Original members Monty Colvin (Bass, vocals), Alan Doss (Drums, vocals), Ben Huggins (Lead vocals, guitar), and Dane Sonnier (Guitar, vocals) released their self-titled album in 1991, with the follow-up "Space In Your Face" in 1993. Sonnier then decided to leave the group. The band returned in 1996 with album number three entitled "Machine Fish" on Metal Blade Records, along with new guitarist Wally Farkas.
It was in 1997 that they released "The Horse That Bud Bought", which was a minor departure for the band. They used a similar songwriting style but lightened the tone. The music contained a more rock feel, with less metal leanings. The music for the next two albums, "At The End Of The Day" and "Let It Go" also were also similar in this regard.
After 2000's "Let It Go" the Cowboys decided to disband. The former members of the band continued to be active in the music scene, until the original lineup reunited in 2017 for the album "Long Way Back to the Moon".
The Lens
Galactic Cowboys Lyrics
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Casket for a purse hoping to reverse
Scars that life can leave hidden up her sleave
Performs a silent mass to purify the past
This blackened heart wears virgin white
Oppression lit by candlelight
But then you change before my eyes
I see your face as I am looking through the lens
No more disgrace as I am looking through the lens
An angel sits alone, awaiting kodachrome
Striking dark facade to pose for for other gods
Take off the mask that hides the fears
Those nightmares of abusive years
And then you change before my eyes
I see your face as I am looking through the lens
No more disgrace as I am looking through the lens
I see beyond the painted walls of your defense
I see your face as I am looking through the lens
An angel for a day, she turns to fly away
Removes the wedding gown, there'll be no hiding now
And then you'll change before my eyes
The first verse of Galactic Cowboys's song "The Lens" paints a haunting picture of an angel with a skull in her hand, using a casket as a purse. The angel is scarred by past traumas, but attempts to purify herself through a silent mass. The second verse describes the angel's transformation, as her "blackened heart" is replaced by "virgin white," and she is lit by candlelight. However, this transformation is not fixed or final, as she changes "before my eyes." The chorus of the song emphasizes the concept of seeing clearly through a lens, without the "disgrace" or "painted walls" of defense.
The song seems to be exploring the theme of transformation and authenticity. The angel is trying to shed her past traumas and purify herself, but this process is not necessarily a linear one. The idea of seeing clearly through a lens also suggests that people often project a facade or wear masks, and it is only through a clearer perspective that one can see past those barriers. The use of religious imagery (the angel, the mass) also adds to the sense of seeking redemption and healing.
Overall, "The Lens" is a deep and introspective song that delves into themes of transformation and authenticity. Its use of haunting imagery and religious symbolism adds a sense of weight and significance to these themes.
Line by Line Meaning
An angel enters in a skull in her hand
A person with good intentions, holding a skull - a symbol of mortality and death - enters the scene.
Casket for a purse hoping to reverse
Carrying a casket-like purse, hoping to undo or fix past events and their emotional impact.
Scars that life can leave hidden up her sleeve
The physical and emotional wounds from past experiences are concealed, but still present and affecting the person.
Performs a silent mass to purify the past
Conducts a quiet ritual to cleanse or free themselves from guilt, regret, or other negative emotions stemming from past actions or events.
This blackened heart wears virgin white
Despite having a dark or tarnished past or inner turmoil, the person seems pure or innocent on the outside.
Oppression lit by candlelight
The person may be experiencing or hiding from oppression or negativity, perhaps illuminated only by a small, flickering light.
But then you change before my eyes
Suddenly, unexpectedly, the person transforms or reveals their true self.
I see your face as I am looking through the lens
The artist gains a clearer, more truthful perspective of the person or situation, as if seeing them through a magnifying glass or camera lens.
No more disgrace as I am looking through the lens
The artist's newfound insight or understanding lifts any shame, embarrassment, or negative feeling associated with the person or situation.
An angel sits alone, awaiting kodachrome
A symbol of purity or goodness sits alone, waiting, perhaps for a brighter future or better circumstances.
Striking dark facade to pose for for other gods
Putting on a striking, impressive appearance or persona to impress or please others or some perceived power or deities.
Take off the mask that hides the fears
Removing the facade or persona that the person is wearing, revealing their true emotions or vulnerabilities.
Those nightmares of abusive years
Those haunting, painful memories or experiences of being mistreated or harmed by someone.
And then you change before my eyes
Again, the person transforms or reveals their true self, perhaps as a result of the previous revelation or catharsis.
I see beyond the painted walls of your defense
The singer sees past the surface-level defenses or barriers the person has put up to protect themselves, and understands the deeper issues or emotions at play.
An angel for a day, she turns to fly away
The person, who may have seemed virtuous or innocent earlier, now can only maintain that facade for a brief period and then must leave or move on from the situation.
Removes the wedding gown, there'll be no hiding now
Removing the symbol of purity and commitment, the person exposes their true self with no other disguises or pretenses.
And then you'll change before my eyes
A final transformation or revelation further changes the person or situation, closing out the song.
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