In early 2007 the group signed to Hardly Art, a label started by Sub Pop founder Jonathan Poneman. Their debut album, The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations' Millennium General Assembly was released on September 11, 2007. Their second album, Family, was released by Hardly Art on September 22, 2009.
In 2010 the band announced that they were no longer playing.
Neahkahnie
Le Loup Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lost in the static of the sand
We're kids again
Following a call to the hilltops
Folded all around ship's bones
Fettered to the beach in the foam
Old ships bones
Fettered to the beach in the foam
Broken town
The shutters on the shed are falling down
In a gun-grey gown
The weather tore the dunes down
Found unfolded all around dead homes
Rooftops low and cold
Old dead homes
Rooftops low and cold
In your yards, and in your hearts
You'll cordon off the sweetest part
But it wont grow
Lost in the static and the snow
It wont grow
Lost in the static and the snow
Last time 'round
The house had fallen further to the ground
And we made no sound
Reminded of the friends we'd loved
But left since then, unfound
The lyrics of Le Loup's song "Neahkahnie" talk about a journey back to childhood, to a place that holds a lot of memories for the singer and their companion. The first verse invites the listener to take their hand and follow them to the top of the hill, while being lost in the beauty of a beach embodying a dream-like quality. The deserted beach is full of the remains of ships and dead homes, that reflect their own scattered memories. The phrase "Lost in the static and the snow" can be interpreted as the confusion and disruption of life's journey, the way snow and static noise affect one's perception. In the second verse, the illusion of the dream-like world fades and reality sets in: "the shutters on the shed are falling down" and "the weather tore the dunes down." There is a sense of sadness and loss in the imagery of "the dead homes" and "rooftops low and cold."
The final verse describes an earlier visit when they had been reminded of the friends they once knew, who were now nowhere to be found. It is possible that the song is inspired by a specific place, such as a childhood home or a beloved holiday destination. The song is dreamy and nostalgic, using powerful imagery to evoke a longing for a time and a place that can never be returned to. The song's title - Neahkahnie - translates from the language of the Tillamook tribe, the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest, to "place of the god." This hints at a spiritual, almost reverent quality to the place where the singer is taking us.
Line by Line Meaning
Hold my hand
Let's stick together, stay close, and support each other.
Lost in the static of the sand
Feeling disoriented and confused while surrounded by noise and distractions.
We're kids again
Our worries and responsibilities fade away, and we feel carefree and young.
Following a call to the hilltops
We're drawn to something mysterious or exciting, and we're eager to explore it.
Folded all around ship's bones
The remnants of a shipwreck are scattered around us, reminding us of the dangers and tragedies of the sea.
Fettered to the beach in the foam
We feel trapped or tied down by the waves and the shore, unable to escape.
Old ships bones
The decayed remains of a ship that once sailed the ocean.
Broken town
The place we're in is falling apart and in disrepair.
The shutters on the shed are falling down
Even the smallest and most insignificant things are coming apart.
In a gun-grey gown
The bleak and dreary weather makes everything seem colorless and lifeless.
The weather tore the dunes down
The natural forces around us are destructive and merciless, tearing apart the sand and the ground.
Found unfolded all around dead homes
The houses and buildings that once were homes are now empty and abandoned, reminding us of the fleeting nature of our existence.
Rooftops low and cold
Even the tops of the buildings seem desolate, with nothing to offer.
Old dead homes
The homes that once were full of life and laughter are now silent and empty, echoing with memories of the past.
In your yards, and in your hearts
The things we cherish the most are often found in the places closest to us, both physically and emotionally.
You'll cordon off the sweetest part
We seek to protect and preserve the things that bring us joy and happiness, keeping them close and guarded.
But it wont grow
Despite our efforts, sometimes the things we care for don't flourish or thrive.
Lost in the static and the snow
Our purpose or direction is obscured by the chaos and confusion around us, making it hard to see clearly.
Last time 'round
The last time we were here, things were different and better.
The house had fallen further to the ground
Even the things that were once strong and sturdy are now weak and fragile.
And we made no sound
We were speechless, overcome with emotion and nostalgia.
Reminded of the friends we'd loved
The memories of people we once cared for flood our minds, filling us with longing and bittersweet regret.
But left since then, unfound
Despite our attempts to reconnect with those from our past, sometimes we're left feeling alone and disconnected.
Contributed by Camilla C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.