In its earlier days, the band had duel vocals performed by De Marrais and Fischer; later, De Marrais would become the lead vocalist in the majority of their songs. The band's many tours and intimate live shows at venues such as Brooklyn's Northsix (now Music Hall of Williamsburg), Washington, D.C.'s The Black Cat, Bowery Ballroom in NYC, and Chapel Hill's Cat's Cradle helped to grow its fan base and fuel album sales.
On November 6, 2006, the band announced, through Pitchfork Media, that the December 16th show at New York City's Bowery Ballroom would be their last. They played one more show on December 17th at Northsix, which De Marrais referred to as "home" because it also served as the band's rehearsal space.
The band reformed in 2014 with a reunion show at Bowery Ballroom on December 31. Additional shows were added for February 14 and April 18, 2015 at Lincoln Hall in Chicago and Union Transfer in Philadelphia, respectively.
In 2017 the band released S/T, their first album in 11 years.
Black in the Eye
Rainer Maria Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I sew steel wool blankets.
I press my hands to my eyes
To see the stars that guide me through my
Anxiety.
Nights navigating the ceiling.
There's no sense in
So set your sights on me.
It's hard to sleep
With miles ahead
Bearing down on me,
And someone so intent on loving me.
Who knows where my strength lies?
You're so assured,
With patient hands i can be lured.
Darling my eternal no turns yes for you.
The lyrics in the song "Black in the Eye" by Rainer Maria tell a story of someone going through a tough time, struggling with anxiety and the weight of the world on their shoulders. The opening lines describe a pincushion being used as a pillow and steel wool blankets being sewn, which suggests a sense of discomfort and unease. The singer presses their hands to their eyes to see the stars, which serves as a metaphor for finding hope and guidance in dark times.
As the song progresses, the singer's lover offers support and reassurance, urging them to focus on them as they navigate through life. However, the singer is still struggling to find their strength and feel comfortable in their own skin. Even though they are being loved, they still feel weighed down by their own inner turmoil.
The last line in the song is particularly poignant, with the singer declaring that their "eternal no turns yes" for their lover. This suggests a willingness to be vulnerable and allow themselves to be loved, despite their struggles.
Overall, "Black in the Eye" is a powerful and introspective song that explores themes of anxiety, love, and vulnerability.
Line by Line Meaning
I use a pincushion for a pillow.
I find comfort in discomfort and the unconventional.
I sew steel wool blankets.
My self-made protection is impenetrable and unyielding.
I press my hands to my eyes
I hide from the reality of my overwhelming struggles.
To see the stars that guide me through my Anxiety.
I seek hope and guidance in the midst of my mental turmoil.
Nights navigating the ceiling.
I struggle to find peace and sleep, with my thoughts keeping me up at night.
There's no sense in Traveling today in circles,
I need direction and purpose to move forward, not just aimless wandering.
So set your sights on me.
I am willing to let someone guide me and show me the way.
It's hard to sleep With miles ahead Bearing down on me,
The weight of the future and the unknown is suffocating and intimidating.
And someone so intent on loving me.
The presence of someone who cares and loves me is both comforting and overwhelming.
Who knows where my strength lies?
I am uncertain of my own ability to persevere and overcome.
You're so assured, With patient hands i can be lured.
The confidence of someone else to lead me is a beacon of light in my confusion and vulnerability.
Darling my eternal no turns yes for you.
Despite my fears and reluctance, I am willing to open myself up and take a chance on love.
Contributed by Chloe P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
meghan munford
Love this song! Haven't gotten these lyrics out of my head since I first heard them :)
Jimmy Hathaway
rad! Im glad you like it as much as i do. This is my favorite by them also. I need this one, and the deadwood divine/ida 7" on vinyl like my life depends on it haha.
MrElectricOcean75
Whoa! Thanks for posting this! By far my most favorite RM song. Powerful as hell.And such a good 7" series.
francisco j
do you have the deadwood divine/ida 7'' on your pc? if you got it, can you please send it to me on a mail?
Jimmy Hathaway
i agree...with everything you said haha.
TakingTheFall
Love this song but it's called Pincushion. Black In The Eye is the song by Aspera Ad Astera.