The band broke up in the fall of 1996 after Smith's solo work began gaining popularity. Gust went on to play in the band No. 2. Coomes carried on as half of Quasi, as well as playing as a guest musician for Built to Spill and Sleater-Kinney. Lash currently keeps himself busy as a producer. He helped with the production of Death Cab for Cutie's first two studio albums (Something About Airplanes and We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes).
Eagle Eye
Heatmiser Lyrics
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Lay you out like you walked into a speed trap
Felt my stomach drop right out of thin air
They got their hands in my pockets even if there's nothing there
Feel like a sick mind, feel like the only one
Don't know who I'm looking for, or if it's anyone
And in the back room they had the word spread
What should I do
I wouldn't know what to say
Between the door I'll probably turn them all away
They look so bored that it doesn't matter anyway
And I don't want to be naked
Get taken in and taken
Come in like I'm lost, just got off the bus
Don't know how to act, how to look anonymous
Feel like I'm lined up behind the cue ball
Between my pocket and the eye in the hole in the wall
(What do you see when you see me?)
What should I do
I wouldn't know what to say
Between the door I'd probably turn them all away
They look so bored that it doesn't matter anyway
And I don't want to look hopeless
Look broken in and broken
The song "Eagle Eye" by Heatmiser is a haunting and introspective piece that delves into the overwhelming feeling of insecurity and alienation that one experiences in a crowded and unfamiliar environment. The song creates an image of a bar where the singer is surrounded by strangers, who seem aimless and disinterested. The singer's vulnerability is evident as he describes feeling like a "sick mind" and not knowing who he's looking for, or if he's looking for anyone at all. The uncertainty and fear of judgment are palpable as the lyrics describe the singer's apprehension of being "lined up behind the cue ball" and feeling exposed, like he's being watched with an "eagle eye".
The chorus of "what should I do, I wouldn't know what to say" highlights the underlying anxiety of the singer, who is unsure of how to navigate this unfamiliar territory. He feels powerless and overwhelmed in a situation where he doesn't know the rules or who is in control. The descriptions of being "naked" and "taken in" further highlight this sense of vulnerability, while the image of feeling "hopeless" and "broken" amplifies his fear of being seen as weak or inadequate. The final lines of the song illustrate a sense of foreboding and looming danger as the singer is at the mercy of others, who have the power to take advantage of him even if there's nothing to take.
Overall, "Eagle Eye" is a raw and honest depiction of the fear and uncertainty that can come with feeling out of place and exposed in a new environment. It's a strikingly relatable song that speaks to the universal human experience of insecurity and vulnerability.
Line by Line Meaning
Back in the bar they push the tables back
The patrons of the bar are clearing space in preparation for something.
Lay you out like you walked into a speed trap
The people in the bar seem dangerous and unpredictable.
Felt my stomach drop right out of thin air
The singer suddenly feels intense fear or anxiety.
They got their hands in my pockets even if there's nothing there
The artist feels like they are being robbed or taken advantage of, even if they have nothing of value.
Feel like a sick mind, feel like the only one
The artist feels mentally unwell and isolated.
Don't know who I'm looking for, or if it's anyone
The singer is unsure of their purpose or goals in this situation.
And in the back room they had the word spread
There is some kind of conspiracy or secret plan taking place in a nearby room.
Come without a conscience to be leading back and into bed
Someone is being taken advantage of or manipulated for the benefit of others.
What should I do
The artist is feeling lost and unsure of how to proceed.
I wouldn't know what to say
The artist is unsure of what to communicate to others in this situation.
Between the door I'll probably turn them all away
The singer anticipates that they will be reluctant to engage with others or let them into their space.
They look so bored that it doesn't matter anyway
The artist perceives others as being indifferent or uncaring, making their presence feel unimportant.
And I don't want to be naked
The singer wants to maintain some level of privacy or anonymity.
Get taken in and taken
The singer fears being taken advantage of or manipulated.
Come in like I'm lost, just got off the bus
The singer wants to appear as though they are inexperienced or unfamiliar with the situation.
Don't know how to act, how to look anonymous
The artist is trying to blend in and avoid standing out in any way.
Feel like I'm lined up behind the cue ball
The artist feels like they are in a precarious position, with danger potentially imminent.
Between my pocket and the eye in the hole in the wall
The singer is caught in the middle of something, with opposing forces at play.
(What do you see when you see me?)
The singer is asking others to reflect on their perception of them.
What should I do
The artist is still lost and unsure of how to proceed.
I wouldn't know what to say
The artist is still struggling to find the right words to communicate their needs and feelings.
Between the door I'd probably turn them all away
The artist is still anticipating that they will withdraw from others in this situation.
They look so bored that it doesn't matter anyway
The singer's perception of others' indifference has not changed.
And I don't want to look hopeless
The artist wants to maintain some level of composure or control in the situation.
Look broken in and broken
The singer fears appearing vulnerable or weak.
Lyrics © WARP MUSIC LIMITED
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