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.
Ones
Islands Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then my limbs are free like trees, let leaves leave, leave, leave
Blue, can't move my head, my head, my head, go home, go home
My legs can?t stand, anymore
With wings, things would be far, even if they were near
Here in my head
Close my eyes and see ones, here in my head
Close my eyes and see ones, here in my head
Some voice said stand 'cause you can
And that's all that you have
You're not in this alone
We all live in awkward little holes
We all live in our heads, our legs, our toes, our eyes, our throats, holes
The lyrics of Islands' song Ones is an interesting and introspective reflection on the sensations of the human body and how it relates to the mind. The opening lines, "In my mouth, my eyes, my ears, my nose, oh oh / Then my limbs are free like trees, let leaves leave, leave, leave" seem to suggest a focus on the physical body- our senses and our ability to move. The second verse, however, shifts focus to the internal, as the singer laments, "Blue, can't move my head, my head, my head, go home, go home / My legs can't stand, anymore". The final lines of the song reveal a theme of interconnectedness- the idea that we are all bound by our corporeal forms and the limitations they impose upon us, and that we are not alone in this experience.
Overall, Ones is a deeply thoughtful and poignant meditation on the nature of the human body, the mind-body connection, and the ways in which our physicality shapes our experience of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
In my mouth, my eyes, my ears, my nose, oh oh
I am fully aware of myself and my surroundings.
Then my limbs are free like trees, let leaves leave, leave, leave
Once I acknowledge my senses and body, I can release and let go of any burdening feelings or thoughts.
Blue, can't move my head, my head, my head, go home, go home
Feeling trapped and unable to move forward or think clearly.
My legs can?t stand, anymore
My body is physically and mentally worn out.
With wings, things would be far, even if they were near
If I had a greater perspective or ability, distance would not be an issue or obstacle.
Here in my head
This realization is coming from my own thoughts and emotions.
Close my eyes and see ones, here in my head
Shutting out external distractions, I can see clearly and focus on what truly matters.
Some voice said stand 'cause you can
Someone encouraged me to find strength within myself and persevere.
And that's all that you have
In times of difficulty, the only thing you can rely on is your own willpower and resilience.
You're not in this alone
Everyone struggles and faces challenges.
We all live in awkward little holes
We all have our own unique and uncomfortable situations we must navigate through.
We all live in our heads, our legs, our toes, our eyes, our throats, holes
We experience life through our senses and perspectives, which can feel constricting or limiting at times.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Henry Falatko
Lyrics:,
In my mouth, my eyes, my ears, my nose, oh oh
Then my limbs are free like trees, let leaves leave, leave, leave, leave, leave
Blue, can't move my head, my head, my head, my head, go home, go home, go home, oh oh
My legs can't stand, anymore
With wings, things would be far, even if they were near
Here in my head
Close my eyes and see ones, here in my head
Close my eyes and see ones, here in my head
Some voice said stand cause you can
And that's all that you have
You're not in this alone
We all live in awkward little holes
We all live in our heads, our legs, our toes, our eyes, our throats, holes, holes, holes, holes
Jerered Spaceshipson
lucky!