Forest Swords is one producer, Matthew Barnes, from the Wirral, Liverpool, … Read Full Bio ↴Forest Swords is one producer, Matthew Barnes, from the Wirral, Liverpool, UK. A unique blend of jagged hip-hop and R&B beats, looping guitar lines and manipulated samples, his evocative and emotional music reflects the sprawling Wirral landscape of river, coastland and woodland with all the haunting melodies of nearby city Liverpool’s enviable pop history.

His studio EP – 2010′s Dagger Paths – received huge critical acclaim. Despite it’s EP length, it was named FACT Magazine’s #1 album of the year and Pitchfork’s #48 best, called “one of 2010′s finest underground records” by NME, and chosen a "Hidden Gem of 2010" by The Guardian. In November 2010, Pitchfork posted an article suggesting Barnes was part of a new generation of producer composers, alongside James Blake, Mount Kimbie, Bon Iver, Burial and Four Tet.

After 3 years of silence a new track - "Thor's Stone" - was dropped without warning in June 2013, receiving universal online coverage. Within 48 hours The FADER had published a think piece proclaiming the producer's music is "worth endless listens, endless re-examinations, endless re-contextualizing", and stating it "exists in that sweet spot of musical influence between everything and nothing."

Forest Swords' long awaited debut album Engravings was released in Aug 2013 through Tri Angle Records. The critical response has been unanimously positive, with Pitchfork giving an 8.5 Best New Music review and Resident Advisor a 4.5/5 review. Stereogum rated it at number 37 in their best albums of 2013 list, Wire Magazine at number 35, Pitchfork at number 34, Clash Magazine rated it at number 21, Dummy Magazine at number 16, and Tiny Mix Tapes at number 10.

Glory Gongs
Forest Swords Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

ku terbangun di pagi buta karna musiknya
menyentuh telingaku uye.
musik reggae terasa indah uye.
musik reggae terasa indah
kubakar rokok dalam kamar dan kuhisap wanginya
kumelayang kesana uye.
hangat sunrise terasa indah uye.
hangat sunrise terasa indah

nikmati musik nikmati sunrise nikmati pantai yo kita santai
morning glory terasa indah
kubakar rokok dalam kamar dan kuhisap wanginya
kumelayang kesana uye
hangat sunrise terasa indah uye.
nikmati musik nikmati sunrise nikmati pantai yo kita santai

morning glory terasa indah
damai dihati terasa indah

Overall Meaning

These lyrics from Forest Swords's song "Glory Gongs" describe the experience of being awakened in the early morning by beautiful reggae music. The singer is moved by the music and feels transported to another place. They light a cigarette and let themselves float away, enjoying the warmth of the sunrise and the beauty of the beach. The lyrics encourage the listener to relax and enjoy the moment, taking in the music, the sunrise, and the peace in their heart.

Overall, these lyrics evoke a sense of calm and tranquility, inviting the listener to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures of life. The use of the word "glory" suggests a sense of awe or wonder, as if the singer is experiencing something profound and meaningful. The repetition of the phrase "terasa indah" reinforces the idea that the experience is beautiful and enjoyable.

In terms of interpretation, the lyrics might be seen as a celebration of nature, music, and the power of mindfulness. The singer's appreciation for reggae music and the beauty of the sunrise suggests an openness to different cultures and ways of experiencing the world. The mention of smoking may imply a sense of rebelliousness or non-conformity, but it could also be seen as a way of enhancing the sensory experience and heightening the enjoyment of the moment.

Line by Line Meaning

ku terbangun di pagi buta karna musiknya
I woke up in the blind morning because of the music

menyentuh telingaku uye
it touched my ears

musik reggae terasa indah uye
the reggae music feels beautiful

kubakar rokok dalam kamar dan kuhisap wanginya
I light up a cigarette in the room and smell it

kumelayang kesana uye
I fly away there

hangat sunrise terasa indah uye
the warm sunrise feels beautiful

nikmati musik nikmati sunrise nikmati pantai yo kita santai
enjoy the music, enjoy the sunrise, enjoy the beach, let's relax

morning glory terasa indah
the morning glory feels beautiful

damai dihati terasa indah
peace in the heart feels beautiful

Contributed by Mila G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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