Rotorelief Records, reissued in 2017 the first two mythical albums, eponymous from 1968 and "contact" from 1969
(rotorelief.com)
Contrasting the flowery psychedelic rock music of the late-1960s, the New York City-based Silver Apples created an avant-garde sound based on little more than a homemade synthesizer (named the Simeon after their lead singer - Simeon) and an extensive drumkit, originally played by Dan Taylor. They reformed in the 1990s, making new records and playing live again.
Silver Apples were one of the first groups to employ electronic music techniques extensively within a rock idiom, and their minimalistic style, with its pulsing, driving beat and frequently discordant modality, anticipated not only the experimental electronic music and krautrock of the 1970's, but underground dance music and indie rock of the 1990s as well.
I Have Known Love
Silver Apples Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I burned my fingers on the sun.
I've been imprisoned on the moon.
I have learned what truth denies.
I drank the teardrops from her eyes.
I surrendered much too soon.
I never heard the warning voice.
I never knew I had a choice.
But I have sailed upon the boat
That flew when there was room to float.
And I drank out of the magic urn.
And I have slept inside the shade
encircled by the love we made.
And I have kissed the face of dreams.
And I have ridden on the glow
that warms the sky with a rainbow.
And I have waded in its golden streams.
And I have danced between the stars
with music sung by sweet guitars.
I've done some things that can't be done.
And I have smiled inside the storm
reaching higher to keep warm.
I've known love and love has won.
I burned my fingers on the sun
In "I Have Known Love," Silver Apples paints a vivid picture of a love affair that takes the singer on a voyage through the universe and beyond. The song is a reflection on the various stages and trials of love, both the highs and the lows. The opening lines, "I have known love and love has won. I burned my fingers on the sun," introduce the idea that love can be incredibly powerful and leave a mark, but can also be dangerous and painful.
Throughout the song, the singer describes different experiences and emotions associated with love. For example, "I drank the teardrops from her eyes," describes a moment of intimacy with a lover who has been crying, while "I surrendered much too soon" suggests a feeling of regret or loss. In contrast, later lines describe moments of joy and euphoria, such as "And I have danced between the stars with music sung by sweet guitars" and "And I have ridden on the glow that warms the sky with a rainbow."
Overall, "I Have Known Love" is a poetic exploration of the many facets of love, and the way it can take us on a wild journey through life.
Line by Line Meaning
I have known love and love has won.
I have experienced the beauty and power of love, and it has triumphed in my life.
I burned my fingers on the sun.
I have taken risks and suffered consequences in the pursuit of my desires.
I've been imprisoned on the moon.
I have felt trapped and isolated in unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations.
I have learned what truth denies.
I have struggled with accepting harsh realities or painful truths.
I drank the teardrops from her eyes.
I have tasted the sorrow and pain of those I love.
I surrendered much too soon.
I have given up on something or someone before fully understanding its worth or potential.
I never heard the warning voice.
I have ignored or missed obvious signs of danger or wrongdoing.
I never knew I had a choice.
I have felt trapped or powerless in situations where I actually had options or agency.
Though I never wanted to return.
I have experienced moments of bliss or fulfillment that made it difficult to come back to reality.
But I have sailed upon the boat
That flew when there was room to float.
I have taken advantage of opportunities when they presented themselves.
And I drank out of the magic urn.
I have experienced the mystical or unexplainable in life.
And I have slept inside the shade
encircled by the love we made.
I have been comforted and protected by the love and affection of another person.
And I have kissed the face of dreams.
I have experienced the beauty and wonder of dreams and the imagination.
And I have ridden on the glow
that warms the sky with a rainbow.
I have felt the warmth and joy of life's most beautiful moments.
And I have waded in its golden streams.
I have been immersed in the abundance and richness of life.
And I have danced between the stars
with music sung by sweet guitars.
I have enjoyed the transcendent beauty and harmony of nature and the universe.
I've done some things that can't be done.
I have accomplished seemingly impossible or remarkable feats.
And I have smiled inside the storm
reaching higher to keep warm.
I have found strength and resilience in the face of adversity or difficult circumstances.
I've known love and love has won.
Throughout it all, my experiences with love have ultimately prevailed and brought me happiness.
Contributed by Chase A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Chuck N. Wouldknots
Makes me love being alive when I find gems like this.
allnightlongg
Chuck N. Wouldknots just found them. Its like fresh air
Evilrose0611
Yeah they sound ahead of their time and all that... i only just started listening to their songs today.
What stands out to me though? These lyrics are pretty magical.
『 Phagalizer 』
Such a wonderful song. So trippy even without drugs. The song itself is a drug haha the magic of the 60s!
OliverKatze
This moved me to tears. This band is sacred
Based Bugs
Different strokes, different folks. Personally, I find the drones to be the best part of the track. It is what defines it. There is also a whole entire genre called drone music, which is influenced by bands like Silver Apples.
Jurassic Paradigm Shift
The drone is also the best and most hypnotic part a of an Indian raga.
OBA
Drone music was around before the Silver Apples.
The Velvet Underground also used drones, as John Cale and Lou Reed were interested by the style.
TheEamoB
I wonder if the Silver Apples knew that what they were doing at that time was so revolutionary. Probably not which makes it even better.
Spit Dragon
This is Amazing shipp. I woke to Apples 2021 - too late. Fk the sparkx bros idc.