The New Zealand rock band have released three albums - 2004's platinum selling 'You Are Here', 2007's multi-platinum selling 'Second Hand Planet', and 2010's 'Until The End Of Time'.
Opshop were winners of the coveted 'Peoples Choice Award' at the 2007 New Zealand Music Awards. Also in 2007 their single “Maybe” achieved the honour of being the biggest song at New Zealand radio ever, holding the #1 most-played spot for 12 consecutive weeks.
Opshop describe their sound like this: "An equal opportunistic grab bag of semi-funkster pop and crackle 'muesli' rock. We like playing music that sounds nice and loud. And dirty and quiet and every nook 'n' cranny in between. If you're not sure what it is. Its likely to be ours".
NEXUS
Opshop Lyrics
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You can bring your old friends along
Are you afraid of your own shadow
You couldn't find your way out of this paper bag
So move slow
Move slow
When we won't stop 'till we all get a mention
We're hung-over succinctly crazy
And now these are crucial days ahead of us
Oh-woah'
[Chorus]
If only we could get connected
We'd know just what to do, ooh
If only we could steal this moment
We could give it back to you, ooh
Embrace these chains we neglected baby
When we found you
We'll find you
So use me all up, wear me out
Ride this gust of wind until the cloud dies out
For the sake of savin' just one of us
For the sake of savin' everyone else
Move slow
Come on, move slow
Ah
If only we could get connected
We'd know just what to do, ooh
If only we could steal this moment
We could give it back to you, ooh
Embrace these chains we neglected baby
When we found you
We'll find you'
Hoo-hoo-hoo'
Oh
[Instrumental]
Let's get connected, get connected
Ho-woah..
Let's get connected, get connected
Ho-woah..
Let's get connected, get connected
Huh'
The lyrics to Opshop's song "Nexus" appear to reflect a sense of confusion, disorientation, and a longing for connection in a world that feels increasingly chaotic and unpredictable. The opening lines, "The wind lacks breath, everyone's infected now," seem to suggest a pervasive sense of unease and vulnerability, as if even the natural elements have lost their power or become corrupted. The singer then invites "old friends" to join them, perhaps in an attempt to hold onto some sense of familiarity and comfort amidst the turmoil.
The next lines, "Are you afraid of your own shadow/You couldn't find your way out of this paper bag," suggest a kind of paralysis or fear that is preventing the singer and others from navigating the challenges they face. The repeated refrain to "move slow" could be interpreted as a call to be more deliberate and intentional in one's actions, rather than rushing headlong into situations that may only exacerbate the confusion and chaos.
The chorus repeats the idea of "getting connected" as a solution to this sense of dislocation and uncertainty. The lines "If only we could get connected/We'd know just what to do" suggest that a stronger sense of community and shared purpose could help to guide and support individuals in difficult times. The final lines, "Embrace these chains we neglected baby/When we found you/We'll find you," could be seen as an expression of hope that by embracing the ties that bind us together, we can find a sense of purpose and belonging even in the midst of chaos.
Line by Line Meaning
The wind lacks breath, everyone's infected now
The atmosphere is heavy and toxic; a reflection of the pervasive negativity that is now present in every individual.
You can bring your old friends along
You are welcome to bring others with you on this journey to seek a way out of the chaos.
Are you afraid of your own shadow
Do you lack the courage to confront your own fears and weaknesses?
You couldn't find your way out of this paper bag
You are overwhelmed and lost in the midst of the turmoil.
So move slow
Be deliberate and thoughtful in every action you take; haste can only worsen the situation.
How would you know whether you're coming or going
In the midst of conflicting messages and competing priorities, it can be difficult to discern the right direction to take.
When we won't stop 'till we all get a mention
We are obsessed with recognition and self-promotion, to the point that we can't focus on the bigger picture.
We're hung-over succinctly crazy
We are grappling with the consequences of our own irrational and erratic behavior.
And now these are crucial days ahead of us
The situation is dire and every moment counts; there is little room for error or delay.
If only we could get connected
We'd know just what to do, ooh
If only we could steal this moment
We could give it back to you, ooh
Embrace these chains we neglected baby
When we found you
We'll find you
Human connection and collaboration are necessary to overcome the challenges we face; we must embrace our past mistakes and make amends to move forward together.
So use me all up, wear me out
Ride this gust of wind until the cloud dies out
For the sake of savin' just one of us
For the sake of savin' everyone else
We must be willing to sacrifice our own comfort and safety to protect the greater good; every life is valuable and worth fighting for.
Come on, move slow
Ah
Again, the importance of taking measured steps and not acting impulsively is emphasized.
Hoo-hoo-hoo'
Oh
This refrain signifies the emotional weight of the situation and the sorrow and frustration involved in the struggle to overcome it.
Let's get connected, get connected
Ho-woah..
Let's get connected, get connected
Ho-woah..
Let's get connected, get connected
Huh'
Ultimately, the message of the song is clear: we must come together and work collaboratively to navigate the turbulent times ahead.
Contributed by Christian C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.