They are based in Ann Arbor and Detroit. Through Thomas, the group's major songwriter, the group creates intricate soundscapes which harken back to Detroit soul, such as Motown, as well as some of the better recordings by The Beach Boys and productions of Phil Spector.
The band went on temporary hiatus in 2008, only to reappear in 2012 joined by new vocalist Carol Gray. They released an album One Kiss Ends It All in 2013, with all songs penned by Fred Thomas.
Hands In The Snow
Saturday Looks Good To Me Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I don't know if I'll be back
So before you ask
Just remember
That we've been here before
I see through windows in the rain
Through all the language left behind
Invisible ink
So I won't know
When you swallow your words
I won't be there
To watch it all unravel
To watch the union come undone
The end could come at any time
With harvest hands and tv eyes
And the scientists
Know the way it is
And we all know
And we follow them down
I hear you talking like a train
On concepts you can't quite explain
Like a dictaphone
Set especially slow
And I don't have the heart
To tell you what a fool you are
I won't be there
To watch it all unravel
To watch the union come undone
By the time you hear this tape I will be gone
And I won't be back
So don't even ask
Cause we all know
And we follow
With our eyes on the sky
And our hands in the snow
The song "Hands in the Snow" by Saturday looks Good to Me is a poignant reflection on the transience and uncertainty of life, and the difficulty of communication and understanding between people. The first verse of the song speaks of a possible departure, with the singer saying that he doesn't know if he'll be back, and urging the listener not to ask. The reference to having been here before suggests a repetition of a pattern, which may be related to previous departures or conflict between the two people.
The second verse introduces an image of windows in the rain, which suggests a distortion or barrier to seeing clearly. The singer watches the listener drink "invisible ink", which could be a metaphor for unspoken thoughts or hidden feelings. The fear of "swallowing words" suggests a difficulty in expressing oneself or a fear of being misunderstood. The idea of watching from a distance also hints at a sense of helplessness or powerlessness to prevent a possible unraveling of a relationship or union.
The third verse alludes to the fragility of life, with references to "harvest hands" (suggesting mortality and the reaping of what has been sown), "tv eyes" (implying a passive or superficial way of viewing the world), and "scientists" (hinting at the idea of a deterministic or rationalistic view of life). The refrain, "I won't be there to watch it all unravel", reinforces the sense of distance and detachment between the singer and the listener, but also hints at a resignation to the idea that things may fall apart despite efforts to hold them together. Finally, the last two lines of the song suggest a wider perspective or vision, with the sky and the snow serving as symbols of vastness and purity.
Line by Line Meaning
By the time you read these words I will be gone
I will have left before you can read this message
And I don't know if I'll be back
I am uncertain if I will return
So before you ask
Don't bother inquiring
Just remember
Recall our past experiences
That we've been here before
We've been in this situation previously
I see through windows in the rain
I observe through rain-streaked windows
Through all the language left behind
Despite all the words left unspoken
And I watch you drink
I observe you consume
Invisible ink
A hidden, unspoken message
So I won't know
To prevent my comprehension
When you swallow your words
When you retract what you've said
I won't be there
I won't attend or witness
To watch it all unravel
To witness things disintegrate
To watch the union come undone
To perceive the separation of the relationship or organization
The end could come at any time
The conclusion could arise unexpectedly
With harvest hands and tv eyes
With workers' hands and spectators' eyes
And the scientists
And the experts in the field
Know the way it is
Know the reality of the situation
And we all know
And everyone is aware
And we follow them down
And we obey their guidance
I hear you talking like a train
I listen to you speak quickly and endlessly
On concepts you can't quite explain
On ideas that elude your full understanding
Like a dictaphone
Like a recording device
Set especially slow
Programmed to proceed at a reduced pace
And I don't have the heart
And I lack the courage or kindness
To tell you what a fool you are
To inform you of your foolish behavior
By the time you hear this tape I will be gone
I will have left by the time you play this recording
And I won't be back
And I won't return
So don't even ask
So don't bother inquiring
Cause we all know
Because everyone is aware
And we follow
And we conform
With our eyes on the sky
Looking to the heavens for guidance
And our hands in the snow
And our hands in the cold, barren wasteland
Contributed by Luke C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.