Primitive Painters
Felt (feat. Elizabeth Fraser) Lyrics
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I hold out but there's no way of being what I want to be
Dragons blow fire angels fly spirits wither in the air
I'm just me I can't deny I'm neither here, there nor anywhere
[Chorus]
Oh you should see my trail of disgrace,
It's enough to scare the whole human race
It's enough to scare the whole human race
I don't care about this life, they say there'll be another one
Defeatist attitude I know will you be sorry when I've gone
Primitive painters are ships floating on an empty sea
Gathering in galleries were stallions of imagery
[Chorus]
The lyrics of the song "Primitive Painters" can be interpreted in different ways, but one common theme seems to be the idea of feeling disconnected from the world and struggling to find meaning in life. The opening lines express a desire for an exciting and mysterious existence, one that is as strange as a conspiracy. However, this desire is quickly tempered by a sense of resignation and frustration, as the singer acknowledges that they cannot be who they want to be.
The second verse continues to explore themes of detachment and discontentment. The reference to "another life" suggests a belief in reincarnation or an afterlife, but the singer's cynical attitude implies that they do not find much comfort in this idea. The metaphor of "primitive painters" is intriguing because it suggests that art and creativity can serve as a way to navigate the complexities of life. However, the final line of the verse suggests that even the most vivid and imaginative artwork--represented here by "stallions of imagery"--is ultimately inadequate.
The chorus, meanwhile, functions as a kind of refrain that reinforces the singer's sense of alienation and estrangement. The repeated line about a "trail of disgrace" suggests that the singer has made mistakes or failed in some way that has left them feeling ashamed and unworthy of connection. The reference to the "human race" implies that the singer sees themselves as separate from others, perhaps even superior in their ability to recognize the pointlessness of it all. Overall, "Primitive Painters" is a haunting meditation on the challenges of finding meaning in a chaotic and confusing world.
Line by Line Meaning
I just wish my life could be as strange as a conspiracy
I wish my life was so mysterious and exciting that people would think I was involved in a conspiracy.
I hold out but there's no way of being what I want to be
I'm trying to be something, but it feels impossible to achieve.
Dragons blow fire angels fly spirits wither in the air
There are fantastical elements in the world, like dragons and angels, but there is also sadness and loss.
I'm just me I can't deny I'm neither here, there nor anywhere
I am who I am and I feel like I don't quite fit in anywhere.
Oh you should see my trail of disgrace,
If you could see all the shameful things I've done in my life,
It's enough to scare the whole human race
you would be frightened and disgusted by my actions.
I don't care about this life, they say there'll be another one
I am not attached to this life, because some say there will be another life after this one.
Defeatist attitude I know will you be sorry when I've gone
I recognize that my pessimistic outlook may lead me to regret things when I die.
Primitive painters are ships floating on an empty sea
Artists who have a more simplistic style are like boats lost at sea, trying to find direction and meaning.
Gathering in galleries were stallions of imagery
But even though some art may be seen as primitive, it still has the power to evoke strong emotions and inspire people.
Oh you should see my trail of disgrace,
Again, if you could see all the shameful things I've done in my life,
It's enough to scare the whole human race
you would be frightened and disgusted by my actions.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DEEBANK, HAYWARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
cocteautwinned
I just wish my life could be as strange as a conspiracy
I hold out hope but there's no way of being what I want to be
The dragons blow fire, angels fly, spirits wither in the air
I'm just me I can't deny I'm neither here, there nor anywhere
Oh you should see my trail of disgrace
(Oh oh you should see my trail of disgrace)
It's enough to scare the whole human race
I said, oh you should see my trail of disgrace
(Oh, oh you should see my trail of disgrace)
It's enough to scare the whole human race, yeah, eminence
I don't care about this life, they say there'll be another one
Defeatist attitude I know, will you be sorry when I've gone?
Primitive painters are ships floating on an empty sea
Gathering in galleries were stallions of imagery
Oh you should see my trail of disgrace
(Oh, oh you should see my trail of disgrace)
It's enough to hold the whole human race
I said oh you should see my trail of disgrace
(Oh, oh you should see my trail of disgrace)
This is a new trance, yeah, an entrance too
(You should see my trail of disgrace)
And there's a look on your face, it's a human race
And if you just can't stand it, ah, I swear
This is a new trance, yeah, an entrance too
(You should see my trail of disgrace)
And there's a look on your face, it's a human race
And if you just can't stand it, ah, I swear I said it thinner
This is a new trance, yeah, an entrance too
And there's a look on your face, it's a human race
And if you just can't stand it, ah, I swear
This is a new trance, yeah, an entrance too
And there's a look on your face, it's a human race
And if you just can't stand it, ah, I swear
This is a new trance, yeah, an entrance too
(I just swear, light on me)
And there's a look on your face, it's a human race
(Your bitter trance)
And if you just can't stand it, ah, I swear
(Yeah, yeah)
This is a new trance, yeah, an entrance too
And there's a look on your face, it's a human race
(Hold on)
And if you just can't stand it, ah, I swear
(Hold on love, on and on)
This is a new trance, yeah, an entrance too
And there's a look on your face, it's a human race
And if you just can't stand it, ah, I swear
(The way I see it, yeah yeah)
This is a new trance, yeah, an entrance too
(In your father's life)
And there's a look on your face, it's a human race
And if you just can't stand it, ah, I swear
(Painters of my life)
This is a new trance, yeah, an entrance too
And there's a look on your face, it's a human race
And if you just can't stand it, ah, I swear
(Swear I'm your life)
This is a new trance, yeah, an entrance too
(Do you feel it?)
And there's a look on your face, it's a human race
(I'm good)
And if you just can't stand it, ah, I swear
(Yeah, we?re jamming on)
This is a new trance, yeah, an entrance too
And there's a look on your face, it's a human race
(I can feel through your head)
And if you just can't stand it, ah, I swear
This is a new trance, yeah, an entrance too
(All through your life)
And there's a look on your face, it's a human race
And if you just can't stand it, ah, I swear
This is a new trance
robert schaefer
One of my all time favorite tracks that I return to over and over again.
andreaiskittenz
Me too
Dave Bonk
Same here
CocteauTwin49
Is there nothing that she brushed with her angelic wings that did not turn instantly to gold? What a track!
Bahman Ghahremani
Those true stories are the hardest to sell.
Carlos Fandango
..............and so poetically put. The woman breathed Angel breath and sang the Devil's harmonies.
Spike Burst
The Dif Juz & Felt coops are supreme works.
cocteautwinned
Nothing. Like her.
Di Dinx
Nope not really and still freaking awesome.
Ebbywebby
LIZ!!! This is such an incredible, exhilarating track. I could listen to it for a half-hour on endless loop, no problem.