On 23 February 2015, they released debut EP, [italics]EP I[/italics]. The follow-up EP, [italics]EP II[/italics], was released in November 2015. As their promotion for the upcoming debut album, they released third EP, [italics]Loveblood[/italics], on 4 November 2016. Their debut album, [italics]Youth Is Only Ever Fun In Retrospect[/italics] was released on 6 January 2017.
Sundara Karma released their second studio album, [italics]Ulfilas' Alphabet[/italics], on 1 March 2019.
Higher States
Sundara Karma Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The earth-shattering exchange
What did you gain?
And what was lost?
What was lost?
Forget what they say
Step into the ancient world
And stale limbs hang off the old
In the middle there's a shimmer of ghosts trying to awake
I've been trying so hard to make no big mistakes
Higher states while we resonate
Bodies slipping into place
If this is still the same cage
Then take me far away
When was the last time you spread your wings?
And flew towards the closest blonde?
To fall from grace
Fall from grace
Forget what they say
Step into the ancient world
Where blood meets the sea
When faith was free instead of sold
In the middle there's a shimmer of ghosts trying to awake
I've been trying so hard to make no big mistakes
Higher states while we resonate
Bodies slipping into place
If this is still the same cage
Then take me far away
In the middle there's a shimmer of ghosts trying to awake
I've been trying so hard to make no big mistakes
Higher states while we resonate
Bodies slipping into place
If this is still the same cage
Then take me far away
The lyrics of Sundara Karma's song "Higher States" convey a sense of longing for a different, more transcendent existence. The opening lines ask about the consequences of a monumental event: "A miracle, the earth-shattering exchange. What did you gain? And what was lost?" This suggests that something significant has occurred, causing both gain and loss, and raises questions about the true value of these changes.
The chorus encourages the listener to ignore societal opinions and enter an ancient world, where the meeting of blood and sea symbolizes the raw, primal nature of existence. It speaks of "stale limbs hang[ing] off the old," hinting at the decaying aspects of the world. There is a desire to break free from the constraints of this reality and enter a higher state of being.
The verses continue to emphasize this yearning for transcendence. The reference to ghosts shimmering and trying to awake in the middle suggests an in-between state, where the boundary between life and death is blurred. The singer acknowledges their efforts to avoid making significant mistakes but still yearns for something more. The line "If this is still the same cage, then take me far away" expresses a strong desire to escape the limitations and confinement of their current existence.
Overall, "Higher States" conveys a deep longing for a more meaningful existence beyond the confines of societal norms, pushing for spiritual growth and seeking a higher state of being.
Line by Line Meaning
A miracle
An extraordinary event or phenomenon
The earth-shattering exchange
A momentous and impactful interaction
What did you gain?
What did you acquire or attain?
And what was lost?
What was sacrificed or left behind?
What was lost?
Emphasizing the significance of what was left behind
Forget what they say
Disregard the opinions or remarks of others
Step into the ancient world
Enter a realm of antiquity and wisdom
Where blood meets the sea
Where violence and turmoil intersect with tranquility
And stale limbs hang off the old
Decaying extremities dangle from the aged structures
In the middle there's a shimmer of ghosts trying to awake
Within the midst lies a faint presence of spirits attempting to rouse
I've been trying so hard to make no big mistakes
I have exerted great effort to avoid significant errors
Higher states while we resonate
Elevated levels of consciousness as we harmonize
Bodies slipping into place
Physical forms fitting perfectly together
If this is still the same cage
If the current situation remains a restrictive confinement
Then take me far away
Transport me to a distant and liberating location
When was the last time you spread your wings?
When did you last embrace your full potential?
And flew towards the closest blonde?
And pursued the nearest opportunity or desire?
To fall from grace
To descend from a state of favor or virtue
Fall from grace
Emphasizing the significance of the fall
When faith was free instead of sold
When belief was liberated rather than commoditized
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Oscar Pollock
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@WorgenGrrl
2:45
Now you have died and now you have been born, thrice blessed one, on this very day.
Say to Persephone that Bacchios himself freed you.
A bull you rushed to milk.
Quickly, you rushed to milk.
A ram you fell into milk.
You have wine as your fortunate honor.
And you go beneath the earth, celebrating rites just like the other blessed ones.
---Orphic Gold Tablets
@zuzannasokulska8587
They're so talented. Oscar did such an amazing job with the mv. PURE ART
@krismarsh4164
Thanks Sundara Karma, with this album you ended up being one of my favourite bands
@theresas.1269
guys... wow. when I first saw this video and heard this song I was absolutely stunned. you are so freaking talented, that is a well-known fact and this video just confirms it. so artistic, original, inspirational... cannot wait for the whole new album ♥
@mitchhammer
Love the drums in this, sense of urgency and makes me feel really motivated
@miscellaneouslife2778
The visuals were stunning as always 💕
@annaromaike1098
Clipe esplêndido unido a uma música maravilhosa. Sem dúvidas uma obra de arte sensacional. <3 <3 <3
@DiegoCasanova92
HUGE talent here this band is fire <3 pure art
@mosiacsoml
God I love this. Really love the Renaissance vibe. Any idea on when/if you’re coming back to America any time soon?? I’ve loved you guys since you came on my Discover Weekly back in 2016. Wanted to see you ever since!!
@marykatem6165
Blonde Ambition same! I've been a fan for so long and I couldn't make it to the last ny show! I have been patiently waiting
@undomiel152003
The song is great, as they always are, but, gotta say, Oscar, my dearest, this is absolutely phenomenal as your first director/editor experience. Gorgeous to look at, reminiscence of old paintings and the old Gothic/mystery movies from the 60's and 70's. Am thinking. it reminds me so much of a Corman film, The Masque of The Red Death, with Vincent Price, one of my favorite movies. (I love Edgar A. Poe and the movies inspired by his works) Where the movie left off, you continue with a modern, more, should I say restricted feel to it.