Snailhouse’s last record, the Jeremy Gara produced Lies on the Prize was widely acclaimed (including a Polaris nomination) for its panoramic and literate musicality.
At once classic and inventive, the unique song-craft and sensibility listeners come to expect from Snailhouse takes genres both new and old and weaves them into something that can never be listened to the same way twice.
Also:
In 2008, “Do You want to Talk All Night? – A Sappy Records Tribute to Snailhouse” was released, on which many of Feuerstack’s peers and fans in other bands (among them Maritime, The Acorn and Rick White) performed versions of Snailhouse songs.
Feuerstack was also a founding member art-rock band Wooden Stars, who were awarded a Juno for best alternative album for their collaboration with Julie Doiron, titled Julie Doiron and the Wooden Stars.
Mike can also be found offering his guitar and lap steel skills to the ear bending Bell Orchestre (Juno Winners, Polaris nominees) and the heartbreaking folk of Angela Desveaux.
Snailhouse music has featured contributors as diverse and renowned as Julie Doiron, Dave Draves, Angela Desveaux, members of Arcade Fire, Wintersleep, Bell Orchestre, Maritime and The Acorn – to name a few.
Fire Alarm
Snailhouse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you talk to mom and dad say I love them all
People sleeping in the hallways blood on the elevator wall
Someone slept out in the hallway on a table top
He pissed against the wall and didn't clean it up
I thought I heard your face so I shouted out your voice
You've got your youth though that will fade
Does it keep us safe from harm if the kettle whistles along with the fire alarm?
Though we have a lot to learn
We've made our bed and now we have to sleep in in forever or just tonight
Until things work out
Right before our eyelids close when a baby dreams a mother knows to kill the lights
And let that baby dream
Don't be afraid
You've got your youth though that will fade
Does it keep us safe from harm if the kettle whistles along with the fire alarm?
The lyrics of Snailhouse's song "Fire Alarm" depict a scene of urban decay and the feelings of fear and uncertainty that arise from it. The singer, who is working late, apologizes for not having enough time to reach out to their parents. They describe a grim environment where people are sleeping in hallways and there is blood on the walls of elevators. Amidst this chaos, the singer hears a familiar voice and shouts out, hoping to find some comfort and connection.
The chorus of the song reassures the listener not to be afraid, emphasizing the fleeting nature of youth and how it cannot protect us from harm. The lyrics pose the question of whether the noise of the whistle from a boiling kettle can drown out the fear caused by the blaring fire alarm. It highlights the idea of finding solace or distractions in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.
The following verse suggests that although there is much to learn and challenges to face, we have to accept the consequences of our actions and lie in the bed we have made. It reflects on the paradoxical nature of life, where things may not work out as planned, but there is always hope and the possibility of finding peace and solace in the dreams of a baby and the intuition of a mother.
Overall, "Fire Alarm" explores the themes of fear, uncertainty, and finding solace amidst chaos. It acknowledges the transience of youth and the constant presence of danger, but also suggests that hope and peace can be found in unexpected places.
Line by Line Meaning
Working late I didn't have much time to call
I was busy working late and couldn't find enough time to make a phone call
If you talk to mom and dad say I love them all
If you happen to talk to Mom and Dad, please convey my love to both of them
People sleeping in the hallways blood on the elevator wall
There were individuals sleeping in the hallways and the elevator wall was stained with blood
Someone slept out in the hallway on a table top
A person slept in the hallway on top of a table
He pissed against the wall and didn't clean it up
He urinated on the wall and didn't bother to clean it afterwards
I thought I heard your face so I shouted out your voice
I mistakenly thought I recognized your face and thus called out your name
Don't be afraid
Do not let fear overpower you
You've got your youth though that will fade
You possess the vigor of youth, but remember that it will eventually diminish
Does it keep us safe from harm if the kettle whistles along with the fire alarm?
Will we be protected from danger if the sound of a whistling kettle accompanies the blaring fire alarm?
Though we have a lot to learn
Even though we still have much to discover
We've made our bed and now we have to sleep in it forever or just tonight
We have created our own circumstances and now we must endure the consequences indefinitely or maybe just for this one night
Until things work out
Until matters are resolved or improved
Right before our eyelids close when a baby dreams a mother knows to kill the lights
Just when our eyes are about to shut, a mother understands the need to turn off the lights when her baby starts to dream
And let that baby dream
Allow the baby to continue its pleasant dreams
Contributed by Alex S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.