Hailing from Montreal, Canada, Islands is a 6 piece band founded in 2005 by The Unicorns co-founder/songwriter Nick Thorburn (often performing as "Nick Diamonds") and drummer J'Aime Tambeur. Following the untimely disbandment of The Unicorns as they teetered on the brink of breaking through, Islands' debut release entitled Return to the Sea, with its quirky sounds and refreshing, catchy melodies includes collaborations with members of Arcade Fire and Wolf Parade. This debut picks up where The Unicorns left off and takes the music to new heights without departing from The Unicorns' unique if sometimes peculiar appeal.
Islands plays beautiful pop melodies, intertwined with elements of afro-pop, hip hop, and indie rock, among others. One of the main gimmicks of the band is the recorder brought over from The Unicorns, which is prominently featured in the song "Jogging Gorgeous Summer." Nick Diamonds rules over the band with an iron fist. Other members include: Patrice Agbokou, Aaron Harris, Alex Chow, Sebastian Chow, and Patrick Gregoire. Return To the Sea, their rookie effort, was released on April 4th, 2006 on the brand new label, Equator Records, and Rough Trade in the UK. Digital Distribution handled by Alpha Pup.
On May 20, 2008, Islands released its second album, Arm's Way, on Anti- Records.
On September 22, 2009 Islands released their third full length album, Vapours.
On February 14, 2012 Islands released their fourth full length album, A Sleep & A Forgetting.
On September 17, 2013 Islands released their fifth full length album, Ski Mask
On May 13, 2016 Islands released their sixth and seventh full length albums, Should I Remain Here, At Sea? and Taste.
Here Here
Islands Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dried up and frozen
Into a snowflake
Low like the rolling hills
If you find some pleasure there
Feel it build
I don't want to see you disappear
Breathe, breathe in deep
I don't want to see you fall asleep
Warm your weary heart
Rest your troubled mind
The world is unkind
Feel it in your lungs
Feel it scrape your tongue
Then feel it melt away
Feel it melt away
Feel it melt away
You ache from the weight
Placed upon you
Open up your windows
Until the wind blows through
Here, here
I don't want to see you disappear
The lyrics of "Here Here" by Islands are metaphoric and contain emotional intensity. The first verse compares sadness to a pretty lake that has dried up and frozen, creating a snowflake. The use of metaphor here highlights the fleeting nature of beauty and happiness, illustrating that even something as beautiful as a lake can transform into something as fragile and temporary as a snowflake. Similarly, the second verse likens feeling low to the rolling hills, suggesting that even though joy may be hard to find, once it's found, it builds exponentially.
The chorus primarily revolves around the phrase "Here Here," where the singer declares that they don't want to see you disappear. This act of declaring reinforces the sincerity of the message - the singer doesn't want the person to fade away or lose themselves in their troubles. The second line of the chorus urges the person to breathe deeply and not fall asleep. This creates a sense of immediacy to the singer's message, where they are reminding the person to stay strong, stay awake, and face the challenges of life.
The final verse of the song offers some comfort and hope by urging the listener to open up their windows until the wind blows through. Here, the wind symbolizes change and new beginnings, making space for something new to enter their lives. The singer acknowledges that it may be hard to bear the weight upon the listener, but they offer some simple advice by offering to warm their weary heart and rest their troubled mind.
Line by Line Meaning
Sad as a pretty lake
You are feeling sorrowful and desolate, similar to a lake that has dried up and frozen into a snowflake.
Dried up and frozen into a snowflake
You are feeling lifeless, devoid of emotions and hope, similar to a lake that has dried up and frozen into a snowflake.
Low like the rolling hills
You feel small and insignificant, like the rolling hills in the distance.
If you find some pleasure there
If there is something that brings you happiness in life...
Feel it build
...embrace it and allow it to grow within you.
Here, here
I am here for you, and I need you to be present in the moment as well.
I don't want to see you disappear
I care about you deeply and I don't want you to isolate yourself or fade away.
Breathe, breathe in deep
Take a deep breath and inhale new life and energy.
I don't want to see you fall asleep
I don't want you to give up or lose hope, I want you to remain present and engaged in life.
Warm your weary heart
Take care of yourself emotionally and find ways to rejuvenate your heart and spirit.
Rest your troubled mind
Relax and try to let go of any worries or anxieties that may be weighing on your mind.
The world is unkind
The world can be harsh, unpredictable, and unjust.
Feel it in your lungs
Allow yourself to experience life fully, including its highs and lows.
Feel it scrape your tongue
Acknowledge and accept the bitterness that sometimes accompanies life's experiences.
Then feel it melt away
Recognize that this bitterness is temporary and will eventually fade away.
You ache from the weight
You are carrying a heavy burden that is causing you distress and discomfort.
Placed upon you
This burden has been imposed on you, rather than chosen by you.
Open up your windows
Be open to new possibilities and fresh air, both physically and metaphorically.
Until the wind blows through
Allow yourself to be transformed and healed by the cleansing power of change and renewal.
Contributed by Elijah N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.