Pollard began releasing solo records in 1996, alongside regular releases from Guided by Voices. These albums were typically recorded with a small group consisting of current or former Guided by Voices members, and they were generally considered to informally be part of the Guided by Voices canon, as that band would regularly perform selections from the solo releases in concert.
After the dissolution of Guided by Voices in 2004, Robert Pollard launched his official solo career with the release of From a Compound Eye in February 2006. Pollard's recent studio work has eschewed the live-band format, instead relying on the multi-instrumental talents of Todd Tobias, who produced several Guided by Voices albums. In 2006, he resumed touring with a new band informally dubbed "The Ascended Masters", which featured Tommy Keene on lead guitar and keyboards, Dave Phillips on guitar, Jon Wurster on drums, and Jason Narducy on bass. After Normal Happiness was released, the band returned to the road but subsequent to the cancellation of some 2006 dates due to a leg injury, Pollard announced his retirement from touring. Pollard, however, has since toured with Boston Spaceships.
Pollard resides just outside of Dayton, OH. with his wife, Sarah.
Caught Waves Again
Robert Pollard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Made it through customs
Into the void and over the goal post
Went up north
To where the city lights shine
Like strobes of aurora on bottles of wine
I think I'm catching waves again
Yeah, I know it
Went out west and spoke to the sky
Took unsolemn vows
That here shall I die
Yeah, I know it
Went back home
To swallow and tuck
Headed for the sick bay
Like a runaway truck
Yes, I'm catching waves again
I think I'm catching waves again
"Caught Waves Again" is a song by Robert Pollard that may mean different things to different people. At first listen, the song seems to be about someone who keeps moving from one place to another in search of something elusive. The metal man that buzzes and made it through customs might represent the singer himself, who's flying off in search of new adventures. The lines "into the void and over the goal post" could be about the feeling of being blown around by life's unpredictable events that sometimes throw you off course. But then, the singer goes up north to where the city lights shine like strobes of aurora on bottles of wine, which invokes an image of beauty and celebration, as if he's finally found what he was looking for.
Then, the chorus hits, and the singer claims "I think I'm catching waves again". Waves could refer to different things here: emotional waves, as in feeling more alive and present, or actual waves, as in surfing the ocean, which is one of Pollard's passions. Regardless of the interpretation, the idea of catching waves again implies that the singer has had a breakthrough of some sort, and that he's ready to enjoy life to the fullest again.
The second verse continues with a journey westwards, where the singer speaks to the sky and takes unsolemn vows. Here, the song takes on a more transcendental feel, as if the singer is connecting to a higher power or spiritual force. The vow "that here shall I die" could mean that the singer has finally found a place where he belongs, and where he can feel at peace. But the journey continues, and the singer goes back home, to swallow and tuck, which could signify returning to everyday life and dealing with its challenges. However, the final lines reassure us that he's still catching waves again, which means that the journey hasn't ended, and that there's always something new to discover.
Line by Line Meaning
Metal man buzzing
I feel energized and alive like a machine buzzing with electricity.
Made it through customs
I overcame obstacles and barriers to get to where I am now.
Into the void and over the goal post
I pushed past my fears and limitations, achieving success beyond my expectations.
Went up north
I traveled to a new place, seeking adventure and new experiences.
To where the city lights shine
I arrived in a bustling urban environment, filled with bright lights and lively energy.
Like strobes of aurora on bottles of wine
The lights of the city are captivating and mesmerizing, like the colors of the aurora borealis on a bottle of wine.
I think I'm catching waves again
I feel like I'm finding my groove and succeeding after a period of struggle.
I think I'm catching waves
I believe that things are falling into place and I'm riding a wave of momentum.
Yeah, I know it
I'm confident in my abilities and my current situation.
Went out west and spoke to the sky
I ventured into the unknown and communed with nature and the elements.
Took unsolemn vows
I made a personal commitment to myself without the need for a formal ceremony.
That here shall I die
I feel a strong sense of belonging and connection to this place, and I would be content to live and die here.
Went back home
I returned to my familiar surroundings and roots.
To swallow and tuck
I internalized my emotions and thoughts, keeping them hidden from the world.
Headed for the sick bay
I felt overwhelmed and needed to take time to recover my strength.
Like a runaway truck
My life felt out of control and chaotic, like a truck careening down a hill without brakes.
Yes, I'm catching waves again
I'm sure that I'm back on track and making progress towards my goals.
Contributed by Madelyn T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.