While continuing to front his seven-piece band Farrow, Lanks is a mature new side project that has allowed him to play freely with traditional folk storytelling in the modern framework of electronic music; taking parts from Radiohead’s intricate grooves, Bon Iver’s vocal layering and Jamie XX’s famed dead space.
His debut EP is a collection of songs that rises and falls in pictures and words, a project that combines cinematic soundscapes with electronic beats and evocative vocal narratives.
Although Lanks is a solo venture, with the 24-year-old writing, performing and recording the EP using synthesizers, guitars, samples and flutes over an intensive three month period, the live sets expand to include three other band members.
Lanks debut EP is available digitally on Bandcamp and iTunes.
Reticent
Lanks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're leaking secrets everywhere
Brown leather, zip locked bags
Careful when you're in the crowds
You're dripping paint on the label
Wipe your hands and leave the table
Your eyes are riding on a wave
They're pointing at my heart
And shooting darts, that dig and weave
A holy arrow splitting seams
A prison vault that holds my dreams
That's pumping blood into my limbs
The liquid life that carries me
Well crush me all you like
It won't help you breathe
When you shoot me down
It doesn't say anything bout me
And equally
If I am reticent
And I construct with eloquence
Maybe I can help you find your dreams?
Well crush me all you like
It won't help you breathe
When you shoot me down
It doesn't say anything bout me
And equally
If I am reticent
And I construct with eloquence
Maybe I can help you find your dreams?
This isn't just for you
It's a blessing here for me
Written in the stone, it's a lesson here for me
This isn't just for you
It's a lesson here for me
Written in the stone so it's, so it's complete
I used to hide behind a wall
And chew upon the seeds
Never let them grow
And left them blackened in the weeds
Negativity
Circulate through me
Choking up my conscience with a charcoal elegy
Well crush me all you like
It won't help you breathe
When you shoot me down
It doesn't say anything bout me
And equally
If I am reticent
And I construct with eloquence
Maybe I can help you find your dreams?
This isn't just for you
It's a lesson here for me
This isn't just for you
It's a lesson here for me
This isn't just for you
It's a lesson here for me, for me, for me, for me
Well crush me all you like
It won't help you breathe
When you shoot me down
It doesn't say anything bout me
And equally
If I am reticent
And I construct with eloquence
Maybe I can help you find your dreams?
This isn't just for you
It's a lesson here for me
This isn't just for you
It's a lesson here for me
This isn't just for you
It's a lesson here for me, for me, for me, for me
The first verse of the song introduces the theme of secrecy and the consequences of revealing hidden information. The lyrics suggest that the person is trying to keep their thoughts and emotions hidden but is inadvertently leaking their secrets everywhere. The mention of "brown leather, zip locked bags" implies the importance of protecting oneself from the prying eyes of others. The person is cautious when in public, as even their smallest actions or expressions can reveal more than they intend. The lines "You're dripping paint on the label, wipe your hands and leave the table" symbolize the need to clean up the mess they've created and move on.
The second verse explores the effect of negative judgment and criticism on the person. Their eyes are described as being fueled by bitterness and cheap champagne, representing a toxic mindset. These eyes are metaphorically shooting darts at the singer's heart, causing pain and turmoil. The lyrics portray the damage inflicted by these words as a "holy arrow splitting seams" and a "prison vault that holds my dreams." The person's dreams and aspirations are being hindered by the hurtful words and negative energy directed towards them. However, despite this, their life force ("pumping blood into my limbs") continues to fuel them, showing resilience and determination.
The chorus of the song expresses defiance in the face of criticism. The singer asserts that being crushed or shot down by others does not define them or their worth. They suggest that their reticence, or reserved nature, combined with their ability to construct their thoughts with eloquence, could potentially help the person who is trying to bring them down find their own dreams. This highlights the singer's belief in the power of communication and empathy.
The final verse reflects on personal growth and the lessons learned through self-reflection. The person admits to once hiding behind a figurative wall, preventing personal growth and leaving their potential unfulfilled. The line "Choking up my conscience with a charcoal elegy" signifies the negative thoughts and self-destructive behavior that held them back. However, the person has overcome these obstacles, realizing that the insights gained from their experiences are not just for the benefit of others but also for their own personal growth. The lyrics emphasize the completeness and wholeness of the lesson learned, being "written in the stone."
Overall, the song "Reticent" explores themes of secrecy, judgment, resilience, and personal growth. It encourages authenticity and emphasizes the importance of self-expression, even in the face of criticism. The lyrics suggest that embracing one's own reticence and expressing oneself with eloquence can not only help the individual find their dreams but also have a positive impact on others. It serves as a reminder that self-awareness and personal growth are ongoing processes of learning and overcoming challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Purse your lips and keep them there
Keep your mouth shut and don't reveal any secrets
You're leaking secrets everywhere
You can't keep your secrets hidden and they're being exposed
Brown leather, zip locked bags
Concealing and protecting secrets in locked bags made of brown leather
Careful when you're in the crowds
Be cautious and discreet when you're among many people
You're dripping paint on the label
Your carelessness is causing damage and leaving evidence
Wipe your hands and leave the table
Clean up your mess and walk away
Your eyes are riding on a wave
Your eyes reflect strong emotions and desires
Of bitterness and cheap champagne
Expressing a mix of resentment and shallow pleasures
They're pointing at my heart
Your eyes are directed towards my emotions and vulnerabilities
And shooting darts, that dig and weave
They are attacking me with sharp words and actions
A holy arrow splitting seams
A divine force that causes division and rupture
A prison vault that holds my dreams
A restrictive barrier that confines my aspirations
That's pumping blood into my limbs
It's the source of vitality and energy within me
The liquid life that carries me
The essence of life that supports and nourishes me
Well crush me all you like
You can try to break me, but it won't affect me
It won't help you breathe
Your actions won't bring you the satisfaction you seek
When you shoot me down
When you criticize and attack me
It doesn't say anything bout me
It doesn't reflect or define who I am
And equally
In the same way
If I am reticent
If I am reserved and hold back
And I construct with eloquence
And I communicate skillfully
Maybe I can help you find your dreams?
Perhaps I can assist you in discovering your own aspirations
This isn't just for you
This experience or lesson isn't exclusively intended for you
It's a blessing here for me
It's a positive outcome or opportunity for personal growth for me
Written in the stone, it's a lesson here for me
It's a permanent and impactful lesson that I must learn
I used to hide behind a wall
I used to conceal myself and avoid facing reality
And chew upon the seeds
And dwell on negative thoughts and experiences
Never let them grow
I never allowed positive changes or opportunities to develop
And left them blackened in the weeds
Instead, I allowed them to wither and become tainted
Negativity
Pervasive pessimism and unfavorable circumstances
Circulate through me
It flows within me and influences my thoughts and actions
Choking up my conscience with a charcoal elegy
Suffocating my moral compass with a somber and melancholic lament
This isn't just for you
This experience or lesson isn't exclusively intended for you
It's a lesson here for me
It's a valuable and instructive experience for me
This isn't just for you
This experience or lesson isn't exclusively intended for you
It's a lesson here for me
It's a valuable and instructive experience for me
This isn't just for you
This experience or lesson isn't exclusively intended for you
It's a lesson here for me, for me, for me, for me
It's a significant and personal lesson that resonates with me
This isn't just for you
This experience or lesson isn't exclusively intended for you
It's a lesson here for me
It's a valuable and instructive experience for me
This isn't just for you
This experience or lesson isn't exclusively intended for you
It's a lesson here for me
It's a valuable and instructive experience for me
This isn't just for you
This experience or lesson isn't exclusively intended for you
It's a lesson here for me, for me, for me, for me
It's a significant and personal lesson that resonates with me
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: A Eremin, W Cuming
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind