After a long period of experimentation across multiple genres, Jason knew that additional musicians were needed to bring the right kind of energy to his songs. He turned to longtime friend Daniel Nydick as his first choice for a drummer, and in 2010 the two were joined by bass player Tony Renda.
The band calls its music "modern progressive rock with infusions of classical, jazz, and electronica." Such a lengthy description is not only appropriate but necessary, as Orpheus Nine's diverse style defies strict categorization.
Based in New Jersey, Orpheus Nine plans to record a full-length album in 2011. Visit the official band site at www.orpheusnine.com
Sandcastles
Orpheus Nine Lyrics
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Time floats by like the ocean
Daybreak -- wish I could run and play
In the sand all day like we used to
I could be a mighty king
And I could live with dragons and wizards
They'd be my companions, my protectors
In my castle
Afternoon -- wish I could soak myself
In the sun and bathe in the water
Waves break -- wish I could fly like the pipers
Over land and sea in total freedom
I could be on my cloud nine
And I could watch the sailors and surfers
And steamboats and seascapes
They'd be my horizon, my catharsis
From my castle
Sunset -- wish I could be the tide
Washing through and through every castle
Nightfall -- wish I could be the moon
Shining on and on their reflections
I once was a mighty king
And I once lived with dragons and wizards
And witches and warlocks
They were my companions, my protectors
In my castle
Washed away
The lyrics of Orpheus Nine's song "Sandcastles" speak of a longing for the innocence and simplicity of childhood, represented by the imagery of playing on the beach and building sandcastles. The opening lines express a yearning to return to a time when responsibilities were few and days seemed endless, much like the ocean's vastness and the way time seems to flow effortlessly.
As the song progresses, the imagery of being a "mighty king" in a fantastical realm with dragons and wizards, witches and warlocks, emerges. These figures symbolize a sense of wonder and imagination that often accompany childhood. The idea of having such powerful and fantastical beings as protectors in one's castle reflects a desire for security and companionship in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
The verses discussing afternoon and sunset continue to evoke feelings of escapism and freedom, with references to soaking in the sun, flying like the wind, and being carried away on a wave of fantasy. The concept of being on "cloud nine" and watching the world unfold below speaks to a desire to detach from reality and find solace in a dreamlike state.
The final verses of the song bring a sense of melancholy and reflection, as the singer remembers a time when they were surrounded by magic and mystery, only to see it all washed away like sandcastles by the tide. The repetition of wishing to be the tide and the moon, symbols of constant change and cycles, suggest a bittersweet acceptance of the passage of time and the loss of innocence that accompanies growing up. Ultimately, the song captures a poignant sense of nostalgia for a time when the world seemed limitless and filled with wonder, before it was inevitably "washed away" by the realities of adulthood.
Line by Line Meaning
Sunrise -- wish I could be a child again
Reflecting on the innocence and carefree joy of childhood, longing to experience that simplicity once more.
Time floats by like the ocean
Time passes slowly and steadily, much like the constant ebb and flow of the ocean's waves.
Daybreak -- wish I could run and play
Desiring to return to a time when running and playing freely in the sand was the norm at the break of day.
In the sand all day like we used to
Revisiting memories of carefree days spent playing in the sand without worries or responsibilities.
I could be a mighty king
Imagining the power and authority of being a king in a world of dragons, wizards, witches, and warlocks.
And I could live with dragons and wizards
Envisioning a mythical world where magical creatures and beings would be companions and protectors.
And witches and warlocks
Fascination with the idea of mystical beings like witches and warlocks as part of a fantastical kingdom.
They'd be my companions, my protectors
Seeing these magical beings as allies and guardians in a castle of dreams and imagination.
In my castle
Finding comfort and security within the walls of a figurative castle, representing a safe haven of creativity and wonder.
Afternoon -- wish I could soak myself
Longing to bask in the warmth of the afternoon sun and immerse oneself in relaxation and contentment.
In the sun and bathe in the water
Enjoying the simple pleasures of sunbathing and swimming, reminiscent of carefree days by the beach.
Waves break -- wish I could fly like the pipers
Dreaming of the freedom to soar like birds over the crashing waves, feeling the exhilaration of boundless flight.
Over land and sea in total freedom
Imagining a life without constraints, able to travel wherever the heart desires, feeling liberated from earthly limitations.
I could be on my cloud nine
Experiencing pure bliss and happiness, as if floating on a cloud in the sky, free from worry or care.
And I could watch the sailors and surfers
Taking pleasure in observing those who navigate the sea, feeling a sense of connection and appreciation for their adventurous spirits.
And steamboats and seascapes
Appreciating the beauty of steamboats gliding through the water and the picturesque landscapes of the sea.
They'd be my horizon, my catharsis
Seeing the sights of the sea as sources of inspiration and emotional release, providing solace and comfort.
From my castle
Finding solace and peace within the metaphorical walls of a castle, symbolizing a refuge from the chaos of the outside world.
Sunset -- wish I could be the tide
Longing to embody the rhythmic and transformative nature of the tide, washing away memories and emotions with each ebb and flow.
Washing through and through every castle
Cleansing the metaphorical castles of the mind, releasing past regrets and sorrows with the soothing action of the tide's embrace.
Nightfall -- wish I could be the moon
Desiring to radiate a gentle, guiding light like the moon during the night, offering comfort and reassurance in times of darkness.
Shining on and on their reflections
Illuminating the reflections of others with a compassionate and nurturing light, symbolizing the power of empathy and understanding.
I once was a mighty king
Recalling a time when strength and authority were held, reminiscing on past glory and grandeur.
And I once lived with dragons and wizards
Remembering a fantastical world where mythical creatures and magical beings were a part of everyday life, evoking a sense of wonder and nostalgia.
And witches and warlocks
Revisiting memories of witches and warlocks as mystical companions and protectors, enriching the tapestry of the past with fantastical elements.
They were my companions, my protectors
Feeling a sense of safety and camaraderie in the presence of magical beings, finding comfort and security in their watchful gaze.
In my castle
Creating a sanctuary of imagination and creativity within the confines of the metaphorical castle, fostering a sense of whimsy and enchantment.
Lyrics © Orpheus Nine, Songtrust Ave
Written by: ANTHONY AMERICO RENDA, JASON WAYNE KRESGE, MARK RICHARD DEGREGORY, MATTHEW DONALD ULLESTAD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind