The band met and formed in Greenville, North Carolina, USA while studying art at East Carolina University. Their first band was Art Lord & The Self-Portraits, which was also composed of Adam Beeby and Kymia Nawabi and lasted from 2003 to 2005. In 2006, Cashion, Herring, and Welmers formed Future Islands, along with Erick Murillo, the bassist for The Kickass. Other former members include Samuel N. Ortiz-Payero (drums, 2008) and Denny Bowen (drums, 2009–2013 in studio; 2013–2014 touring)
Future Islands released Little Advances in April 2006, and a self-released split CD with Welmers' solo project Moss of Aura in January 2007. In July 2007, they recorded their debut album, Wave Like Home, with Chester Endersby Gwazda at Backdoor Skateshop in Greenville, North Carolina. After a Halloween party in 2007, Murillo quit the band. In late 2007 and early 2008, the band relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, USA. The "Feathers and Hallways" 7" was recorded in Oakland, California during their first US tour and was their first release as a focused three-piece. Upset! the Rhythm released Wave Like Home on 25 August 2008. The cover art was designed by Kymia Nawabi, a former member of Art Lord & The Self-Portraits. In 2009 the band signed to independent Chicago record company Thrill Jockey.
Their second album, In Evening Air, was recorded in the band's living room in the historic Marble Hill neighborhood in Baltimore and released on 4 May 2010.Their third full-length album, On the Water, was recorded in Elizabeth City, NC's historic, waterfront Andrew S. Sanders House. It was released on 11 October 2011.
These early albums from Future Islands are often associated with other bands affiliated with Wham City, such as Videohippos, Santa Dads, Blood Baby, OCDJ, Adventure, Dan Deacon, Weekends and Double Dagger.
In 2014, they released Singles with hit-track Seasons (Waiting on You). The band and song gained critical acclamation from Pitchfork and NME and performed the song on the Late Show with David Letterman, a performance that went viral. In 2017, they released The Far Field and most recently in 2020 they released As Long As You Are.
Iris
Future Islands Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
I've always held them sacred
Now, a dangerous truth
If I can't cut the root
I'll always feel I have to prove
That I can hold these grudges for the others
So they'll love me too
The damage stretching limb to root
Finally bit off more than I can chew
'Round the high holidays
Surrounded by all we love, we erase
Become what we've tried to change
Since a child can't choose their name
Those cracks in the walls
Surrounding all that we love and embrace
Since a child we've been made to choose
Can we break this chain
And still hold on too?
'Cause if leaves are lying, are we not lying too?
The problem stretching limb to root
Finally bit off more than I can chew
Now I can't chew
When do we work on you?
How it just works on you
And it just works on you
How it just works on you
But if the trees are dying, are we not dying too?
The damage stretching limb to root
Can we break the chain, begin to chew? Begin to choose?
'Cause if the seeds are rotting, are we not rotting too?
And if the leaves are lying, are we not lying too?
And if the trees are dying, are we not dying too?
Are we not dying too? Are we not dying too?
We're not dying too, we're not dying too
In the opening stanza of "Iris" by Future Islands, the lyrics delve into the theme of how unresolved anger can take root within us, manifesting like irises growing in a buried place. The singer confesses to holding this anger sacred, symbolizing the attachment to grudges and the need to prove oneself through carrying them. There is a realization that if the source of this anger is not addressed and cut at the root, it will continue to fester, leading to a cycle of holding grudges to seek love and validation from others.
The metaphor shifts to questioning whether we, as human beings, are influenced by the negativity around us. The mention of "rotten seeds" and "rotten fruit" suggests the idea that our surroundings and influences can impact our growth and behavior. The singer reflects on reaching a breaking point of being overwhelmed by the weight of these toxic influences, symbolized by 'bitting off more than I can chew', indicating a struggle to cope with the consequences of these negative patterns and emotions.
As the lyrics progress, the song touches on the concept of generational cycles of behavior and ingrained patterns of actions. The reference to 'high holidays' and 'cracks in the walls' alludes to family dynamics and societal expectations that shape individuals from a young age. There is a plea to break free from these inherited patterns, questioning whether it is possible to both confront these influences and hold onto one's identity and values amidst them.
Towards the end of the song, the repetition of questions like "Are we not dying too?" emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity and the universal struggle with internal and external decay. There is a sense of urgency in the questioning, as the singer grapples with the consequences of inaction and the need to break free from destructive patterns. The repeated refrain highlights the cyclical nature of these struggles and the internal conflict of wanting to change while feeling trapped by the past. Ultimately, "Iris" by Future Islands explores themes of introspection, growth, and breaking free from toxic cycles in order to find redemption and renewal.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Gerrit Welmers, Mike Lowry, Samuel T Herring, William Cashion
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@xiuwalker
My favorite of the unheard tracks so far. I have a lil red bellied parrot named Iris so I think of her. I played it for her and she likes it too
@olivierjobin4250
Best song on the album so far.
@moocorp
More Future Islands? Yes, thank you!
@FourWorlds1
This is my favorite out of the whole album
@MoonWillowTarot
Feels like generational curse breaking. In love with Future Islands right now 💓
@thelogos5617
Seeing this video on my feed felt like reconnecting with a long-lost friend. When I first saw them live I felt as though I was witnessing a band touched by the 'Holy Spirit'. The fact that Sam has yet to have a self-induced cardiac arrest via-chest pounding is nothing short of a miracle. 😇
In a world where musical experiences are often fleeting, 'Future Islands' continues to be a constant source of inspiration and emotional resonance.
@seal2721
Who else can’t wait to see the dance moves for this song on stage?
@Baxyboo
I love the slow ballads, but when they up the tempo, oh my!
@boudicaramone
Thank you for this song. It speaks to me deeply and I needed it.
@kevthered6039
Beautiful as always, another absolutely classic album to add to the Future Islands collection, Thanks guys! ✌❤