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.
Vertigo
Islands Lyrics
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It's the deck hand hitting the wrong notes
Came to with a pain in my gut again
I cut it open wide, took out a box
Inside the box there was a beat keeping time
Is it a crime to pass the blame
If every time the punishment is the same?
Life is a loose tooth leaving your mouth
Dig that ditch
Ditch that dirt
It's just a body now
Pick me up so I can fall back down again
Descending into vertigo
If it's a crime they'll hang me every time
I tried to offer up a reason why
I tried, my dear, to set things straight
I fear that I was too late to be cleared of the crime
I just missed a slap on the wrist
A key witness to the stand
But the jury's out creeping about and I am a guilty man
And the cyst is growing into this
So I drowned in the boat I choked down
And the captain remained proud
Looked down, seeing the ground getting closer to me
And now the ground is coming up my sleeves
Pick me up so I can fall back down again
Descending into vertigo
If it's a crime they'll hang me every time
I tried to offer up a reason why
I tried, my dear, to set things straight
I fear that I was too late to be cleared of the crime
If it's a crime, they'll hang me every time
I tried to set things straight
I fear that I was too late to be cleared of the crime
The lyrics of Islands' song "Vertigo" depict a sense of guilt and self-destruction. The opening lines describe a feeling of unease and vulnerability, comparing it to a big boat caught in one's throat. The mention of the deckhand hitting the wrong notes hints at a lack of control and a sense of things going awry. The pain in the gut symbolizes the emotional turmoil the singer is experiencing.
As the song continues, the singer opens up a box inside their gut, revealing a beat that keeps time. This could represent an inner conflict, a constant reminder of their actions and the consequences they face. The lyrics question the morality of passing blame and whether it leads to the same punishment every time.
The metaphor of life as a loose tooth leaving the mouth illustrates the transient nature of existence. The singer urges to get rid of it, suggesting a desire to escape the guilt and pain. The reference to digging a ditch and ditching the dirt further accentuates the need to bury the body, metaphorically speaking, as a way of disposing of the consequences.
The second part of the song emphasizes the singer's realization of their guilt and the fear that it is too late to be cleared of the crime. They mention missing a punishment and being a guilty man, suggesting a longing for some form of accountability. The drowning imagery and the captain remaining proud symbolize a sense of being overwhelmed and trapped by their actions.
In the end, the lyrics emphasize the ongoing cycle of guilt and punishment. The singer acknowledges their attempts to offer a reason for their actions but fears it's too late to set things straight. The recurring theme of being hanged for the crime implies a lack of redemption for their actions, perpetuating the vertigo-like state of guilt and self-destruction.
Overall, "Vertigo" explores themes of guilt, accountability, and the inescapable consequences of one's actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Big boat caught in my throat
Feeling overwhelmed and unable to express myself fully
It's the deck hand hitting the wrong notes
Someone close to me making mistakes and causing discord
Came to with a pain in my gut again
Waking up with a familiar feeling of unease and discomfort
I cut it open wide, took out a box
Taking drastic measures to confront and remove the source of my troubles
Inside the box there was a beat keeping time
Discovering a rhythm or pattern underlying my difficulties
Is it a crime to pass the blame
Questioning the morality of shifting responsibility onto others
If every time the punishment is the same?
Wondering if the consequences will always be severe regardless of who is at fault
Life is a loose tooth leaving your mouth
Comparing life to a fleeting and unpredictable experience
So get it out get it out
Urge to confront and remove the uncertainties and discomforts of life
Dig that ditch
Engaging in self-destructive behavior
Ditch that dirt
Let go of the negative influences and burdens
It's just a body now
Realizing the transient nature of physical existence
Pick me up so I can fall back down again
Seeking assistance only to return to a state of vulnerability and instability
Descending into vertigo
Sinking into a state of disorientation and confusion
If it's a crime they'll hang me every time
Feeling constantly judged and punished for my actions
I tried to offer up a reason why
Attempting to provide justification for my behavior
I tried, my dear, to set things straight
Making sincere efforts to resolve conflicts and reconcile
I fear that I was too late to be cleared of the crime
Worrying that it is too late to be absolved of the guilt and consequences
I just missed a slap on the wrist
Escaping a minor punishment by a narrow margin
A key witness to the stand
An important person who can provide crucial evidence or testimony
But the jury's out creeping about and I am a guilty man
The judgment is still pending, and I feel inherently culpable
And the cyst is growing into this
The problem or issue is getting bigger and more difficult to ignore
So I drowned in the boat I choked down
Being overwhelmed and consumed by the burdens I've willingly accepted
And the captain remained proud
Someone in authority or control shows no remorse or accountability
Looked down, seeing the ground getting closer to me
Realizing the imminent consequences and downfall
And now the ground is coming up my sleeves
The negative consequences are reaching every aspect of my life
If it's a crime they'll hang me every time
Feeling continuously condemned and punished for my actions
I tried to offer up a reason why
Attempting to provide an explanation or justification for my behavior
I tried, my dear, to set things straight
Making sincere efforts to resolve conflicts and reconcile
I fear that I was too late to be cleared of the crime
Worrying that it is too late to be absolved of the guilt and consequences
If it's a crime, they'll hang me every time
Sensing a recurring pattern of severe judgment and punishment
I tried to set things straight
Making genuine attempts to rectify and fix the situation
I fear that I was too late to be cleared of the crime
Feeling remorseful and uncertain if redemption is possible
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Nicholas Shanahan Thorburn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind