Frog Eyes is an indie rock band from Victoria (British Columbia, Canada), T… Read Full Bio ↴Frog Eyes is an indie rock band from Victoria (British Columbia, Canada), The quartet is led by singer/guitarist Carey Mercer and is known for their highly idiosyncratic songs, which pit Mercer's unhinged, melodic vocals against a swirling mass of guitar, keyboards, and drums. Drummer Melanie Campbell (also Mercer's wife) notably uses a 'found object' as part of her drums set, the so-called "dinger." This object was only used on their first three albums and has since been disposed of in favour of a normal ride cymbal.

Prior to Frog Eyes, Mercer was in Blue Pine, who released one self-titled album and whose unreleased second album was later appended to the reissue of Frog Eyes' debut, The Bloody Hand. Mercer also has a solo project, Blackout Beach, and has released two albums (Light Flows the Putrid Dawn and Skin of Evil) and one single under that name. Different versions of three Blackout Beach songs appear on Frog Eyes releases.

Frog Eyes performed with Destroyer in live shows and on Dan Bejar's album Notorious Lightning & Other Works. This collaboration led to the formation of Swan Lake, a "songwriter's project" with Dan Bejar of Destroyer/The New Pornographers and Spencer Krug of Sunset Rubdown/Wolf Parade.

Miasma Gardens
Frog Eyes Lyrics

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You're not in the dark and you're not in the ditch
Where did you run? Did you meet the rich?
I don't mind saying you are my garden
So realize and realize foul vacations

You're not in the park and you're not in the ridge
Where did you run? Did you meet the rich?
I don't mind saying you are my garden

So realize and realize foul vacations

Oh shutter up from fame's vacation
I am the battering rains upon the spine
The base, the chest, the tree, the oak
The lamb, the mirrored lamp

Bought a rise on the raise and when you realize
Shutter up shutter up from fame's vacation
On the boat the batter breaks, Lydia, Lydia, Lydia

Shutter up until you realize I ain't breakin' no lie
Baby, baby, baby, hundred dollars and you're comin' back

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Frog Eyes' song "Miasma Gardens" are a reflection on someone who has escaped a difficult situation, but may still be struggling to adapt to their new surroundings. The lyrical imagery is evocative, with the singer asking where the subject has run to, and whether or not they have become embroiled in riches. The singer seems to care about the subject, calling them "my garden", and encouraging them to recognize that they may need time to adjust to their new environment.

The second stanza continues in a similar vein, with the singer expressing concern for the subject's well-being, and describing themselves as a force of nature that will help the subject weather the storm. The singer posits themselves as the "battering rains upon the spine", which may be interpreted as a force that causes pain but ultimately strengthens and facilitates growth. The singer also describes themselves as various natural forms -- the base, the chest, the tree, the oak -- suggesting that they are grounded, supportive, and enduring.

The final stanza is somewhat jarring, with the singer urging the subject to "shutter up from fame's vacation". It is unclear exactly what this means, but it could be interpreted as a warning against becoming consumed by fame or materialism. The singer reassures the subject that they are not lying, and that they will be there for them regardless of whether or not they have financial means. The closing phrase, "hundred dollars and you're comin' back", could be seen as either a cynical reference to the subject's willingness to return after being given money, or as a genuine offer of support.

Line by Line Meaning

You're not in the dark and you're not in the ditch
You are not in a bad situation, but where are you right now?

Where did you run? Did you meet the rich?
Did you escape to meet those who hold power?

I don't mind saying you are my garden
You are dear to me, like a cherished garden.

So realize and realize foul vacations
Be aware of your surroundings, even if they are unpleasant.

Oh shutter up from fame's vacation
Stop trying to escape to a life of fame and fortune.

I am the battering rains upon the spine
I am the force that can cause pain and discomfort.

The base, the chest, the tree, the oak
I am the foundation, the strength, and the growth.

The lamb, the mirrored lamp
I am both a gentle creature and a reflection of light.

Bought a rise on the raise and when you realize
Taking a chance on opportunity, knowing that it may not come again.

On the boat the batter breaks, Lydia, Lydia, Lydia
Chaos erupts and the artist calls out for someone or something to help them through it.

Shutter up until you realize I ain't breakin' no lie
Be quiet until you understand that what the singer is saying is true.