A sound incorporating close vocal harmonies and rich harmonics drawn from influences Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks and Dar Williams. The songs feature bright acoustic guitar and warm electric bass - by turns sweet, and haunting.
Surprise
Guise Lyrics
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Once it's had you
It's like a dog with a bone
Love isn't kind
Its smile is full of venom
You're best to leave it well alone
And just choose who you like
And decide where you lay your head each night
And I know I said I've fallen for your smile
And I know you said a lot of things I liked
I'm not a fool, I know you lied
Surprise, surprise
So did I
Love isn't in the air, it's in our heads
And my head is spinning
Don't think it's who I'm with, just what I'm drinking
Still, you gotta keep your hand in
And I know what I like
And I'll decide where I lay my head tonight
And I know I said I've fallen for your smile
And I know you said a lot of things I liked
I'm not a fool, I know you lied
Surprise, surprise
Surprise, surprise
So did I
These lyrics, from Guise's song "Surprise," explore the themes of love, deceit, and self-awareness. The singer reflects on the nature of love, describing it as something that once it has a hold on you, it doesn't let go easily. Love is compared to a dog with a bone, relentless in its pursuit. However, the singer also acknowledges that love is not kind and can be venomous. It is advised to stay away from it and instead make conscious choices about who to be with and where to find comfort.
The chorus reveals a sense of betrayal and realization. The singer admits to falling for someone's smile and acknowledging that the person has said things they liked. However, they are not naïve and recognize that the other person also lied. The repetition of "Surprise, surprise" emphasizes the singer's sarcastic tone and the irony of the situation. They have been deceived, just like they themselves lied.
The second verse continues to explore the concept of love, suggesting that it is not something tangible in the air but resides in our heads. The singer's head is spinning, indicating confusion and uncertainty. They also imply that their current partner may not be the ideal choice, but it doesn't matter as long as they keep their hand in the game.
Line by Line Meaning
Love doesn't let you go
Love holds onto you tightly and doesn't allow you to escape its grasp.
Once it's had you
Once love has captured your heart and soul.
It's like a dog with a bone
Love clings to you persistently, just like a dog holding onto a bone.
Love isn't kind
Love can be cruel and hurtful.
Its smile is full of venom
Love's outward appearance might seem pleasant, but it conceals a toxic nature.
You're best to leave it well alone
It's advisable to stay away from love and not become entangled in its complications.
And just choose who you like
Instead, select someone you genuinely enjoy being with.
And decide where you lay your head each night
Decide on the person you want to spend your nights with and form a deeper connection.
And I know I said I've fallen for your smile
I admit that I claimed to have been captivated by your smile.
And I know you said a lot of things I liked
I acknowledge that you expressed many pleasing words that I enjoyed hearing.
I'm not a fool, I know you lied
However, I am not naive; I understand that you deceived me.
Surprise, surprise
The revelation of your deceit doesn't astonish me.
So did I
I, too, also deceived you in a similar manner.
Love isn't in the air, it's in our heads
Love is not a romantic atmosphere but rather a product of our thoughts and emotions.
And my head is spinning
My mind is overwhelmed and confused.
Don't think it's who I'm with, just what I'm drinking
Don't assume that my feelings are influenced solely by the person I'm with; it could be influenced by what I'm consuming.
Still, you gotta keep your hand in
Regardless, one should continue to engage in relationships and not withdraw completely.
And I know what I like
I am aware of my preferences and desires.
And I'll decide where I lay my head tonight
I will determine who I want to be with and spend the night with.
Surprise, surprise
To no one's astonishment, there are more unexpected revelations.
Surprise, surprise
Yet again, there are more surprising revelations.
So did I
Just like you, I also played a part in the deception.
Writer(s): Joseph Paul Longo
Contributed by Chase A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.