Side projects, which are more extensions of than alternatives to Giant Sand, include the country-oriented The Band of Blacky Ranchette, OP8 (a collaboration with Lisa Germano), and Gelb's solo albums. Guests on Blacky Ranchette albums have included Lucinda Williams, Kurt Wagner (of Lambchop) and Chan Marshall.
Arizona Amp And Alternator (AAAA) is Gelb's newest project with a self-titled album. The homepage states that AAAA has no members.
Official website: www.giantsand.com
Satellite
Giant Sand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You’re pulling for him,
You’re pulling for her,
You’re pushing the envelope.
You can get Leonard Nimoy
To play the part of Leonard Cohen
Singing the songs you already own.
What are you going to do
Satellite has had enough of you?
Yeah, you can still throttle
And brake with the best of them
If only in certain time and pendulum.
What are you going to say
When a little one gets in your way
And asks the question of the day, "Are you ok?"
Never mind speaking your mind
And shoving it all the way up there.
Satellite is just a sad old light
And still ill equipped to care.
The lyrics to Giant Sand's song "Satellite" seem to be exploring themes of distance, communication, and isolation. The opening lines suggest that the listener (or perhaps the singer themselves) is physically far away from someone else, yet still trying to connect with them. They are "pulling for him, you're pulling for her," indicating a desire to support and uplift. But despite this effort, "satellite has had enough of you." This line seems to suggest that perhaps the mode of communication being used (a satellite, presumably) is limiting and imperfect. It has its breaking point, beyond which it can no longer transmit the intended message or emotion.
Line by Line Meaning
Half way round the globe
Even though you're far away, you're still trying to influence the people in your life.
You’re pulling for him,
You're rooting for someone you care about.
You’re pulling for her,
You're rooting for someone you care about.
You’re pushing the envelope.
You're trying to be innovative and push boundaries.
You can get Leonard Nimoy
You have access to resources and connections.
To play the part of Leonard Cohen
You can make something seem better than it is by using deception.
Singing the songs you already own.
You're repeating the same old patterns and ideas.
What are you going to do
You have to make a difficult decision.
When you can’t get through,
When your communication fails.
Satellite has had enough of you?
Your technology and gadgets are no longer working for you.
Yeah, you can still throttle
You can still control the situation.
And brake with the best of them
You can stop and prevent things from moving forward.
If only in certain time and pendulum.
You can only do so much and are limited by time and circumstance.
What are you going to say
You have to prepare a response.
When a little one gets in your way
When someone younger or less experienced interrupts you.
And asks the question of the day, "Are you ok?"
When someone shows concern for your well-being.
Never mind speaking your mind
Don't bother expressing your true opinion.
And shoving it all the way up there.
Don't try to force your ideas upon others.
Satellite is just a sad old light
Technology can become outdated and unhelpful.
And still ill equipped to care.
Even though technology can do amazing things, it cannot truly empathize with others.
Contributed by Isaiah O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.