Born a fledgling pseudo-solo project of young songwriter Kat Burns, Forest City Lovers took flight in 2006 with the independent release The Sun and the Wind. The band grew up into a fully-realized collaborative outfit and in 2008 launched their critically acclaimed sophmore album Haunting Moon Sinking (Out of This Spark), a collection that bolsters FCL’s signature tunefulness with talented musicianship, strong guitar lines, and swelling string arrangements.
Phodilus and Tyto, a 7” vinyl released at the end of 2009 paved the way for the full-length follow-up, Carriage, being released July 2010 on Out of This Spark. Carriage picks up where Haunting Moon Sinking left off, carrying forward with arrangements and melodies that go from accutely vulnerable to downright sinister. A collection that drifts sonically across decades, Carriage laces 1970s whimsy and elaborate string arragements (Mika Posen) into contemporary pop gems to keep your feet tapping as you go singing down the sunny street.
While Burns and the other Lovers make their home in Toronto, they tour frequently across Canada, the US, and Europe, drawing inspiration for their songs from these migratory ventures into foreign urban and rural environments. With their new album on the horizon, keep an eye out for this unique band of songsters in your hometown.
Minneapolis
Forest City Lovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Crouch down to where you fade away.
Hold back the sound, the sound...
Go out to find some permanence,
Hold back the sideline slowly now,
Wait for the silence to fade away.
Keep our tracks separate
From all the footsteps that we take.
Let go if you can't see.
Hold on if you believe,
Let go if you can't see.
Well, I don't know where I go
When I step out of my pitch (?).
Well, I don't know where I go,
I don't know where I go.
And I don't know where I go
When I step out of my pitch
I don't know where I go,
I don't know where I go.
Take claim of what's at stake,
Hold on to your own name.
Fight off the urgency to call the shots.
Keep our tracks separate
From all the footsteps that we take.
Hold on if you believe,
Let go if you can't see.
Hold on if you believe,
Let go if you can't see.
We are what we believe in.
We are what we believe in.
We are what we believe in.
We are what we believe in.
We are what we believe in.
The song "Minneapolis" by Forest City Lovers is a reflective piece that speaks to the idea of finding permanence and purpose in life. The first verse speaks to the idea of trying to hold on to something, the sound, even as it fades away. What is being held on to isn't clear, but it's clear that there is there is something that needs to be kept separate from the everyday experience. The second verse explores the concept of not knowing where one goes when they step out of their pitch. It's ambiguous, but it could be referring to the idea of leaving your comfort zone or stepping out of your defined role. The refrain "Hold on if you believe, let go if you can't see" is an invitation to those who are searching for meaning to stay true to themselves and their beliefs, even when it's difficult or unclear.
As the song progresses, the idea of keeping one's tracks separate becomes more prominent. It's a metaphor for not getting caught up in the expectations of others and staying true to oneself. The bridge of the song encourages the listener to take ownership of what is important to them, to hold on to their own name, and to fight the urge to let others dictate their life. The final refrain of the song repeats "We are what we believe in" which reinforces the idea of individuality and staying true to oneself.
Overall, "Minneapolis" is a song about finding one's purpose and staying true to oneself, even when it's challenging. It speaks to the idea of carving out your own path, being intentional about your choices, and staying true to your beliefs.
Line by Line Meaning
Take a few steps this way,
Come with me, move closer towards me
Crouch down to where you fade away.
Bend down to the spot where you're disappearing
Hold back the sound, the sound...
Be quiet, don't make any noise
Go out to find some permanence,
Search for something that lasts
Hold back the sideline slowly now,
Step away from the edge gradually
Wait for the silence to fade away.
Be patient until everything is quiet
Keep our tracks separate
Make sure our paths don't cross
From all the footsteps that we take.
And avoid leaving any evidence of our journey
Hold on if you believe,
Don't give up if you have faith
Let go if you can't see.
Release your grip if you can't understand
Well, I don't know where I go
I'm not sure where I end up
When I step out of my pitch (?).
Once I leave my usual surroundings
Take claim of what's at stake,
Assert ownership over what's important
Hold on to your own name.
Don't forget who you are
Fight off the urgency to call the shots.
Resist the temptation to take control
We are what we believe in.
Our beliefs shape us
We are what we believe in.
Our convictions define us
We are what we believe in.
Our values make us who we are
We are what we believe in.
Our principles give us direction
We are what we believe in.
Our faith and trust define us as individuals
Contributed by William V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.