Knott's music has not been without controversy in Christian circles, particularly due to profanity in the song "Rocket and a Bomb" (from the self-titled release of his former band Aunt Bettys) and original artwork in that album of Jesus Christ as a bartender.
Knott explained some of his views in an interview with HM Magazine, saying "Basically, I'm a human being and I believe in Christ, period. It doesn't make my life rosy, it doesn't make my life terrible, it doesn't do anything with that. I know Christ."
Michael Knott is also the founder of the now defunct independent record label, Blonde Vinyl Records.
http://www.michaelknott.com/
Shine a Light
Michael Knott Lyrics
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I've got nothin′ but reef under my frame
I try to come about, I try to move around
This siren keeps callin' my name
Someone shine a light
Shine a light so I can see
Someone shine a light
I'm no captain, just a reflection of the sea
Soon the shallow rain will take its toll
I try to come about, I try to move around
This siren keeps callin′ my name
Someone shine a light
Someone shine some type of light for me
Someone shine a light
Somebody give me sight
The bitter cold???
While the frigate screams within the coral scene
The Michael Knott song Shine a Light seems to be an allegory for the human condition of feeling lost and uncertain in life. The singer is expressing their despair as they see only darkness ahead of them, and are unable to navigate their way because of the obstacles in their path (reefs under their frame). They are desperate for help, for someone to “shine a light” to guide them and provide clarity. However, they don’t feel worthy of the help they seek because of their own insecurities (“I’m no captain, just a reflection of the sea”). The siren calls to them represent the temptations that pull them away from their path, and the singer is struggling to resist the allure of the unknown.
The lyrics also touch on the transience of life - the “shallow rain” will eventually take its toll and the singer realizes they are limited in their ability to control their future. The “frigate” symbolizes the singer’s own struggles and the “coral scene” represent the obstacles they face which threaten to sink them.
Overall, Shine a Light is a song about the human condition of searching for guidance and struggling to navigate through life's uncertainties.
Line by Line Meaning
I see nothin′ but darkness over my bow
The singer is unable to see anything ahead, and is stuck in darkness.
I've got nothin′ but reef under my frame
The singer is stuck in a dangerous situation, with no way to move forward safely.
I try to come about, I try to move around
The singer is attempting to change his course or direction, but is struggling to do so.
This siren keeps callin' my name
The singer feels drawn towards some kind of temptation or danger, which is keeping him trapped.
Someone shine a light
The singer is asking for help or guidance from someone who can show him the way forward.
Shine a light so I can see
The singer is hoping that someone will provide him with light so that he can see his path more clearly.
Someone give me sight
The singer is requesting assistance in gaining insight or understanding.
I'm no captain, just a reflection of the sea
The singer is not in control of the situation, but is rather a product of the environment around him.
Soon the shallow rain will take its toll
The singer is anticipating some kind of danger or difficulty that will soon have an impact on him.
Someone shine some type of light for me
The singer is again asking for help or guidance, with a greater sense of urgency.
Somebody give me sight
The singer is emphasizing his need for assistance in gaining clarity and understanding.
The bitter cold???
This line is left ambiguous, and its meaning is unclear.
While the frigate screams within the coral scene
The singer is describing a chaotic or tumultuous environment, where there is much danger and strife.
Contributed by Jackson T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Robert Hassler
saw him live!!great stuff...!!
BadSneakers
Was working in a Christian bookstore when this game out. Always loved this song. Had I not worked there would not know about MK, LSU, 77s, DA, Swirlings Eddies, etc.