The band has released two EPs, 'The Starlight EP' (2009) and 'Misfortunes & Minor Victories' (2010). Budgets being tiny for the EPs, the band borrowed an eight-track recorder and captured every intimate breath and soaring crescendo in their own homes and at an isolated house in Northumberland. Handmade sleeves for both EPs reinforced the self-sufficient approach.
Their debut album 'Gracious Tide, Take Me Home' was released on 19 September 2011 through Bella Union . The album was produced by Paul Gregory, as he did the band’s first two EPs. Relishing their independence, the band eschewed a recording studio for the album, though the loud bits were done in a basement of a shop in Newcastle.
www.LanternsOnTheLake.com
Tricks
Lanterns on the Lake Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Burning pitchers on the lawn
I′ll be waiting in the sideline
Playing tricks with the light
And if you make it through the dark nights
And you're in pieces on the ground
Well, I′ll be standing in the doorway
If we make it through the night, man
Chasing shadows on the wall
I'll be waiting in the sideline
Playing tricks with the light
Let me sleep for a while
Let me sleep, let me sleep
Let me sleep for a while
Let me sleep, let me sleep
The lyrics of "Tricks" by Lanterns on the Lake explore themes of struggle, perseverance, and the power of individual agency. The repeated mention of lightning and burning pitchers on the lawn creates a vivid imagery of chaos and destruction. It conveys a sense of unpredictability and challenges that one must face in life.
The line "I'll be waiting in the sideline, playing tricks with the light" suggests that despite being on the sidelines or feeling like a spectator in life, there is still a way to exert influence and create small moments of magic and change. It implies that even in the face of adversity and darkness, there is always an opportunity to find hope and make a difference. By playing tricks with the light, it symbolizes finding creative ways to navigate through difficult times and bring a sense of brightness and positivity.
The mention of "making it through the dark nights" and being "in pieces on the ground" hints at the trials and challenges one may encounter along the journey. However, the lyrics also convey a sense of resilience and determination, as the singer will be there, standing in the doorway, continuing to play tricks with the light. This signifies a refusal to succumb to despair and an unwavering commitment to finding light and joy in even the darkest of times.
Overall, "Tricks" is a song that encourages listeners to hold on, keep pushing forward, and find their own unique ways to make a difference and bring light into the world.
Line by Line Meaning
All this talk of the lightning
The constant discussion or focus on something that is captivating or attention-grabbing
Burning pitchers on the lawn
Creating a dramatic or intense atmosphere or situation
I'll be waiting in the sideline
Observing or staying on the periphery, not directly involved
Playing tricks with the light
Manipulating or altering the perception or understanding of a situation
And if you make it through the dark nights
Enduring difficult or challenging times
And you're in pieces on the ground
Feeling broken, defeated, or emotionally drained
Well, I'll be standing in the doorway
Being present or available for support or assistance
Playing tricks with the light
Offering distractions or illusions to provide comfort or relief
If we make it through the night, man
If we successfully overcome obstacles or challenges
Chasing shadows on the wall
Pursuing something elusive or intangible
I'll be waiting in the sideline
Remaining on the outskirts or not actively participating
Playing tricks with the light
Using deception or manipulation to create a false sense of security
Let me sleep for a while
Allow me to rest or escape from the burdens or pressures of life
Let me sleep, let me sleep
Requesting uninterrupted peace or tranquility
Let me sleep for a while
Desiring a temporary respite from the demands of reality
Let me sleep, let me sleep
Seeking solace or relief through a state of unconsciousness
Writer(s): Adam Sykes, Oliver Ketteringham, Sarah Kemp, Hazel Wilde, Paul Gregory, Brendan Sykes
Contributed by Isabella J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.