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.
Oh Humility
Forest City Lovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
the spell we couldn't ask for more
but I'm waiting to see
if you're waiting for me
the ocean's blue the sky's beyond
my thoughts that i may never
subscribe these inhibitions
to someone else's revelation
oh humility, you're a currender(?) attack
stretchin out our absolution I
prepare to seal the resignation
but I'm waiting to see
if you're waiting for me
cause the songs are in the sweat thats dripping down your back
oh humility, you're a currender attack
The lyrics to Forest City Lovers' "Oh Humility" are painted with imagery of nature and metaphors of surrender and resignation to depict the complex emotions of waiting for someone to reciprocate feelings. The imagery of the water washing away the dryness and the ocean's blue representing the vastness of possibilities mirrors the emotions of hope and anticipation. The phrase "subscribe these inhibitions to someone else's revelation" suggests the desire to break free from societal norms of restraint and stay true to one's own self. The reference to sweat dripping down the back and the phrase "oh humility, you're a surrender attack" speaks of the humility and vulnerability involved in waiting for someone, as well as the physical toll it takes on the body. Overall, the song explores the themes of patience, self-discovery, and surrender in the midst of fluctuating emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
the water's washed away the dry
The wetness has eliminated the aridity.
the spell we couldn't ask for more
The enchantment was beyond our highest expectations.
but I'm waiting to see
Nevertheless, I am anticipating.
if you're waiting for me
If you are also patiently waiting for my presence.
the ocean's blue the sky's beyond
The vast blue sea extends beyond the endless sky.
my thoughts that i may never
My musings that I may never
subscribe these inhibitions
Submit to these hindrances.
to someone else's revelation
To another person's enlightenment.
cause the songs are in the sweat thats dripping down your back
For the melodies are in the perspiration trickling down your spine.
oh humility, you're a currender(?) attack
Oh modesty, you are an assault on surrender.
stretchin out our absolution I
Prolonging our pardon, I
prepare to seal the resignation
Get ready to finalize the acceptance.
cause the songs are in the sweat thats dripping down your back
For the melodies are in the perspiration trickling down your spine.
oh humility, you're a currender attack
Oh modesty, you are an assault on surrender.
Contributed by Peyton W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.