While Gang Gang Dance is generally associated with fellow space cases (Animal Collective, Black Dice), their sound is wholly unique. While their earlier sound was much more chaotic and sprawling, the latest material is a combination of skewed pop music with the unpredictability of experimental/noise performances. The eerie female vocals are reminiscent at times of an airy Kate Bush, trapped in a deep well with no one to sing to. The band belts out Arabian synth lines mixed with delayed out shimmer guitar, over dark poly-rhythms. Their beat heavy weird tribal-noise appeals to fans of all flavors of marginal and/or left centered pop music. And yes, you can dance to it.
Sacer
Gang Gang Dance Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the movies, they got characters that play you
Like a holy ghost that noone knew
You so huge you swallowed a few
Couldn't you have stayed
You have stayed just a little longer
Each night I pray... Please ignite me stronger
Each night I pray... Please ignite me stronger
A oh
Each ignite I pray
Please ignite me stronger
Beggin sounds.
CHORUS:
They paint you on walls and touch your skin
Steal your style, try to package your being
You're like a blanket to protect our truths
Couldn't you have stayed
You have stayed just a little longer
Each night I pray... Please ignite me stronger
Each and everyday
Ohh a ohh. Calling sounds.
They paint you on walls and touch your skin
Steal your style, try to package your being
You're like a blanket to protect our truths
Couldn't you have stayed just a little longer...
Each night I pray
Ohh oh cries...
I'm so high,
Can't seem to find my way,
Through the maze are you in the sky?
I'm so high,
Can't seem to to find my way,
Through the trees, are you in the sky?
I'm so high,
Can't seem to find my way,
Through the maze...
Cries, pleads
I'm not ready to go under
Need to stay above the water
I'm not read to go under
Can you ahhh ah lead us unto...
See your smile,
To where your body moves...
Water sounds...
I'm so high I can't seem to
Find my way... are you in the sky...
I'm so high
The lyrics to “Sacer” by Gang Gang Dance express the concept of identity and the consequences of trying to manipulate it. The first verse suggests people claiming someone, using them, and pretending to understand their essence, like in the movies where characters play someone. The lyrics imply that no one can really know a person completely, however, they may be so huge and influential that people try to assimilate parts of their identity or style. The chorus mentions the different ways people appropriate and imitate this individual, painting them on walls and stealing their style. Despite this, the person is like a shield that protects people’s truths. They are an inspiration that the singer can’t let go of and wishes would ignite them stronger.
The second verse features the singer speeding through a metaphorical maze, searching for this prolific individual who seems to be in the sky. They are crying out and pleading for help, trying not to drown. The final lines lead to the water sounds and evoke an idea of being under the surface, but still, the singer is not ready to go under. The lyrics imply that this person is necessary for survival, an essential element that needs protection, and inspiration that needs to be nurtured. Sacer seems to be a song about the complexity of identity, the need for the influence of certain individuals, and the consequences of trying to manipulate these identities.
Line by Line Meaning
People trying to claim you
There are individuals who are trying to take credit for your achievements and success
In the movies, they got characters that play you
There are characters in movies that are based on your personality and actions
Like a holy ghost that noone knew
You have a mysterious and mystical presence that no one can fully understand or comprehend
You so huge you swallowed a few
You have had such a huge impact on the world that you have even overshadowed some other notable figures
Couldn't you have stayed
It would have been beneficial if you had stayed longer
You have stayed just a little longer
A longer stay from you would have been beneficial to our lives
Each night I pray... Please ignite me stronger
Every night, it is prayed that you will inspire and motivate us much more powerfully than before
Oh can I hold
A request or desire to be comforted or supported by you
Each ignite I pray
There is a prayer or wish for you to ignite a flame of passion or creativity within us
Beggin sounds.
Sounds or vocals expressing a plea or request
They paint you on walls and touch your skin
People express their admiration for you through artistic means such as murals and tattoos
Steal your style, try to package your being
There are those who try to emulate and copy your unique style and persona and sell it as their own
You're like a blanket to protect our truths
Your influence and presence helps to protect our deepest beliefs and values
Each and everyday
Every single day and moment
Ohh a ohh. Calling sounds.
Sounds or vocals requesting your attention, support or guidance
Ohh oh cries...
Vocals and sounds expressing sadness or despair
I'm so high, Can't seem to find my way, Through the maze are you in the sky?
Feeling disoriented and lost, wondering if you are watching over and guiding us
Cries, pleads
Vocals expressing desperation, begging for help or guidance
I'm not ready to go under
Not ready to give up or fail
Need to stay above the water
Need to stay afloat and not drown in the overwhelming obstacles of life
Can you ahhh ah lead us unto...
Requesting for you to lead us to success and happiness
See your smile, To where your body moves... Water sounds...
Meditative and reflective statement on the beauty of your presence and movements, accompanied by calming water sounds
Contributed by Ellie G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.