With the additions of cellist Nathan Blaz and drummer Brian Ostreicher, Geographer spent the next year cutting their teeth in the Bay Area, winning over crowds with the heart-pounding epics that make up their debut record, ‘Innocent Ghosts’.
After being selected one of three ‘Undiscovered Bands You Need To Hear Now’ by SPIN Magazine and garnering considerable word-of-mouth praise from their energetic live shows, the band signed to San Francisco-based label Tricycle Records, releasing a 7” single for the song ‘Kites’ in October 2009.
‘Animal Shapes’ follows up ‘Kites’, building on the synth-driven aesthetic of the single, while flirting with darker, more esoteric underpinnings. The record merges Geographer’s aptitude for crafting beautiful, haunting melodies with textural sounds and poly-rhythmic energy, marking an evolution of their distinct style.
With the overwhelming response to the release of ‘Kites’ and ‘Animal Shapes’, punctuated by a dynamic and engaging live set, the band has already begun to make an indelible mark on the ears of music fans worldwide.
Life of Crime
Geographer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There was ice beneath our feet
But i refuse to understand it
And i refuse to believe
I know that i will be alone tonight
Even though you are by my side
You said this life is not what you planned it
It is a life of crime
Now it's true i hardly know you
And you will always look for me
But there is nothing here to hold onto
Except the possibilities
How can i believe
You don't know
The words i hear you speak
You can't be sure
You say a soul is in me
Well if it's a soul you want
Then you can take the one i've got
Cause it's a life of crime
This life was made for something
But it wasn't you and i
We all were born from nothing
And we will never die
The opening lyrics of Geographer's song "Life of Crime" suggest that despite the singer's recognition of their precarious situation, they refuse to accept the harsh reality of things. The "ice beneath our feet" may be a metaphor for the uncertainty and instability of the circumstances in which they find themselves, and yet the singer refuses to confront or acknowledge this fact. This denial is highlighted by the repeated use of "I refuse," indicating a stubbornness and a desire to remain in a state of delusion.
The second verse sees the singer acknowledging that they are alone despite having someone physically beside them. This underscores the emotional isolation they are experiencing at this time. The line "This life is not what you planned it" suggests a sense of disillusionment with the world around them. But for the singer, their current situation, despite its obvious difficulties, remains a kind of life nonetheless. The repeated refrain, "It is a life of crime," introduces the idea that this existence may be one that is morally or ethically compromised.
The third and final verse sees the singer reflecting on the nature of existence itself. The line "This life was made for something / But it wasn't you and I" suggests a kind of existential melancholy, a sense that life has some kind of intrinsic purpose, but they are not able to access it. The reference to being "born from nothing" and "never die" underscores the fleeting, transient nature of human existence.
Line by Line Meaning
You and me we had it all wrong
Our understanding of our relationship was misguided.
There was ice beneath our feet
Our foundation was unstable and impermanent.
But i refuse to understand it
I choose not to acknowledge or accept the fact that our relationship is doomed.
And i refuse to believe
I reject the idea that we cannot make this work.
I know that i will be alone tonight
I am aware that despite your physical presence, I will feel lonely and disconnected from you.
Even though you are by my side
Despite the fact that we are together, I feel emotionally isolated.
You said this life is not what you planned it
You expressed dissatisfaction with the direction your life has taken.
But if this is a life at all
Even if our lives are not what we wanted, it is still a life.
It is a life of crime
Our existence, with its impermanence and instability, is criminal in nature.
Now it's true i hardly know you
I realize that we are essentially strangers to each other.
And you will always look for me
You will always seek out my companionship, even if it is not beneficial to either of us.
But there is nothing here to hold onto
There is no stable foundation for us to build a lasting relationship.
Except the possibilities
There is a small chance that we could make this work, but it is highly unlikely.
How can i believe
I struggle to accept the things that you tell me.
You don't know
I don't think you have a true understanding of me or my motivations.
The words i hear you speak
I am skeptical of the things that you say to me.
You can't be sure
I doubt that you have any certainty about our relationship.
You say a soul is in me
You believe that I have a spiritual or emotional aspect to my being.
Well if it's a soul you want
If you are looking for a deeper, more meaningful connection with me...
Then you can take the one i've got
...you can have my soul, but it won't bring us any closer together.
Cause it's a life of crime
Our inability to connect on a deeper level is a criminal offense against our relationship.
This life was made for something
Our existence has a greater purpose, even if we do not understand it.
But it wasn't you and i
Our relationship is not the purpose that we were meant to fulfill.
We all were born from nothing
We came into existence purely by chance, without any intention or plan.
And we will never die
Our physical form may cease to exist, but the energy and matter that make up our bodies will continue to exist in some form.
Contributed by Molly L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
ZaxDavis
Mr. Deni, I just want to say I absolutely love your voice. Live and recorded. It's hard for some artist to keep a good voice both on stage and in an album. You have completely mastered it. Much love, can't wait to get this album.
geographermusic
The Echo was killer! thanks for coming out. really great energy to end the tour. see you guys again soon
geographermusic
Love to the fellow Geographer! Dying to get ourselves to Canada. SOON! promise.
ztex2382
Love these guys! Saw them at SXSW last year and counting down the days to seeing them again this year. All their stuff is just amazing.
Doug Levandowski
Great song! Can't wait for the new album!
geographermusic
awesome! pretty excited to be playing such a beautiful place. see you soon!
GoHawksGo
I'm mesmorized in your uniqueness. Truly great music, haven't heard any indie or any electronic like this. Very well a new true genre.
geographermusic
Thank you for the kind words -- appreciate the support and faith
geographermusic
Thanks for the kind words. Hope to catch you at a show sometime!
martesdemercadochino
Wow, right in the feels!! Loving it please come to california bro!!