… Read Full Bio ↴A duo from sydney who write, record and produce songs in an attic.
There new Album Sheep is due for 1st quarter 2012 featuring Billy Corgan as producer.
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Black & Blue
Olympic Ayres Lyrics
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I bet you didn't know that I was gonna' fall
I like the way you look back at me
And all the things you'd like me to see
I never knew you'd shine so bright
I never knew you'd share this light
I'm hoping you were getting through
The scenes they turn me black and blue
If you wanna' stay high,
I think that we should go
Our futures not sure
But there's something that we know
If you wanna' stay high,
I think that we should go
Our futures not sure
But there's something that we know
Mirror mirror on the wall
I bet you told 'em all that I was gonna' fall
In spite I see you looking back at me
I lie that seems a tale of seas
I never thought I'd see you smile
The book I doubted for a while
And now I read this story through
The vanity of me and you.
In "Black & Blue," Olympic Ayres's lead singer is talking to his reflection in the mirror, seemingly surprised by the pain he's in after falling. By addressing himself through the device of the mirror, he's examining his own vanity and the self-centeredness that led to his current state. Paradoxically, he seems to be comforted by the image in the mirror, who represents a source of light and guidance. In the chorus, he switches the focus to a collective "we," and suggests that getting high might provide a solution to life's uncertainties. Here, the lyrics offer ambiguity- is he suggesting getting high as an escape or just admitting we all need a way to cope?
Furthermore, he seems to be struggling with his own perceptions- how he thinks he presents and how others perceive him. He thought he was doubting the mirror's story, but now he seems to be having second thoughts. The reference to smiling at the end may be an indication that he is realizing that there's a difference between outward appearances and true emotions, and that he has not fully understood those around him.
Overall, "Black & Blue" invites the listener to question their own self-perception and the ways in which they are affected by their own vanity. It also touches on the very human desire to escape from the pressure and uncertainty of life, and finds comfort in the connection we have with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Mirror mirror on the wall
The singer is talking to a mirror, like one would when they are getting ready in front of a mirror.
I bet you didn't know that I was gonna' fall
The singer is surprised that the mirror didn't see that they would fall or fail at something.
I like the way you look back at me
The singer enjoys the way they look in the mirror and how the mirror reflects their image.
And all the things you'd like me to see
The artist believes that the mirror wants them to see something or learn something about themselves.
I never knew you'd shine so bright
The artist is surprised by how well they look in the mirror and how good their reflection is.
I never knew you'd share this light
The singer didn't realize that the mirror would reflect a positive image of themselves, as opposed to a negative one.
I'm hoping you were getting through
The singer hopes that the mirror is helping them learn something or see something about themselves.
The scenes they turn me black and blue
The artist is hurt or affected by certain things in their life, and these things are reflected in how they see themselves in the mirror.
If you wanna' stay high,
The artist is addressing someone else.
I think that we should go
The artist is suggesting that they and the other person leave or move on from something.
Our futures not sure
The singer is acknowledging that their future is uncertain.
But there's something that we know
The artist is confident that they and the other person share something in common or have some sort of understanding.
I bet you told 'em all that I was gonna' fall
The singer is questioning if the mirror has been talking to other people about their fears or shortcomings.
In spite I see you looking back at me
The singer notices the mirror is still reflecting back at them, despite their concerns about what the mirror may have said behind their back.
I lie that seems a tale of seas
The singer is telling a white lie, like a tall tale or fable, in order to make themselves look or feel better.
I never thought I'd see you smile
The artist is surprised that the mirror is reflecting a happy image of themselves and that they didn't expect this to happen.
The book I doubted for a while
The artist didn't trust or believe in the mirror's reflection of themselves for some time, but they're starting to come around.
And now I read this story through
The singer is examining their life through the lens of the reflection in the mirror.
The vanity of me and you.
The singer recognizes that both they and the mirror are vain or preoccupied with their appearances and self-image.
Contributed by Jordyn V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.