“I wanted to approach song writing differently. Like a rapper, I wanted to use the beat as my point of departure and then continue by collaging different layers."
-Pien Feith
This shift in her approach to writing allowed the multifaceted singer to employ a wider range of influences in her music. Together with her partner and producer Melvin Wevers she wrote and recorded numerous demos over the course of two years. These tracks were then dissected, cut up, and augmented by drummer and percussionist Pim Verlaek.
Dance on Time is a beat-oriented record that flirts with dub, crunk, and tropicalia. The stream of enticing new songs that emerged daily from the crevices of the Internet have manifested themselves on this record. By working with studio engineer Remko Schouten, who has worked with Pavement and ZzZ, the band managed to translate the digital sketches into a more organic sound. The last addition to the band has been bass player Peter Akkerman, who completes the band’s live sound.
Pien describes the period during which she wrote the record as one “without a clear idea of the future, something I have gradually started to see less as a problem. This relief of tension guided my in approach music in a new found fashion. I try to look for growth instead of defining a clear start and end.”
Honestly
Pien Feith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
something heavy, something dreamy
I am full of something
and it wants to get out
it wants to get out
and I know that it’s easy to forget all about it
when you got your friends and your job and everything demands attention
that I am full of something that wants to get out it wants to get out
honest. honestly, this circus is not for me
And oh, honest, honestly.
well, I am not the host, or the lion tamer,
and I don’t walk tightropes.
I’m not the acrobat or the clown just traveling traveling traveling traveling around
I’m quitting the circus I’m leaving that’s it. I quit
I’m quitting the circus I’m leaving that’s it. I quit
honest. honestly
this circus is not for me
and oh, honest honestly
This circus is not for me
honestly, honestly... this circus is not for me...
The lyrics of Pien Feith's song "Honestly" explore the feeling of being trapped in a situation that doesn't suit one's true self. Feith begins by expressing that she is full of something heavy and dreamy, which is causing her to feel restless and itching to escape. She acknowledges that it's easy to forget these feelings when one is preoccupied with everyday demands, such as work and relationships. However, she continues to emphasize that she's full of something that wants to get out, and it's becoming increasingly urgent.
Feith then uses a metaphor of a circus to describe her predicament. She feels like she doesn't belong in the circus and is not suited to performing various roles within it, such as being a lion tamer, acrobat or clown. The circus represents a life that's not fulfilling or authentic, and Feith decides that she's quitting it for good. The repetition of the phrase "I'm quitting the circus, I'm leaving, that's it. I quit" further emphasizes her determination to break free.
Overall, the theme of the song is about being honest with oneself, recognizing when a particular situation is not right and having the courage to make a change. It encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and relationships to see if they're truly happy and fulfilled.
Line by Line Meaning
well, I am full of something
I am filled with emotions, thoughts, or ideas
something heavy, something dreamy
These emotions, thoughts, or ideas are intense and imaginative
and it wants to get out
I have a strong urge to express what I feel or think
and I know that it’s easy to forget all about it
It's understandable to be distracted by daily life and forget about my inner self
when you got your friends and your job and everything demands attention
It's normal to prioritize social and work responsibilities, which can leave little time for self-reflection
then it’s easy to forget
It becomes simple to ignore my inner voice
that I am full of something that wants to get out it wants to get out
That I have a strong desire to express myself and be heard
honest. honestly, this circus is not for me
To be honest, this chaotic and busy lifestyle is not suited for me
And oh, honest, honestly.
I emphasize my honesty, and my inner voice urges me to make a change
well, I am not the host, or the lion tamer,
I don't hold the power or control over my own life or situation, like a circus performer would in their role
and I don’t walk tightropes.
I don't feel comfortable taking risks or living life on the edge
I’m not the acrobat or the clown just traveling traveling traveling traveling around
I don't feel content with constantly moving or being the source of entertainment for others
I’m quitting the circus I’m leaving that’s it. I quit
I am making a bold decision to leave behind a lifestyle that doesn't suit me, regardless of the consequences
honest. honestly
I am continuing to be honest with myself, which is guiding my actions
this circus is not for me
I am confirming that this lifestyle isn't meant for me
and oh, honest honestly
I am once again emphasizing my honesty and my inner voice's guidance
This circus is not for me
I reiterate my decision to leave behind a situation that doesn't bring me fulfillment or happiness
honestly, honestly... this circus is not for me...
I conclude my inner monologue with a final confirmation of my decision to move on from a lifestyle that doesn't suit me
Contributed by Charlotte D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.