A number of their albums are concept albums - Catatonia is a concept album "depicting the internal journey of a man born without the ability to dream". The Robbery of Murder is about a man who hunts down the drunk driver responsible for running down his father when he was a boy.
Their CD, Mimi's Magic Moment features guest appearances from Neal Morse, David Ragsdale of Kansas and Fred Schendel from Glass Hammer and is highly recommended. They recently released their eighth studio album, Pennies in the Karma Jar, on the surface it appears to be a "praise and worship" album, but like everything with Salem Hill it is much deeper than that. Carl Groves' exceptional guitar playing, introspective lyrics, and love affair with the Hammond dominates their latest work.
seattle
Salem Hill Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You realized too late
That I was in your lungs
It was more than mist
That on the morning hung
And Puget Sound makes none
Another tide unsung
With their leafy arms
Ellenburg did reprieve
Who’ll watch the Needle glow?
No Starbucks, Ichiro
Red Delicious, Ann and Nancy
Eddie’s flannel show
Ferries hug the shore
No purpose anymore
The drizzle on your skin
Mingles with the sweat
As judgment day begins
London of the States
You’re quiet as of late
The lyrics of Salem Hill's song Seattle speak about the city of Seattle, Washington. The song is narrated from the perspective of someone who knows the city very well, as suggested by the opening line, "London of the States," which indicates that Seattle is the cultural capital of America. The singer seems to be addressing the city, pointing out that it has failed to realize their importance until it was too late. The language used is poetic, with symbolisms like "I was in your lungs" and "more than mist." These symbolisms suggest that the singer, and by extension the people who know and love the city, are part of the essence of the city itself.
As the song progresses, the singer talks about the natural beauty of Seattle, mentioning the Puget Sound, the Snoqualmie trees, and the ferries that hug the shore. However, the tone becomes darker as the singer describes the drizzle mingling with sweat, and "judgment day begins." This can be interpreted as a reference to the darker aspects of urban life, like the struggles and hardships of everyday people, and the eventual consequences that await those who are not mindful of their surroundings. The closing lines, "You're quiet as of late," seem to point to the idea that despite the beauty and vitality of Seattle, it has become quieter and less vibrant in recent times.
Line by Line Meaning
London of the States
Seattle is compared to London, highlighting its importance as a major city in the US.
You realized too late
People didn't recognize Seattle's value until much later.
That I was in your lungs
Seattle's influence, culture and atmosphere were present but went unrecognized or unappreciated.
It was more than mist
Seattle's natural beauty and ambiance were palpable and felt by people.
That on the morning hung
The beauty and ambiance of Seattle were noticeable early in the day, like a morning mist that hung and lingered.
And Puget Sound makes none
Puget Sound is an integral part of Seattle's geography but is often underrated or overlooked.
Another tide unsung
The beauty of Puget Sound's tides often goes unappreciated or unnoticed.
The thick Snoqualmie trees
Seattle's impressive greenery and forests are a source of pride.
With their leafy arms
The trees are described as having 'arms', giving a human-like quality to nature.
Ellensburg did reprieve
For people who are not native to Seattle, other towns or places can offer some respite from the city-life.
Who’ll watch the Needle glow?
The Space Needle is a symbol of Seattle, implying who will appreciate it if Seattle goes unnoticed.
No Starbucks, Ichiro
Starbucks coffee and Ichiro are an indication of Seattle's modern and urban culture.
Red Delicious, Ann and Nancy
The apple variety Red Delicious and musicians Ann and Nancy Wilson are part of Seattle's local flavor and culture.
Eddie’s flannel show
Eddie Vedder's fashion style is referenced as an aspect of Seattle's grunge music scene culture.
Ferries hug the shore
Seattle's ferry transportation system is ingrained in the city's culture and personality.
No purpose anymore
The city's ferry system, once important for its purpose, may be superfluous in modern day Seattle.
The drizzle on your skin
Seattle's rainy climate is notorious and a defining part of its culture.
Mingles with the sweat
The rainy weather and physical exertion of navigating the city can make people sweaty.
As judgment day begins
Seattle's rainy climate and comparatively gloomy weather may put people in a bad mood or mindset.
You’re quiet as of late
The lyrics imply that Seattle has lost some of its charm and may not be as vibrant as it was in the past.
Contributed by Sarah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.