Spock's Beard play a brand of progressive rock with pop music leanings, drawing much influence from Genesis and the Beatles. They are also well known for their intricate multi-part vocal harmonies and use of counterpoint much in the vein of Gentle Giant. They've released records like the acclaimed The Kindness of Strangers and V before releasing the epic concept album Snow, which also marked the departure of leader and main composer Neal Morse for a solo career as a Christian artist.
After the departure of Neal Morse, the frontman role was taken on by Nick D'Virgilio. The 'new' lineup has released four more studio albums: Feel Euphoria, Octane, Spock's Beard and X.
On tour, the band is supported by drummer Jimmy Keegan, leading to occasional drum duets/duels between him and Nick D'Virgilio (which can be compared to Phil Collins and Chester Thompson at Genesis concerts; drummer Collins also took the lead singer role, after original frontman Peter Gabriel left the band).
On November 21, 2011 news was announced that Nick D'Virgilio would discontinue working with the band (due to his work commitments with "Cirque du soleil"), with Ted Leonard (former Enchant and Thought Chamber) replacing him on vocals and former tour drummer Jimmy Keegan replacing him on drums permanently.
The band was named for the Star Trek episode "Mirror, Mirror," where the crew enters a parallel universe in which the parallel Mr. Spock is differentiated by his beard.
Skin
Spock's Beard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You complain but you keep surprising yourself
Like a dog who's been kicked all over
You tried to quit but you can't stop kicking yourself
It's the truth - it's a lie - love will never die
[Chorus]
Don't you see it's like tryin' to climb out of your skin
Don't you see it's like tryin' to climb out of your skin
You shut down tried to not be special
Lights were off but someone's always been home
May as well not resist temptation
Plug yourself in the wall and light up the town
Time is up - it's alive - take this dream and drive
[Chorus]
Climb way up to the ground
Slide on up to slide down
It's the truth - it's a lie - love will never die
It's the best you can buy - might be worth a try
Make a wish take a dive - don't just stay alive
You'll do more than survive - take this dream and drive
[Chorus]
The song "Skin" by Spock's Beard portrays the endless cycle of struggling with oneself. The first verse starts with a comparison to a star with a blue moon rising, which signifies something rare and beautiful, yet temporary. Following that, the lyrics describe a person who keeps surprising themselves despite the pain they have been through, like a dog that has been kicked yet keeps kicking themselves. The chorus metaphorically presents the concept of trying to escape one's own being as trying to climb out of one's skin or fighting the wind like a butterfly. The lyrics express the feeling of being trapped within one's self and being unable to break free.
The second verse describes a time when the person felt unimportant and tried to suppress themselves. However, the lights inside them were always on, and they suggest that they should give in to temptation, embrace who they are, and light up the town by being their true self. The lyrics portray that time is running out, and the only solution is to take this opportunity to make something out of life despite the struggle. The song concludes by repeating the chorus with positivity and the encouragement to make a wish, be brave and take a dive, and exceed mere survival by taking the opportunity to follow one's dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Like a star with a blue moon rising
You feel like a rare and unique force, constantly evolving and growing in unpredictable ways.
You complain but you keep surprising yourself
You experience setbacks, but they don't stop you from realizing your potential and discovering new things about yourself.
Like a dog who's been kicked all over
You've been mistreated and underestimated, but you refuse to let that define you or hold you back.
You tried to quit but you can't stop kicking yourself
You've made mistakes and faced failure, but you refuse to give up and keep striving for better.
It's the truth - it's a lie - love will never die
The nature of love is complex and often contradictory, but it remains a fundamental and enduring force in our lives.
[Chorus] Don't you see it's like tryin' to climb out of your skin You're like a butterfly fighting the wind Don't you see it's like tryin' to climb out of your skin
You feel trapped by your circumstances and limitations, struggling to break free and realize your full potential.
You shut down tried to not be special
You've tried to blend in and conform rather than embrace your uniqueness and stand out.
Lights were off but someone's always been home
You've felt lost and disconnected, but deep down you know that you possess a strength and resilience that will guide you through any challenge.
May as well not resist temptation
Sometimes it's better to give in to our desires rather than constantly denying ourselves and missing out on life's pleasures.
Plug yourself in the wall and light up the town
Embrace your power and potential, and use it to make a positive impact on the world around you.
Time is up - it's alive - take this dream and drive
Time is running out, so seize the moment and pursue your dreams with a sense of urgency and purpose.
[Chorus] Climb way up to the ground Slide on up to slide down
In order to achieve great things, sometimes we need to take risks and embrace the unknown, even if it means facing our fears and stepping out of our comfort zones.
It's the best you can buy - might be worth a try
Sometimes the things that seem impossible or out of reach are actually within our grasp, and it's worth trying to achieve them even if success is uncertain.
Make a wish take a dive - don't just stay alive
Don't settle for just getting by in life, but dare to dream big and take bold action to make those dreams a reality.
You'll do more than survive - take this dream and drive
You have the potential to not just survive, but to thrive and achieve greatness, if you embrace your strengths and pursue your passions with determination and focus.
[Chorus]
Reinforces the theme of feeling trapped and limited by circumstance, and the desire to break free and pursue one's dreams with passion and purpose.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: NEAL MORSE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TedSchoenling
so much better live.. which is a huge compliment for any band!
@ChrisKingmicrofestival
Found this track via Last Fm here in uk...banging song and very relevant lyrics for this point in my life...like all the best songs that capture a moment
@litteratus5845
fantastic lyrics: Neal Morse is my favorite composer ever
@jmarcell999
Thanks Last FM for introducing this amazing band and song to me.
@lespaulguy1979
Better than "puppets" last release.....um, what was it again?
@jmarcell999
@jmarcell999 And thanks for the uploader of course
@ivanyiattila3547
Invisible touch.