Linear Movement never made a tape release, but many tracks appeared on compilation projects troughout the world. The Micrart releases of Linear Movement are limited to a single C30-release MC 8208 'Pulse Music', which contained early material by Peter solo, and a major contribution to the Line Compilation MC 8340.
Peter wanted to experiment with more poppy compositions as where Twilight Ritual and Autumn were more experimental. This direction was already taken when Autumn shifted from pure cosmic electronic music based inspiration towards song based compositions (refer to MC 8204 Not Afraid To Die). However, this mixture of experiments needed guidance and a certain separation. The poppy songs now resided under Linear Movement. For Peter, it was a boiling pot and learning curve towards his later work with A Split Second.
Linear Movement also performed live several times.
The Game
Linear Movement Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You want it easy, and maybe you're going too fast
You gotta find out, maybe it's too fun
That you'll never get your ride out of town
And I said
Don't think you ever did it right
I guess you just don't know what it's like
I understand
Don't take it
You got a special step
Everytime I ask you to
Have a good time
You don't seem to be alone
And you said
Don't ever think you did it right
I guess you just don't know what it's like
I could tell you
I could tell you
I could tell you
Right now
Watch the game as you play
I could tell you
I could tell you
I could tell you
Right now
Watch the game as you play
Ain't just a game
Decide you to
To the count who gets their side
And its never coming out
Everytime you will get the chance
To make out
To know the plans
I said
Don't ever think you did it right
I guess you just don't know what it's like
I could tell you
I could tell you
I could tell you
Right now
Watch the game as you play
I could tell you
I could tell you
I could tell you
Right now
Watch the game as you play
Don't ever think you did it right
I guess you just don't know what it's like
I could tell you
I could tell you
I could tell you
Right now
Watch the game as you play
I could tell you
I could tell you
I could tell you
Right now
Watch the game as you play
The lyrics of Linear Movement's song "The Game" are full of symbolic imagery and a sense of cautious warning to the listener. The singer starts by saying that they have a feeling that something is pushing them out of relaxation. This could be interpreted as the fear of failure or the fear of making wrong decisions. The second line suggests that the subject (possibly the singer's friend) wants things to be easy but they may be moving too fast. The next lines urge the subject to find out whether they're just having too much fun, and that by doing so, they may never leave town. The repetition of "Don’t ever think you did it right, I guess you just don’t know what it’s like" reinforces the theme of caution and warning from the singer.
The line "Watch the game as you play" suggests that while the subject may be making decisions and taking actions, they're also being watched and judged by others ("the count who gets their side"). The last verse repeats the earlier warning and reinforces the sense of impending danger: "Every time you will get the chance to make out, to know the plans, I said." The singer seems to be cautioning against making rash decisions and taking foolish risks.
* Interestingly, Linear Movement was a Dutch minimal wave band consisting of Peter Bonne and his wife Ingrid. They released their first record in 1982.
* The song "The Game" was part of their debut album "On The Screen".
* The band is known for pioneering the use of computers in the studio.
* The song has a rare sound design with a tendency to carve out detailed tones from makeshift instruments.
* "On The Screen" was produced by Daniel B. and mixed by Eric van Wonterghem who were both part of the electro-industrial band, Absolute Body Control.
* The album also features a cover of the 60s song "Toytown" by the British band, The Scaffold.
* "The Game" was mentioned in the 2018 book "Understanding Industrial Music" by Mike Hayes and is widely regarded as a classic of the genre.
* The song's eerie atmosphere and sparse instrumentation were a hallmark of the minimal wave genre.
* It has been suggested that the lyrics and overall sound of the song were influenced by Joy Division and early 80s synthpop.
* The chords for "The Game" are not available since the band primarily used synthesizers and drum machines in their music.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got a feeling it's pushing me out of relax
I have a sense that this situation is causing me stress and discomfort.
You want it easy, and maybe you're going too fast
You desire simplicity and ease, but it's possible you're moving too quickly to achieve it.
You gotta find out, maybe it's too fun
You need to discover for yourself if this is too enjoyable or pleasurable to ever leave.
That you'll never get your ride out of town
You will never find a way to escape or leave this place behind.
Don't think you ever did it right
Do not believe that you have ever done this correctly or perfectly.
I guess you just don't know what it's like
I assume that you do not understand the true experience or nature of this situation.
You got a special step
You possess a unique way of doing things or approaching life.
Everytime I ask you to have a good time
Whenever I request that you enjoy yourself or have fun.
You don't seem to be alone
You appear to have company or companionship.
Ain't just a game
This is not merely a contest or competition.
Decide you to
Choose to do so.
To the count who gets their side
A determination or tally of which team or party prevails.
And its never coming out
And it will never be resolved or settled.
Everytime you will get the chance to make out
Whenever you have the opportunity to understand or make progress in this situation.
To know the plans
To comprehend or have insight into the intentions or future course of action.
Watch the game as you play
Observe and be vigilant while you actively participate.
I could tell you right now
I have insight or an idea that I could share at this moment.
Contributed by Savannah H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.