The most striking and consistent aspect of Oneida's music is their use of and fascination with repetition. Their 2002 LP, Each One Teach One, for instance, begins with two especially long tracks, Sheets of Easter and Antibiotics, the former over fourteen minutes long, the latter more than sixteen. Both of these songs are composed of one repeated riff (with a few short interludes on Antibiotics). In addition to the use of repetition Oneida's music can be distinguished by the bandmember's extensive use of and enthusiasm for antique keyboards and analog electric pianos.
Originally recording on Turnbuckle Records (their first two albums in 1997 and 1999), the band now runs Brah Records, an imprint of Jagjaguwar (Jagjaguwar group at Last.fm). In September 2007 the group celebrated 10 years of existence with a concert at the P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center in NYC.
The current lineup is:
* Kid Millions - drums, vocals participated as drummer 53 in the Boredoms 77 Boadrum performance which occurred on July 7th, 2007 at the Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park in Brooklyn, New York
* Bobby Matador - organ, guitar, vocals
* Hanoi Jane - guitar, bass
* Double Rainbow (aka Phil Manley of Trans Am and The Fucking Champs) - guitar
* Shahin Motia (of Ex Models) - guitar
Papa Crazy (aka PCRZ) of Oakley Hall is a former member of Oneida, and has revived connections with Oneida by recording OH's most recent album Gypsum Strings on Oneida's Brah Records label.
http://www.enemyhogs.com/site/
http://www.myspace.com/oneidarocks
You Can Never Tell
Oneida Lyrics
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Each mourning bell
I walked the true path along the stones
I saw the white dancing of the bones
You can never tell
You can never tell
Her soul was old
Seek time alone for the winter can be cold
Seek time with friends I will put aside my woe
You can never tell
You can never tell
Her burning robe traveled al the globe
Cities turned to dust, forests turned to stone
I walked the true path along the stones
I walked the true path along among the stones
You can never tell
You can never tell
The lyrics to Oneida's song "You Can Never Tell" speak of a journey of self-discovery and reflection. The first verse describes the singer's quest for knowledge and enlightenment, as they "studied well" and walked a "true path along the stones." The reference to "each mourning bell" could suggest a religious or spiritual aspect to this journey, perhaps a meditation or prayer practice. The second line, "I saw the white dancing of the bones," could be interpreted as a reminder of mortality and the impermanence of life. Despite all of this learning and introspection, however, the refrain emphasizes that "you can never tell." It's a recognition that no matter how hard we try to understand the world around us, there will always be an element of uncertainty and a limit to our knowledge.
The second verse shifts focus to a relationship, with the singer contrasting their own "bought and sold" soul with their partner's "old" one. This could suggest a sense of feeling lost or unfulfilled, while their partner has a stronger sense of self and direction. In searching for meaning, the singer recommends both "time alone" and "time with friends," acknowledging that the path to happiness requires both solitude and connection. Once again, the refrain emphasizes the limitations of our understanding: "you can never tell."
The final verse is more abstract, describing a burning robe that travels the globe, leaving destruction in its wake. The line "I walked the true path along among the stones" is repeated, perhaps emphasizing the importance of staying grounded and true to oneself even in the face of chaos and upheaval. Ultimately, though, the refrain remains the same: "you can never tell." It's a note of humility and acceptance, a recognition that there will always be more to discover and more to learn.
Line by Line Meaning
I studied well
I worked hard and pursued knowledge
Each mourning bell
Every time I heard a bell ringing in mourning, I was reminded to stay on the true path
I walked the true path along the stones
I followed a moral and righteous life, even when it wasn't easy
I saw the white dancing of the bones
I witnessed the impermanence and fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death
You can never tell
The future is uncertain and unpredictable
Her soul was old
The person referenced had a deep and wise understanding, beyond their years
Mine bought and sold
Compared to the person referenced, I did not have the same level of wisdom and was more easily influenced by material possessions
Seek time alone for the winter can be cold
It's important to take time for self-reflection and introspection, especially during hard times
Seek time with friends I will put aside my woe
Spending time with loved ones and supportive friends can help alleviate sadness and hardship
Her burning robe traveled all the globe
The person referenced had a significant impact on the world, both positive and negative
Cities turned to dust, forests turned to stone
The impact of the person referenced was so great that it affected the natural world and permanent structures
I walked the true path among the stones
Once again reaffirming that I lived a life of righteousness and morality
You can never tell
Once again emphasizing the uncertainty of the future and human destiny
Contributed by Lillian I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.