Pedro the Lion is an indie rock band from Seattle, Washington. David Bazan … Read Full Bio ↴Pedro the Lion is an indie rock band from Seattle, Washington. David Bazan formed the band in 1995 and represented its main creative force, backed by a varying rotation of collaborating musicians. After a shifting lineup, Pedro the Lion finally eventually became a one-man outfit. That man is David Bazan. A Seattle native, Bazan cut his teeth playing in hardcore bands before forming Pedro in 1995, taking the band's name from a character he made up for a possible children's book. Under the moniker of Pedro the Lion, Bazan creates melodic pop in the vein of Bedhead, Hayden, and Sebadoh, with a lyrical focus on relationships -- with both other people and God.

Invention
Pedro the Lion Lyrics

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Crazy people know
The special place to go
When the pressure is on.
Neurons re-align
'Til the feeling is fine
Or the trouble is gone.
They're in the business
Of inventing saviours.

There's always trouble
So tell yourself again
That help is on the way
And safety abounds,
That safety abounds.

When you need some
Kind of guarantee
That you're protected
You start to trust
The things that
Deeper comfort brings
Before you've checked it.
You might be waiting
For a long time.

There's always trouble
So tell yourself again
That help is on the way
And safety abounds,
That safety abounds,

That safety abounds,
That safety abounds.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Pedro the Lion's song Invention are about the ways in which people deal with stress and anxiety. The first verse speaks about how some people cope by finding a "special place to go" within their minds where they can re-align their neurons and find peace from their troubles. Moreover, the "they" in "They're in the business of inventing saviours" seems to refer to people who deal with their problems by creating coping mechanisms that help them feel safe and protected.

The second verse continues the theme of seeking safety, and the chorus brings it home by repeating the mantra that "help is on the way" and "safety abounds." However, the song acknowledges that these assurances might not actually be true, and that people might be waiting for something that never comes. The lyrics are poignant and relatable, capturing the ways in which people create myths and stories to help them deal with the chaos and uncertainty of life.

Line by Line Meaning

Crazy people know
Those who struggle with mental health issues have learned through experience

The special place to go
Where to seek refuge when things get tough

When the pressure is on.
In times of stress or difficulty

Neurons re-align
The brain adjusts and adapts

'Til the feeling is fine
Until the emotions are stable and manageable

Or the trouble is gone.
Or the cause of distress is resolved

They're in the business
These individuals become experts

Of inventing saviours.
To create a sense of safety and protection in their minds

There's always trouble
Difficulty is a constant in life

So tell yourself again
Remind oneself

That help is on the way
That assistance and support will arrive