Floater began in 1993 when Robert Wynia (lead vocals, bass), Peter Cornett … Read Full Bio ↴Floater began in 1993 when Robert Wynia (lead vocals, bass), Peter Cornett (drums), and Dave Amador (guitar), got together in Eugene, Oregon, making their start at garage parties and the U of O beer garden. With compelling lyrics and adept storytelling, their music shifts in mood from the insistent and heavy to the melodic and soulful, comprising the signature sound for which Floater is best known.

Floater's regional success was noticed by Elemental Records, who put out their first full-length record, "Sink" in 1994. That same year Floater began a string of sold out shows at the Community Center for the Performing Arts (The WOW Hall) that is still unbroken to this day.

In 1995 Floater released "Glyph" and toured the country for the next two years supporting the record. The single, "Danny Boy" received heavy college and commercial radio play, in many cities outselling major label releases. Floater received nominations to the preliminary level of the Grammy's from NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) in 1995 under Best Rock Performance for "Sink" and in 1996 under Best Alternative Performance for "Glyph." (Prelims are determined by nominations from the NARAS members).

In 1998, following their move to Portland, Oregon (where the band currently resides), Floater released their third full-length record, "Angels in the Flesh and Devils in the Bone." The second concept album by the band ("Sink" was the first), "Angel's" brought a new vibe to Floater. It wasn't long before widespread audiences came to embrace what has now become the band's trademark - their versatility.

September of 2000 brought the release of Floater's fourth full- length record, "Burning Sosobra"; a musical collection that explores the band's broad range of song writing. Following its release, the band began to perform live acoustically. Both the band and the fans enjoyed this new avenue of performance that allowed the "quieter" side of Floater to emerge and be explored. Of late, the band has begun playing shows where acoustic Floater opens for electric Floater - giving a sort of Jekyll and Hyde feel to their performances.

In 2002 Floater released their most critically acclaimed record to date, "Alter." Combining the bands strongest musical elements, "Alter" moves fluidly from heavy riffs to lullabies and tells flowing stories of fear, love and above all change.

August of 2004 - The release of the band's acoustic record, "Acoustics." Fans of Floater's electric shows responded with enthusiasm to the band's occasional acoustic performance - with their record label's encouragement, the band put together a uniquely recorded album - one that mimics the sound of their actual performances. Recorded in a studio built in the ballroom of their producers house, the record was made without digital editing and has a fresh, live feeling.

Floater is also the name of a late nineties indiepop band from Sheffield, UK. They briefly rename themselves Floater UK before later reforming as Dangerlust.

safety
Floater Lyrics

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By now I have learned
There's only hope for me if she says so
And when all my bridges burn
She'll finally be the only road I know

Oh she understands
The little ways I twist and cough
That's the way she learned the price

Of living with the safety off
By now the whole of her life
Has been traded like a pawn
That's why she knows the price
Of living with the safety on

So we tumble through the night
We know we just might make it to the day
Make it through the day in safety

In Safety

In Safety

In Safety

No don't cry

No don't cry

There's always something new for us to try
Come the night, by firelight
We'll tear away the cobwebs from our eyes

By now I have learned
There's only hope for me if she says so
When all my bridges burn
She'll finally be the only road I know

She understands the little ways I twist and cough
Now she knows the price
Of living with the safety off

(Twisting metal, breaking glass)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Floater's song Safety speaks of finding hope and security in the presence of a significant other. The song speaks of relying on someone for emotional security and finding comfort in their presence. The lines "there's only hope for me if she says so" and "when all my bridges burn, she'll finally be the only road I know" describe the singer's dependence on his partner. He sees her as his only source of hope and comfort, especially in times of difficulty.

The lyrics also describe the love and understanding that exist between two people. The lines "she understands the little ways I twist and cough, that's the way she learned the price of living with the safety off" showcases how the singer's partner knows and accepts him for who he is, including his flaws and quirks. The singer sees her understanding and acceptance as a product of her having to live with the consequences of not playing it safe.

The lines "in safety, no don't cry, there's always something new for us to try" convey the idea that despite the risks that come with living without caution, the couple remains hopeful and willing to explore new possibilities together.

Line by Line Meaning

By now I have learned
I have gained experience and knowledge over time

There's only hope for me if she says so
My life depends on her approval

And when all my bridges burn
When I lose all support and resources

She'll finally be the only road I know
I will rely on her completely

Oh she understands
She comprehends well

The little ways I twist and cough
She knows my small quirks and idiosyncrasies

That's the way she learned the price
This is how she came to know the cost

Of living with the safety off
Of taking risks, without concern for safety

By now the whole of her life
She has experienced all of life

Has been traded like a pawn
Her life has been used and traded, like a chess piece

That's why she knows the price
That is the reason she is aware of the cost