They then landed opening slots on shows for Broken Social Scene, DFA 1979, and Hot Hot Heat, and received the honor of Best Unsigned Band at the 2002 North by Northeast music conference (Canada's version of SXSW in the U.S.). Soon after, Pilate inked a deal with indie MapleMusic Recordings, which then released their full-length debut, Caught by the Window, in 2003. The album produced two hits on national radio and MuchMusic, as the guys toured North America, Australia, and Japan. Their follow-up, Sell Control for Life's Speed, appeared back at home in mid-2006, after which the band changed its name to Pilot Speed. The quartet had signed with Wind-Up earlier that same year following the completion of its third album overall (and first as Pilot Speed), Into the West; the label released the record that September.
Over-ground
Pilate Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nowhere to go
Just caught in a spotlight lying there
Remember the smell, your sense they, they overflow
Remember my whispers in your ear
Take a ride in the atmosphere
Save your prayers, they won't help you there
Slowly turning your heart around
You're overground, you're overground
You're almost in, you're overground
This morning the scars appear on, on your thick skin
A life long badge that you will wear
And a memory flickers through your, your tired mind
All your strength just disappears
Take a ride in the atmosphere
Save your prayers, they won't help you there
Slowly turning your heart around
Slowly turning your heart around
You're overground, you're overground
You're almost in, you're overground
This gap is wide
And I know you're tired
But you're almost in
And this gap is wide
It's only love
It's only love
It's only love
It's only love
These are hours that I long to kill
And there's a heart that you long to fill
There's a hope that your soul commands
Just reach out and take it in your hand
You're over ground
You're over ground
You're almost in
You're over ground
You can crawl, crawl, crawl in vain to shed your skin
When your lonesome servant calls, will your rise to let him in?
Crawl, crawl, crawl in vain to shed your skin
When your lonesome servant calls, will your rise to let him in?
Remember the lights that left you nowhere to go
Just caught in the spotlight lying there
The lyrics to Pilate's song "Over-ground" explore a sense of isolation and vulnerability, as the subject looks back at past experiences and struggles to move forward. The opening lines, "Remember the lights that left you / Nowhere to go," evoke a feeling of being lost and alone in the world, as if the subject is caught in a spotlight with no escape. The reference to smell suggests overwhelming sensory input, adding to the sensory overload and disorientation that the subject may be experiencing.
As the song progresses, the subject is urged to "take a ride in the atmosphere" and abandon their prayers as they "slowly turn [their] heart around." This could indicate a need to escape their current situation and find a new perspective, as well as a call to let go of preconceived notions and beliefs that may be holding them back. The repeated refrain of "you're overground, you're almost in" could reflect a sense of progress, but also a recognition that there is still more work to be done.
The lyrics also touch on themes of longing and hope, as the subject seeks to fill a void in their heart and soul. The lines "These are hours that I long to kill / And there's a heart that you long to fill" suggest a sense of restlessness and a desire for connection. However, the chorus of "It's only love" seems to indicate that ultimately, love is what will sustain and fulfill the subject.
Overall, "Over-ground" is a song that explores complex emotions and experiences, from isolation and vulnerability to hope and longing. It encourages the listener to take risks and embrace change, even in the face of uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
Remember the lights that left you
Recall the moments of breakthrough that no longer shine bright, leaving you lost without a direction
Nowhere to go
Without direction, there is no clear path forward or any sense of purpose in your journey
Just caught in a spotlight lying there
The lack of direction and purpose has led to feeling exposed and vulnerable, unsure of what to do next
Remember the smell, your sense they, they overflow
Recall the intense sensory moments of life, that have become overwhelming and overpowering
Remember my whispers in your ear
Recall the moments of comfort and reassurance whispered into your ear during challenging times
Take a ride in the atmosphere
Experience a journey of transcendence and suspension, departing from the everyday struggles of life
Save your prayers, they won't help you there
Don't rely on prayers or faith to change your situation, as they are not effective in the transcendent realm
Slowly turning your heart around
The transcendent journey is turning your heart, giving you a new perspective and insight
You're overground, you're overground
You have transcended the struggles of the earthly realm and are in a state of suspension
You're almost in, you're overground
You are close to entering a new phase of existence, but there is a final obstacle you must overcome
This morning the scars appear on, on your thick skin
The pains and injuries of life become more evident as time goes on, but you continue to endure them
A life long badge that you will wear
The scars become a symbol and reminder of the difficult times you have endured throughout your life
And a memory flickers through your, your tired mind
In the midst of struggle, moments of joy and happiness come to mind and provide fleeting relief
All your strength just disappears
Despite your best efforts, there are moments when you feel completely drained and unable to go on
This gap is wide
The obstacle preventing entry into the new phase of existence is significant and challenging
And I know you're tired
Recognizing the exhaustion and fatigue that comes with enduring struggles and overcoming obstacles
But you're almost in
Despite the challenges, you are so close to achieving your goal and entering a new phase of existence
It's only love
Love is the fundamental force that propels us forward and gives us the strength to endure the challenges of life
These are hours that I long to kill
The struggles of life can be so difficult and painful that one wishes to escape them entirely
And there's a heart that you long to fill
Despite the struggles, there is a deep yearning for love and connection to others
There's a hope that your soul commands
There is a profound and powerful hope within us that there is more to life than the struggles we endure
Just reach out and take it in your hand
We have the power and agency to reach out and grab hold of the love and hope that we so deeply long for
You can crawl, crawl, crawl in vain to shed your skin
Trying to transform oneself through sheer willpower and determination is exhausting and often futile
When your lonesome servant calls, will your rise to let him in?
When you are in need of help and support, will you be open to receiving it or will you continue to struggle alone?
Contributed by Gabriel O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.