On September 26th, 2014, Screaming Headless Torsos released Code Red, the highly anticipated first record in almost a decade. On October 1st the Torsos hit the road for the European leg of their “Code Red Tour”. The first full-length release with lead singer Freedom Bremner was produced by Torsos Veteran producer Gregg Fine and showcases their signature “gumbo” of rock, pop, R&B, jazz and electro-soul, and boasts an impressive roster of special guests including guitarist James Valentine (Maroon 5), Bernie Worrell (Parliament Funkadelic, Talking Heads), Casey Benjamin (Robert Glasper Experiment) and 14 time GRAMMY-Award winning producer Ron Saint Germain takes the helm on the title track.
“Code Red” the title track and collaboration with Ron Saint Germain is a pop/metal anthem that rocks at break-neck speed and tells the story of the horrors of post-traumatic stress -- of a soldier who can’t escape the nightmares in his head. James Valentine, guitarist of Maroon 5, known for his hooky guitar grooves, steps out on the electro-soul jam “Brooce Swayne” with a shredding Munsters-Meets-Maggot-Brain solo. “Wizard of Woo”, the tribute to legendary keyboardist and founding member of Parliament Funkadelic, Bernie Worrell, is a madcap, tempo-shifting rollercoaster ride that features Worrell and unites the Torsos with the Mothership as only he can.
Over the past 19 years, SHT, lead by David Fiuczynski, has been quietly expanding their reach as the cultish wild child of rock, jazz and soul. After the critically acclaimed release of their debut album Screaming Headless Torsos, after Musician Magazine named them one of the “Top 10 Bands to Watch”, the band has continued to be embraced by fans in the jazz and alternative rock communities. “It’s pretty wild, when we’re playing some of these big festivals, to see new fans who were children when our first record came out,” said Fiuczysnki. It is SHT’s message and groove and that keeps bringing fans into the fold from around the world.
Smile in a Wave
Screaming Headless Torsos Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Searching for smiles, getting frowns
Wanting musical highs like Messian and Miles
But all I was getting was downs
Give me some color, give me some bone
Give me relief or leave me alone
Give me some boots, give me some brains
I've been subject to a certain suspect
Who played like they hate, what they said that they liked
I won't sublet or pretend to beget
A shackled down music that's nothing but hype
All I want to show you is a smile in a wave
Next thing to dark blue is deep purple haze
I just want to show you a vision of the Sun
So glad to know you, 'cause you're second to none
The lyrics to Screaming Headless Torsos' song "Smile in a Wave" speak to the desire for positivity and joy while navigating the challenges of life. Through the use of vivid imagery and allusions to famous musicians like Messian and Miles Davis, the lead singer expresses a yearning for musical and emotional fulfillment that seems hard to find.
The first verse sets the scene of the singer coming down from something, both physically and emotionally, and searching for smiles but only encountering frowns. Despite craving the high that comes with listening to great music, all they've been getting is "downs." The second verse is a plea for relief in the form of "color" and "bone," and a willingness to let go if that can't be provided. There's a rebellious energy present in the lyrics, with the suggestion that the singer has been held back by suspect musicians and hype that doesn't live up to its promises.
The chorus offers a respite from these struggles, with the singer expressing a desire to show the listener a smile in a wave, a metaphor for a brief moment of happiness that can wash over them like a wave. The allusion to colors like dark blue and deep purple hints at the sensory experience of this moment, while the reference to the Sun is a nod to the power of positivity in bringing light to darkness. The final line, "So glad to know you, 'cause you're second to none," further emphasizes the importance of human connection and the joy that comes from sharing experiences with others.
Overall, "Smile in a Wave" is a powerful ode to the importance of seeking out positivity and joy in the face of adversity, and the role that music can play in helping us find those moments of lightness.
Line by Line Meaning
I came down, was thrown on the ground
I had high hopes for success, but my dreams were shattered and I hit rock bottom
Searching for smiles, getting frowns
I was looking for happiness, but all I found were disappointments
Wanting musical highs like Messian and Miles
I desired to achieve musical greatness like the legends Messian and Miles Davis
But all I was getting was downs
But instead, I was faced with failures and disappointments
Give me some color, give me some bone
I need substance and vitality to fuel my creativity
Give me relief or leave me alone
Either provide me with comfort and respite, or let me be
Give me some boots, give me some brains
I require practical tools and intellectual stimulation to succeed
Got nothing to lose and all to gain
I have nothing to risk, and everything to gain from pursuing my dreams
I've been subject to a certain suspect
I have encountered someone who is suspicious in their motives
Who played like they hate, what they said that they liked
This person pretended to dislike something they claimed to enjoy, which was confusing and deceptive
I won't sublet or pretend to beget
I refuse to compromise or pretend to be something I'm not
A shackled down music that's nothing but hype
I don't want to create generic, soulless music that is only popular because of marketing schemes
All I want to show you is a smile in a wave
I just want to share a moment of joy and positivity with you
Next thing to dark blue is deep purple haze
The feeling of joy and positivity is as intense and vivid as a deep purple color
I just want to show you a vision of the Sun
I want to illustrate a beautiful, hopeful future for us to work towards
So glad to know you, 'cause you're second to none
I am grateful to have met you, because you are truly special and one of a kind
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MILES DAVIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@oscarpalaciosruiz
The best SHT lineup. I saw them in Mexico City some ten (!) years ago. They had a different lineup, but it was absolutely wonderful. Best gig in my life, really. They played for more than two hours in a small place and I couldn't stop dancing and jumping! After the show they mingled with all of us and gosh these guys were incredibly nice! Love em forever
@pissdaddy
So true, once they lost Dean Bowman it started going downhill :(
@DrCaesarsPalace_MD
The bass player is NOT prominant enough in this band...he is amazing!
@23Redspecial
Jesus 11 years?! I remember being extremely influenced by this song in 2008 when i was 16/17.
@christopherdebo8691
Shush. I was 35 in 08.
@pissdaddy
Lol it came out in '95
@23Redspecial
lol i was referring to this specific version that was posted,obviously . I actually cant listen to the original, because this is the original to me@@pissdaddy
@paulatmuniz
Que loucura esse som!!! E eu só descubro 20 anos depois! :O
@ClaudioEscouto
antes tarde do que nunca,,,,, :-)
enjoy your self !
@wolowolowolo
man...what a great song, Fuse playing is inspiring!