Founded by Creager in 1992, they have long held true to their mission of enlightening the common man as to the power and versatility of the mighty cello. Historically influenced, and constantly costumed, Rasputina keeps a small legion of incredibly passionate admirers enthralled with their earnest musicianship. Considered to be quite a pioneer and visionary, Melora and her group have inspired countless young people to pick up the cello, and have re-inspired many uninspired string players. Rasputina considers this to be the finest payment for their work.
Professional involvements have included Nirvana, Ultra Vivid Scene, Marilyn Manson, Porno For Pyros, Belle and Sebastian,and Cheap Trick.
Former Members of Rasputina:
Julia Kent (89-99)
Kris Cowperthwaite (00-02)
Zoë Keating (02-06)
Sarah Bowman (06-08)
Jonathon TeBeest (00-08)
- Wish You Were Here
Rasputina Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Heaven from Hell, blue skies from pain
Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail
A smile from a veil
Do you think you can tell
And did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts
Hot ashes for trees
Cold comfort for change
And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage
How I wish, how I wish you were here
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year
Running over the same old ground
How we found the same old fears
Wish you were here
How I wish, how I wish you were here
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year
Running over the same old ground
How we found the same old fears.
Wish you were here
The lyrics of "Wish You Were Here" by Rasputina are a tribute to the loss felt by many people. The song begins with a series of questions posed to the listener. These questions are probing and philosophical, asking if we can discern between good and evil, light and dark, or even between true happiness and disguised sadness. The imagery of a green field or a cold steel rail is particularly effective, highlighting the idea that what we see and experience is not always what it seems. The second half of this part of the song is a rhetorical question about the listener's ability to determine what is real and what is nothing more than an illusion.
The second verse of the song is an indictment of those who have traded substance for shadows. The reference to trading heroes for ghosts and hot ashes for trees is particularly poignant. It speaks to the idea that we can become so caught up in the ephemeral that we forget or let go of what really matters. The third and final verse of "Wish You Were Here" expresses the deep yearning that the singer feels for someone who is no longer there. The use of the metaphor of "swimming in a fishbowl, year after year" is masterful as it refers to the sense of being trapped, caged or isolated. The line "running over the same old ground, how we found the same old fears" is equally powerful, as it refers to the sense of being in a rut, caught in a repetitive pattern, unable to move on.
Line by Line Meaning
So, so you think you can tell
Do you believe you have the ability to differentiate
Heaven from Hell, blue skies from pain
Can you discern between positive and negative emotions or experiences
Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail
Can you perceive the difference between nature and man-made objects
A smile from a veil
Can you distinguish sincerity from deception
Do you think you can tell
Do you have the confidence in your ability
And did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts
Did they convince you to abandon your beliefs or values for something illusory or intangible
Hot ashes for trees
Did you exchange something valuable for something that is meaningless or harmful
Hot air for a cool breeze
Did you give up something refreshing or rejuvenating for something empty or superficial
Cold comfort for change
Did you sacrifice something that may have provided temporary relief for something that mandates radical alteration and is uneasy to accept
And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage
Did you trade something insignificant for something with significant responsibility or status but that has limitations or a detrimental environment
How I wish, how I wish you were here
I deeply desire for you to be present
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year
We are struggling aimlessly, in the same routine without any resolution for an extended duration of time
Running over the same old ground
Continuing to face the same problems and challenges without any progress
How we found the same old fears
How we continue to be haunted by the same anxieties and doubts
Wish you were here
I wish you were with me to offer support, clarity, and mutual growth
Lyrics © IMAGEM U.S. LLC , Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVE GILMOUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind