Following the band's dissolution, singer and guitarist Guy Picciotto, guitarist Eddie Janney, and drummer Brendan Canty formed One Last Wish with Embrace alumnus Michael Hampton. The three later joined former Rites bassist Mike Fellows for a quasi-reincarnation of Rites of Spring named Happy Go Licky, releasing an LP/CD of various live concert recordings though never producing any studio work. Picciotto and Canty eventually teamed up with the former Embrace singer Ian MacKaye (owner of the band’s label, Dischord Records) in Fugazi.
Rites of Spring was the band’s self-titled debut album from 1985. Its twelve songs were recorded at Inner Ear Studios in February of 1985, and released on vinyl in June of that year as Dischord Records #16. The album was rereleased on CD and cassette in 1987, with an additional track from the same session, "Other Way Around", as well as the four songs from the Rites' follow-up EP, All Through a Life, Dischord #22. The CD and cassette originally retained the number "16" while the 1991 repress, as well as the 2001 remastered version of the same seventeen songs, were numbered "16CD" and given the new title End on End.
The band are named after Igor Stravinsky's famous ballet composition entitled The Rite of Spring/Le Sacre du printemps. The piece is widely dissonant and the context of the ballet is extremely bleak, revolving around pagan rituals.
Remainder
Rites of Spring Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tonight I'm talking to myself - there's no one that I know as well, thoughts collide without a sound, frantic, fighting to be found.
And I've found things in this life that still are real
A remainder refusing to be concealed.
And I've found the answer lies in a real emotion
Not the self-indulgence of a self-devotion.
Too many situations left with too little to say, so we try, we try to feel our way, and if decisions cause divisions, tell meh who's to blame? Pick a target for convenience when there are other ways.
In Rites of Spring's song Remainder, it is apparent that the lyrics are discussing the internal struggles that one may face when dealing with mental imprisonment. The beginning of the song describes how everyone is trapped in their own minds, making it difficult to see things clearly. However, the lyrics also suggest that with time, one can push through these struggles.
The second stanza of the song hints at the idea of talking to oneself in moments of desperation. This can be interpreted as a coping mechanism for some individuals who are struggling with mental health issues. The lyrics also mention how thoughts can be overwhelming, and it can feel like there's a constant battle to maintain a clear head.
The chorus of the song is where the lyrics become more uplifting, as the singer talks about finding things in life that are still real. The use of the word "remainder" suggests that even in the darkest moments, there's always something there to hold on to. The lyrics talk about the importance of experiencing real emotions rather than indulging in self-devotion, indicating that finding purpose and meaning in external experiences can be more fulfilling.
The song's lyrics make it a powerful song for anyone who may be experiencing mental health struggles, as it offers a sense of hope and encourages individuals to focus on what's real.
Line by Line Meaning
We are all trapped in prisons of the mind, it's a hard sensibility but we'll see it through in time
We are limited by our own thoughts and beliefs, and while it's difficult to accept, we will eventually overcome these obstacles with time.
But when words come between us, noiseless in the air, believe me, I know, it's so easy to despair - don't.
Communication can be ineffective or negative, and it can be disheartening. However, it's important not to give into despair.
Tonight I'm talking to myself - there's no one that I know as well, thoughts collide without a sound, frantic, fighting to be found.
Sometimes our thoughts and inner conflicts can feel isolating, and nobody understands us better than ourselves. Our thoughts and emotions can be chaotic and intense.
And I've found things in this life that still are real
A remainder refusing to be concealed.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties of life, there are things that remain true and cannot be ignored or hidden.
And I've found the answer lies in a real emotion
Not the self-indulgence of a self-devotion.
The solution to our problems and challenges is not in indulging ourselves, but rather in a genuine emotional connection and honesty.
Too many situations left with too little to say, so we try, we try to feel our way, and if decisions cause divisions, tell meh who's to blame? Pick a target for convenience when there are other ways.
There are situations where it's tough to express our thoughts and feelings, so we rely on intuition and emotion. When there are disagreements, it's all too easy to place blame on others rather than exploring alternative solutions.
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