Becker, a laboratory technician, had played in a covers band before buying and experimenting with a Wasp synthesizer (he released a solo cassette-album in June 1980 and a second a year later). Bates, a hospital worker, had previously been a member of Reluctant Stereotypes, and released a cassette of experimental electronic music in January 1980. Shortly afterwards they met and together they formed Eyeless in Gaza, both contributing vocals and several instruments. The band name is a reference to the novel Eyeless in Gaza by Aldous Huxley. Bates has said he chose the name "for the sound of it... I was reading the Huxley book when I met Pete... It sounded perfectly nice." But Bates has also acknowledged an allusion to the "biblical myth" of Samson, saying, "I feel attracted by religion. I feel that people don't pay enough attention to the spiritual side of their life; it is a very interesting side of the human psychism and it fascinates me."
After a self-released single, they signed to Cherry Red Records, releasing debut album Photographs as Memories in February 1981. After three further albums for Cherry Red and an album for Norwegian label Uniton, they added Aztec Camera drummer Dave Ruffy for single Welcome Now (1985), recruiting former Sinatras/In Embrace drummer Joby Palmer for the next album, Back from the Rains.
The group then went on hiatus after Becker married and relocated to Spain, with Bates concentrating on solo work. They reunited in 1990 to collaborate with Anne Clark on her album The Law Is an Anagram of Wealth. In 1991 Bates formed Hungry I with former Primitives drummer Steve Dullahan.
They returned in 1993 with singer Elizabeth S for the Fabulous Library album and continued as a duo since. Bates also recorded between 1994 and 1998 with M.J. Harris (Napalm Death/Scorn) under the name Drift, and in the early 2000s with keyboardist Alan Trench in Twelve Thousand Days. He has also continued to release solo material. In 2012, Martyn Bates and Peter Becker appeared on Right North, the eleventh album, a double digipack, of the international collective 48 Cameras.
http://www.eyelessingaza.com
Lie Still Sleep Long
Eyeless in Gaza Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
everything silent
as after the rains
shoot out the day
calm sighing quiet
has a whisper to say
lie still, sleep long love
who am I
all care is sure
and lying unaware
in arms full and rare.
Everything still,
Everything silent.
o, take me again
Bring me to learn,
to learn to unwind us
to bind us of care.
Lie still, sleep long love
who am I to tear away,
so sweet
so strong
our soothing sighing subtle air
with arms brute and bare.
The Eyeless In Gaza song Lie Still, Sleep Long is a melodious reflection of the tranquility and stillness that follows a heavy rain. The opening lines of the song describe a peaceful scene, where everything is still and silent after the rain. The calm and quiet ambiance whispers to the listener and entices them to lie still and sleep long. The song aims to capture the beauty and serenity of nature, urging the audience to embrace the stillness that can be found in every moment.
The lyrics also reveal a sense of intimacy and vulnerability as the singer addresses their love interest. The singer expresses a desire to be taken in by their lover and to be bound by the calming effects of their love. They question their own role in potentially tearing away their world of peace and serenity. The lyrics also hint at the duality of love, the contrasting elements of brute force and subtle subtlety.
Overall, the song is a tribute to the power of stillness and emphasizes the importance of embracing the tranquil moments in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Everything still,
The world is quiet and motionless,
everything silent
Absolute peace and quiet surrounds us,
as after the rains
As if nature has washed away all noise and commotion,
shoot out the day
The day abruptly begins but disturbing the peace,
calm sighing quiet
A serene and tranquil atmosphere around us,
has a whisper to say
Subtle sounds and whispers can still be heard,
lie still, sleep long love
Rest in peace and tranquillity without worry or concern,
who am I
I'm not in a position,
to tear away our world
to destroy or disturb the peaceful environment around us,
all care is sure
There is complete trust and certainty,
and lying unaware
Being able to rest without worry or fear,
in arms full and rare.
Surrounded by something valuable and precious.
o, take me again
Take me back to a place of peace and quiet like this again,
Bring me to learn,
Teach me once more,
to learn to unwind us
How to relax and let go of our worries.
to bind us of care.
To keep us carefree and content.
so sweet
The sweet calmness of the moment,
so strong
The unbreakability of the peaceful atmosphere around us,
our soothing sighing subtle air
The subtle and pleasing atmosphere around us,
with arms brute and bare.
Without being threatened or destroyed by disruptive forces.
Contributed by Declan W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
cubangigolo
i love eyeless in gaza, and this is probably my favorite song by them. it's still gives me chill bumps
Antonio Joao
Uma das mais bonitas cançoes de sempre
Hiajaro Alondra 🐱
Beautiful song
Vivien
Everything still,
everything silent
as after the rains
shoot out the day
calm sighing quiet
has a whisper to say
lie still, sleep long love
who am I
to tear away our world
all care is sure
and lying unaware
in arms full and rare.
Everything still,
Everything silent.
o, take me again
Bring me to learn,
to learn to unwind us
to bind us of care.
Lie still, sleep long love
who am I to tear away,
so sweet
so strong
our soothing sighing subtle air
with arms brute and bare.
Dimitris Theodoridis
Priceless
Landschaf616
why are we so alone here?
Antonio Joao
a letra está desarticulada