Heartbeat
Late of the Pier Lyrics


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A motion you cannot define

The 20th century shine

in and out for the count

having a shower before the drought


a heartbeat a flicker a line x 4

its just a line x 12



pineapple pieces in brine

fucking around with your mind



a heartbeat a flicker a line x 4

its just a line x 12

a heartbeat a flicker a line





its just a line x 12

Overall Meaning

Late of the Pier's song Heartbeat has a series of enigmatic and cryptic lyrics, which can be interpreted in various ways. The opening lines, "A motion you cannot define / The 20th century shine" possibly refer to the disorienting effects of modernization and technology on human perception and identity. The next lines, "in and out for the count / having a shower before the drought" might suggest fleeting experiences of pleasure and satisfaction amidst the impending or inevitable crises of life. The lines "pineapple pieces in brine / fucking around with your mind" could be taken as a metaphor for how certain distractions or addictions provide temporary relief but ultimately cause harm or confusion.


The main refrain of the song, "a heartbeat a flicker a line," is repeated several times with slight variations, perhaps echoing the unpredictability and complexity of human emotions and interactions. The phrase "it's just a line" is repeated 12 times at the end, possibly suggesting a sense of resignation or acceptance of the ephemeral nature of experiences and existence.


Overall, the song Heartbeat by Late of the Pier can be seen as a reflection on the paradoxes of contemporary life, where moments of pleasure and inspiration coexist with uncertainty, confusion, and fragility.


Line by Line Meaning

A motion you cannot define
There is a feeling or action that is difficult to explain or put into words.


The 20th century shine
The technological advancements and cultural changes of the 1900s are still present and impactful.


in and out for the count
Coming and going, sometimes present but sometimes not, perhaps feeling uncertain or inconsistent.


having a shower before the drought
Preparing for something difficult or negative that may happen in the future.


a heartbeat a flicker a line x 4
Something is happening or changing in quick succession, represented by a repeated pattern.


its just a line x 12
This pattern or repetition is not significant or meaningful, it is just happening over and over.


pineapple pieces in brine
A seemingly random or strange situation or combination of things.


fucking around with your mind
Someone or something is intentionally causing confusion or emotional distress.




Contributed by Reagan G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

discotetka

Emotion you cannot define
20th century shine
In and out for the count
Having the shower before the drought

A heartbeat, a flicker, a line (x 4)

It's just a line (x9)
It's just a...

Pineapple pieces in brine
Fucking around with your mind

A heartbeat, a flicker, a line (x4)

It's just a line



All comments from YouTube:

Pee Pee

I’ve discovered this band because of Kero Kero Bonito and I’m so glad I did

Данк Мимс

@just another fish in bikini bottom time n place was filled with noise rock elements. Idk how @dedxpl could like that and not this

just another fish in bikini bottom

@dedpxl lmao doesn't kkb also display elements of rock music (even noise sometimes)

TMV420

same

dedpxl

I prefer KKB's version. I can't stand rock music, it's essentially noise to me.

Midori Macross

Its just a line

iLikeSoup01

Im so sad i never got to see these guys live. It would have been bloody brilliant.

Crying Chicken

I wish I was more involved w the indie scene back in the 2000's, missed out on this great band :(
RIP Ross Dawson

Pedro Neve S

I saw them live @ leadmill Sheffield back in 2009 !!! what a band they were !!!! Fantasy black channel is phenomenal album !!!!!

Pant-Hooting Chimp

Still adore this. I really miss this band. Hey, where are the official videos for Bathroom Gurgle and The Bears Are Coming? I can't find them on YouTube anymore!

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