Demons can be seen as a continuation of the Canterbury Scene which involved acts like Soft Machine and Robert Wyatt. They do however move forward into new ground by mixing this Canterbury style with a noticeable Krautrock influence, especially that of Can. Some melodic lines and rhythmic patterns are strongly reminiscent of Frank Zappa's compositions. Other similar acts include Aksak Maboul, Pit er Pat, Pop-off Tuesday, Lightning Bolt, and Cheer Accident.
1850
Icy Demons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
what is real you cannot say
drink a sliver of the sky
see an angel floating by
keep it down you see the stars
realize don't know where you are
drink into another life
great great grandpa didn't die
keep on walking force afar
1850 gone too far
time's a twinkle in his eye
understand don't even try
like the doctor when you die
he can see inside your mind
items wishes best regards
filthy falling house of card
certainly don't be afraid
truth's a game that's hard to play
four dimensions we can feel
can't decide if they are real
you weren't meant to go so far
time is like a cookie jar
(keep goin' back...)
. in a cosmic wave
all those lives go down the drain
every time you turn around
the whole world comes crashing down
as a kid a dog was taught
on the mountain you were small
micro, macro, all the same
macaroni for a brain
take another little sip
1850's other trip
take a walk on any day
what is real you cannot say
drink a sliver of the sky
see an angel floating by
four dimensions we can feel
can't decide if they are real
take a walk on any day
what is real you cannot say
drink a sliver of the sky
see an angel floating by
we can hear inside your mind
so to me don't be afraid
truth's a game that's hard to play
every time you turn around
the whole world comes crashing down
time is of sweet poet his mind
four dimensions we can feel,
can't decide if they are real...
The lyrics of Icy Demons's song "1850" are surreal and abstract, evoking a sense of disorientation and confusion. The song opens with a suggestion to take a walk on any day, but quickly undermines the idea of objective reality by stating that "what is real, you cannot say." The language is highly metaphorical, suggesting that one can "drink a sliver of the sky" and "see an angel floating by." The idea of not knowing where one is while still being able to "keep it down" and "see the stars" contributes to a feeling of disorientation and uncertainty.
The song also touches on concepts of time and the nature of reality. The lyrics suggest that time is a "twinkle in his eye" and that understanding it is impossible. The line "time is like a cookie jar" suggests that time is a malleable and unpredictable force, perhaps referencing the idea of alternate realities or parallel universes. The repeated phrase "1850 gone too far" may reference a specific historical event or time period, but it remains ambiguous.
Overall, the lyrics of "1850" are dreamlike and evocative, creating a mood of confusion and uncertainty that is both disorienting and intriguing.
Line by Line Meaning
take a walk on any day
Emphasizes the unpredictability of life and the importance of going with the flow.
what is real you cannot say
Questions the nature of reality and highlights the subjectivity of one's perception.
drink a sliver of the sky
Invites the listener to embrace the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
see an angel floating by
Encourages the listener to be open to spiritual experiences and the possibility of the supernatural.
keep it down you see the stars
Urges the listener to be mindful and present in the moment to appreciate the beauty around them.
realize don't know where you are
Suggests that one should embrace the uncertainty of life and enjoy the journey without worrying about the destination.
drink into another life
Encourages the listener to explore different perspectives and experiences to broaden their understanding of the world.
great great grandpa didn't die
Hints at the idea of reincarnation and the cyclical nature of existence.
keep on walking force afar
Encourages the listener to persevere in the face of obstacles and challenges to reach their goals.
1850 gone too far
Refers to the notion of progress and how human evolution has brought about both positive and negative consequences.
time's a twinkle in his eye
Suggests that time is relative and fleeting, making the most of the present moment all the more important.
understand don't even try
Emphasizes the limitations of human comprehension and encourages the listener to embrace mystery and ambiguity.
like the doctor when you die
Compares the experience of death to a clinical procedure, highlighting the inevitability of mortality.
he can see inside your mind
Alludes to the idea of a higher power or omniscient force that knows and understands the innermost thoughts of individuals.
items wishes best regards
Suggests a superficiality and lack of sincerity in human interactions and communication.
filthy falling house of card
Paints a bleak picture of the fragility and impermanence of society and the structures that hold it together.
certainly don't be afraid
Encourages the listener to embrace the unknown and face their fears with courage and confidence.
truth's a game that's hard to play
Reflects the complexity and subjectivity of the concept of truth and the challenges of seeking it out.
four dimensions we can feel
References the four dimensions of space-time that humans are capable of perceiving and experiencing.
can't decide if they are real
Questions the nature of reality and raises doubts about the validity of one's perceptions.
you weren't meant to go so far
Hints at the dangers of human ambition and the idea that overstepping one's bounds can have negative consequences.
time is like a cookie jar
Compares time to a finite and depleting resource that must be savored and used wisely.
in a cosmic wave
Alludes to the vastness and interconnectedness of the universe and the idea of a universal consciousness.
all those lives go down the drain
References the fleeting nature of existence and the idea that everything eventually comes to an end.
every time you turn around
Emphasizes the fleeting nature of moments and highlights the importance of being present in the here and now.
the whole world comes crashing down
Portrays the fragile and chaotic nature of human civilization and the vulnerability of individuals within it.
as a kid a dog was taught
Reflects on the idea of societal conditioning and how individuals are shaped by external influences from a young age.
on the mountain you were small
References the sense of insignificance and awe that comes with experiencing the vastness of nature.
micro, macro, all the same
Suggests that the universe operates on a spectrum, with no distinction between the very large and very small.
macaroni for a brain
Pokes fun at the limitations of human intellect and the absurdity of existence.
take another little sip
Encourages the listener to continue experiencing and exploring the world around them, one small step at a time.
1850's other trip
Alludes to the idea of alternate dimensions or timelines where events played out differently.
we can hear inside your mind
Suggests the presence of a higher power or force that can penetrate the thoughts and emotions of individuals.
so to me don't be afraid
Reiterates the importance of facing one's fears and embracing the unknown.
truth's a game that's hard to play
Emphasizes the complexity and subjectivity of the concept of truth and the challenges of uncovering it.
every time you turn around
Echoes the idea that moments are fleeting and should be savored as they come.
the whole world comes crashing down
Reflects the chaotic and transient nature of human civilization and the vulnerability of individuals within it.
time is of sweet poet his mind
Compares time to a work of art, highlighting its fleeting beauty and creative potential.
four dimensions we can feel
Reiterates the four dimensions of space-time that humans are capable of perceiving and experiencing.
can't decide if they are real
Questions the nature of reality and raises doubts about the reliability of human perception.
Contributed by Katherine P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.