The debut album is the result of a young lifetime spent immersed in music. As a band member of Bon Iver from the very beginning, Carey endured a flip of his formal training to step firmly into a worldwide-touring rock band. His performance degree in classical percussion from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire and his love for jazz drumming prepared him for a central role in the inspiring force of the Bon Iver live show.
All We Grow is a convergence of Carey's Waltz For Debbie era Bill Evans inflected jazz tendencies, and traditional rock band experience, taking leads from Mark Hollis' Talk Talk. It also retests the waters of modern classical composition, investigating the moodiness generated by percussive repetition in a manner familiar to fans of Steve Reich. In his downtime on tour with Bon Iver, Sean would spend time pining for his soul-mate's arms, and in that context, dreaming and composing. During infrequent tour breaks at home he would patiently record these pieces, adding layers each time. Two years later, the parts converged to make an album.
For as much room to breathe as Carey allows his compositions, there are incredibly dynamic moments of bombast held right next to moments of subtle depth and texture. Engineered by Jaime Hansen and Brian Joseph, intermittently at home and at April Base (Justin Vernon's studio outside Eau Claire), All We Grow is an all-encompassing headphone experience as intimate as chamber music and as ambitious as a symphony.
While many are familiar with the cabin mythology of Bon Iver, the story behind Sean joining the band is equally kismet. After hearing through mutual friends that Justin was looking to put together a band, he spent two weeks in his bedroom listening to For Emma, Forever Ago on Myspace, dissecting and learning the drum and vocal parts so well that Justin invited him to join the band upon Sean's approach.
All We Grow is a classic album born without expectation and met with adoration - a cathartic result of Carey's extraordinary and vibrant life experiences that resonates loss, dreams and heart in a manner so instantly relatable, you feel as though you can touch it.
In The Stream
S. Carey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You could return, the earth
All to her
Open mouth
Look up and out
Fall my failures
To the ground
I know, I know, I know all them
I am a line you can't define
When the dawn breaks
In my love-lock landscapes
I know, I know, I know all them
Be in my vision
My gardener
I'll be an architect
On open steam
Be in that canyon
That corridor
I'll be an architect
On window steam
I, ll be in the steam
The song "In The Stream" by S. Carey is a poetic and introspective piece that captures a deep sense of connection to nature and the self. The opening lines "I was folded by ferns / You could return, the earth / All to her" immediately set the tone for the song, drawing on themes of growth and connection with the natural world. Lines like "I am wind in the pines / I am a line you can't define" continue to evoke feelings of being part of something greater than oneself, while also suggesting a certain level of mystery and ambiguity in the singer's identity.
As the song progresses, the imagery shifts to focus on the concept of creation and artistic expression. Lines like "Be in my vision / My gardener / I'll be an architect / On open steam" suggest a desire for collaboration, for working alongside nature to shape something beautiful and lasting. This is further emphasized in the closing lines of the song, "I'll be in the steam," which suggest a sense of artistic inspiration that permeates everything around the singer.
Ultimately, "In The Stream" is a song that invites listeners to reflect on the interconnectedness of all things, and the importance of finding one's place in the larger scheme of things. The song's mix of natural imagery and artistic expression creates a powerful and evocative mood that lingers long after the music has stopped.
Line by Line Meaning
I was folded by ferns
The singer was surrounded and embraced by nature, specifically ferns.
You could return, the earth
The singer believes that people have the ability to improve and restore the earth.
All to her
The singer suggests that the Earth deserves care and attention.
Open mouth
The artist invites others to speak honestly and openly.
Look up and out
The artist recommends taking a step back to gain perspective and look beyond one's own problems.
Fall my failures
The singer acknowledges their failures and is willing to let go of them.
To the ground
The singer is releasing their failures and allowing them to be absorbed by the earth.
I know, I know, I know all them
The artist is familiar with their own shortcomings and faults.
I am wind in the pines
The artist identifies with the natural world and the forces of nature, specifically the sound created by the wind in pine trees.
I am a line you can't define
The artist recognizes their indescribable and undefinable qualities.
When the dawn breaks
The singer is anticipating a new beginning or fresh start.
In my love-lock landscapes
The artist has created personal and protected environments for themselves.
I know, I know, I know all them
The singer is knowledgeable about their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Be in my vision
The singer invites others to share their vision or perspective.
My gardener
The singer is responsible for cultivating and nurturing their own growth.
I'll be an architect
The artist intends to create and design their own life and experiences.
On open steam
The artist will use the power and energy of natural forces to guide them forward.
Be in that canyon
The singer invites others to join them in a deep, significant experience or journey.
That corridor
The singer refers to a narrow path or channel that requires focus and intention to navigate effectively.
I'll be an architect
The artist reiterates their intention to design their own experiences and life path.
On window steam
The artist will use creative visualization and imagination to manifest their dreams and goals.
I'll be in the steam
The artist will be present and actively participating in their own life.
Contributed by Wyatt P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.