A group of childhood friends from Inglewood who began playing together in their teens, the band consists of Pablo Sotelo (vocals/guitar), Jean Pierre Narvaez (bass/vocals), Chris Runners (keys/vocals), Elijah Trujillo (guitar/keys), and Luis Portillo (drums). An early diet of bands like the Arctic Monkeys, the Strokes, and Gorillaz fueled their imagination as they learned their instruments and began writing songs together during high school in the late 2000s. By the time they began releasing music in 2012, Inner Wave had transformed themselves into a pysch-driven indie pop band with a lo-fi bent and a strong D.I.Y. presence. A series of self-released singles and EPs paved the way for their first full-length, 2013's III. The album's bubbly lo-fi single, "American Spirits," went on to notch millions of streams on major streaming platforms. The exploratory Sun Transmissions followed a year later as Inner Wave continued to build buzz as a live band. A steady stream of signals throughout early 2017 preceded the August release of their ambitious third album, Underwater Pipe Dreams. An hour long and boasting 18 tracks, the experimental set was followed in 2018 by similarly toned companion EP, Underwater +, further bolstering their reputation as a creative and engaging act. Inner Wave returned in the middle of 2019 with the warped but sunny EP wya.
88
Inner Wave Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't wanna breathe what the earth made
I just wanna be where the hurts stays it goes against me
One for the fire that you made me
Holding it down like a black sheep
Guess where it stands isn't so deep
It goes against me
The lyrics of Inner Wave's song 88 express a desire to avoid confronting the difficult and painful aspects of life, whether that be through avoiding communication ("I don't wanna see what I can't say"), or distancing oneself from the natural world ("I don't wanna breathe what the earth made"). The singer longs to reside within the realm of hurt, suggesting perhaps that they have become accustomed to pain, or are more comfortable dwelling within it than confronting the unknown. Despite this, the lyrics indicate a certain distancing from the experience of pain, as if it stands at odds with the singer's very being ("it goes against me").
The song hints at a sense of alienation, too, with the refrain "holding it down like a black sheep". This metaphorical black sheep suggests a figure who is ostracized or excluded from a group, but in "holding it down" the singer assumes the figure's fortitude and determination. Yet, despite the defiance implicit in the song's lyrics, the overall tone remains somewhat melancholy and introspective, as if the singer is grappling with the weight of their own internal contradictions.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't wanna see what I can't say
I prefer not to witness things that I cannot express verbally
I don't wanna breathe what the earth made
I don't want to inhale air that comes from the earth
I just wanna be where the hurts stays it goes against me
It goes against my nature to want to be wherever pain lingers
One for the fire that you made me
I owe you for causing me to ignite with passion
Holding it down like a black sheep
I feel like an outcast but I'm maintaining composure
Guess where it stands isn't so deep
The situation may not be as complicated as it appears
It goes against me
It conflicts with my beliefs or personality
Contributed by William L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
陈陈
this song makes me feel peaceful and reminds me of a friend ive lost long time ago
Makima Moon
poca gente conoce la cancion pero es de lo mejor
Stefano Serrano
Eso es lo mejor, porque tik tok es tan repugante e ignorante que solo conocen las mas conocidas
FloridTV
I don't wanna see what I can't say
I don't wanna breathe what the earth made
I just wanna be where the hurts stays it goes against me
One for the fire that you made me
Holding it down like a black sheep
Guess where it stands isn't so deep
It goes against me
Alexander Grande
Damn this song is so very well structured
billythekid
Every time I think I find a favorite song from you guys…I end up finding another one days after
Valenz Valenz
I've been listening the whole album and I think they're so fucking wonderful doing music, most of people should know about this band, but I think it keeps better being underated... Anyways, I love them 💜
Gustavo Mtz
Mi banda favorita 🇲🇽 💥❤️
CADEN BOTRUFF
amazing song, more people should know about it
Troy Isaac
Such an amazing song. Love love love this. Excellent work!