A touring sideman, occasio… Read Full Bio ↴American drummer, percussionist and composer.
A touring sideman, occasional bandmember, and session musician, including regular collaborations with Sufjan Stevens.
Uranus
James McAlister Lyrics
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Castrated by your son
The odd spring scattered on the deep
From Aphrodesia
You sexless fraud
From chaos choreographed
Defiled us in a fit of rage
Violent storm, from mysterious vengeance lies
Born from incest, as the evidence flipped its eyes
Cross me with your wildness
Snake-eyed warrior's knife
Aquarius
The scorpion
Your venom kiss
My guardian
I trust your touch
I trust your cries
Render the knife
Cut off my kind
My, you, they, we, us
The lyrics in James McAlister's song "Uranus" are cryptic and somewhat enigmatic. They present a glimpse of an unsettling and eerie world where relationships are complicated and marked by deceit, betrayal, and violence.
The first verse of the song, "What are you now? Castrated by your son. The odd spring scattered on the deep. From Aphrodesia" suggests a world where fathers are emasculated by their own children, and sexuality is chaotic and fleeting. The imagery of "Aphrodesia" refers to the Greek goddess of love and sexuality, suggesting that the characters in the song are driven by primal and animalistic desires.
In the second verse, the lyrics become more ominous and disturbing. "You sexless fraud, from chaos choreographed. Defiled us in a fit of rage, the earth will find its way" implies that someone or something has caused great harm through reckless, self-serving actions. The phrase "the earth will find its way" suggests that the natural world will eventually restore balance and harmony, even if humans cannot.
The chorus introduces some astrological symbolism. "Aquarius, the scorpion, your venom kiss, my guardian. I trust your touch, I trust your cries. Render the knife, cut off my kind" suggests that cosmic forces are at work, shaping the world and determining people's fates. The scorpion, associated with the constellation Scorpio, is a symbol of transformation and death, while Aquarius is a symbol of rebellion and revolution. The lyrics seem to suggest that change and upheaval are inevitable, even necessary, though they may come at a great cost.
Overall, "Uranus" is a moody and dark song that leaves many questions unanswered. Its cryptic lyrics and haunting melodies create a sense of unease, hinting at hidden meanings and secrets that may never be fully revealed.
Line by Line Meaning
What are you now?
Asking what you currently are or have become
Castrated by your son
Emasculated by your own offspring
The odd spring scattered on the deep
Unique and unusual growth spread across the vastness of the ocean
From Aphrodesia
Inspired by the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite
You sexless fraud
You are deceitful and lack any genuine sexuality or passion
From chaos choreographed
Organized or planned out of the disorder and randomness
Defiled us in a fit of rage
Violated or ruined us in a sudden fit of anger
The earth will find its way
Nature has a way of healing and correcting itself
Violent storm, from mysterious vengeance lies
A tempestuous disturbance caused by an enigmatic desire for revenge
Born from incest, as the evidence flipped its eyes
A result of inbreeding, as the proof became obvious
Cross me with your wildness
Challenge me with your untamed nature
Snake-eyed warrior's knife
A cutting weapon associated with a cunning and fearless fighter
Aquarius
A zodiac sign associated with originality and independence
The scorpion
A zodiac sign associated with passion and transformation
Your venom kiss
Your poisonous and deadly embrace
My guardian
My protector and guide
I trust your touch
I have faith in your physical contact
I trust your cries
I have faith in your emotional outbursts
Render the knife
Offer up the blade for use
Cut off my kind
Sever my line of descent or my own kind
My, you, they, we, us
All of us, collectively
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Sufjan Stevens, Nico Muhly, Bryce Dessner, James McAllister
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind