After sending demos to Joel Ford (Autre Ne Veut, Oneohtrix Point Never, Cyril Hahn), the two began a collaboration and recorded Gundelach's debut EP in New York alongside Al Carlson (Ariel Pink, Tim Hecker, Neil Young). The first single from the EP, "Spiders" went into heavy rotation on Norwegian radio P3 as well as grabbing #1 on Hype Machine, being played regularly on BBC1 and getting attention from Pharrell Williams on his Beats1 show. Gundelach’s intricate electronics overlaid with wispy vocals and pulsating beats, have since earned him “ones to watch in 2016” status from Spotify, TIDAL and NRK P3.
Bolder
Gundelach Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the shadows?
Yeah I know that
I'm forgetful
Are you lonely?
I'm a demon
Can you see me?
Do you know me?
Can you see me?
Are you dreaming?
In the meadow
By the old house
And you settle
Can you see me?
Can you keep it
Till we need to go?
Do you know me?
Can you see me?
Do you know me?
Can you see me?
Do you know me?
Can you see me?
The lyrics of Gundelach's song "Bolder" are cryptic and can be interpreted in various ways, but there seems to be an underlying theme of isolation and longing for connection. The singer addresses someone who he thinks might be lurking in the shadows, indicating his own forgetfulness and vulnerability. He then asks if this person is feeling lonely, to which he responds by admitting he himself feels like a demon. This line may suggest either the singer's feelings of self-loathing or his fears that he might be seen as a monster by others. The repetition of the questions "Do you know me?" and "Can you see me?" might reflect the singer's anxiety about being seen and accepted for who he is, or it could be a more general plea for human connection and understanding.
The second half of the song paints a somewhat dreamier picture, as the singer refers to a meadow by an old house, which could represent a more idyllic and nostalgic version of his past or his imagination. He asks if the person he's addressing can see him and keep the moment until they need to go, which might suggest that the moment is fleeting or that he's afraid it might not last. The repetition of the questions "Do you know me?" and "Can you see me?" returns, directing the focus back to the theme of connection and understanding.
Overall, "Bolder" seems to be dealing with the universal human need for connection and acceptance, and the fear of being vulnerable and invisible to others.
Line by Line Meaning
Are you creeping
Are you moving stealthily in the darkness?
In the shadows?
Are you hiding in the dark?
Yeah I know that
I am aware of that fact
I'm forgetful
My memory is not very good
Are you lonely?
Do you feel alone?
I'm a demon
I am a creature of evil
Do you know me?
Are you familiar with who I am?
Can you see me?
Are you able to perceive me visually?
Do you know me?
Do you recognize me?
Can you see me?
Are you able to see my physical manifestation?
Are you dreaming?
Are you in a state of unconsciousness where your mind is conjuring up images and sensations?
In the meadow
In an open field with grass and flowers
By the old house
Next to the aged and worn-down building
And you settle
And you find a comfortable position to rest in
Can you see me?
Are you able to perceive me visually?
Can you keep it
Can you hold onto this secret
Till we need to go?
Until the time comes for us to leave?
Do you know me?
Do you understand who I am?
Can you see me?
Are your eyes able to detect my physical presence?
Do you know me?
Are you familiar with my identity?
Can you see me?
Do you have the ability to visually recognize me?
Do you know me?
Are you cognizant of my existence and significance?
Can you see me?
Are you able to view my appearance?
Writer(s): Kai Gundelach
Contributed by Ethan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.