inscribed in the heavens.

There are signs put there by the government.
There are deliberate signs and symbols established and influenced by the ruling authority.

There are lines visible from outer space,
There are distinct lines and markings that can be seen from beyond the Earth's atmosphere.

That guide the gods to the landing place.
These signs serve as guides for divine beings to reach their intended destination or arrival point.

There are signs, signs that are everywhere.
An abundance of signs and symbols can be found in various locations and contexts.

There are signs so you won’t be scared.
These signs are intended to alleviate fear or anxiety.

There are signs that designate your safety zone.
Specific signs are used to mark and define an area where you can feel safe.

There are signs so you’ll never be alone.
These signs are meant to provide reassurance and prevent feelings of loneliness or isolation.

There are signs looking like they’ve always been there.
Certain signs have an appearance as if they have existed since ancient times.

There are signs projecting light into the atmosphere.
Some signs emit light and project it into the atmosphere, creating a visible effect.

There are signs, signs written in the palm of your hand.
There exist signs and symbols that are inscribed or represented on the palm of your hand.

There are signs saying beware beware.
Specific signs serve as warnings or cautions, urging individuals to be cautious or aware.

There are signs telling what the future will bring.
Certain signs convey predictions or insights about what will occur in the future.

Without signs we might do impossible things.
In the absence of signs and symbols, we might attempt or achieve things that would otherwise be considered impossible.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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