There is a Swell, at least three times:

1) Alternating influences fr… Read Full Bio ↴There is a Swell, at least three times:

1) Alternating influences from neo-psychedelia, noise pop, and Ennio Morricone film scores, Swell formed in San Francisco in 1989 when vocalist/guitarist David Freel and drummer Sean Kirkpatrick decided to record an album. Enlisting second guitarist John Dettman and bassist Monte Vallier, the band recorded a self-titled debut album and released it on their own Psycho Specific label in April 1990. After playing live for the first time in August -- a support slot for Mazzy Star at San Francisco's I-Beam -- Swell toured around California, and released a second album, Well?, by February 1992. Though Dettman left the band soon after, Freel and Kirkpatrick soldiered on, receiving an offer from Def American Records to give Well? a wide release one year after its first issue. Adding guitarist Tom Hays to replace Dettman, Swell began recording their third album. The LP, 41, was released by American in November 1993. Subsequent efforts include 1997's Too Many Days Without Thinking and 1998's For All the Beautiful People. Everybody Wants to Know appeared in spring 2001.

2) The Swell are a young prog-rock instrumental trio, based in Melbourne; incorporating media and live generated visuals to their live performances. source: bandcamp

3) Fresh hardcore outfit SWELL from the Netherlands. "Mercy Never Wanted Me" EP out now through Blindsided Records (https://blindsidedrecords.bandcamp.com/)

Turtle Song
Swell Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

What could I do to change your mind?
What could I do to change my mind?
A beautiful day... not a bird in the sky
What would it take to change your mind?
What will it take to change my mind?
A beautiful day... Like a cloud in the sky

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Swell's song "Turtle Song" offer a contemplation of changing one's own mind as well as influencing the decision-making of someone else. The song speaks to the human experience of grappling with indecision, wanting clarity, and seeking resolution. The opening phrase, "What could I do to change your mind?", speaks to the desperation one may feel when trying to change someone else's perspective or opinion. The following line, "What could I do to change my mind?", shows a self-awareness of one's own susceptibility to changing their own mind.

The chorus of "Turtle Song" is where the song's metaphor becomes apparent. "A beautiful day... not a bird in the sky", denotes a sense of calm and tranquility, yet the following lines question what it would take to change the perception of this serene state. "What would it take to change your mind? / What will it take to change my mind? / A beautiful day... like a cloud in the sky", compares the idea of changing one's mind to a cloud obstructing a clear blue sky, indicating that there is an inherent misgiving or discomfort with change.

Overall, "Turtle Song" speaks to the themes of uncertainty, the fear or discomfort of change, and the struggle to influence both oneself and others.

Line by Line Meaning

What could I do to change your mind?
I am willing to do anything to convince you to think differently.

What could I do to change my mind?
I am open to hearing your suggestions for how I can change my perspective.

A beautiful day... not a bird in the sky
The day is clear and peaceful, without any distractions or disturbances.

What would it take to change your mind?
I am curious about what factors or arguments could sway your opinion.

What will it take to change my mind?
I am aware that I may be stuck in my current thinking and would like to explore alternative viewpoints.

A beautiful day... Like a cloud in the sky
The day is beautiful, but there is a sense of impermanence or uncertainty looming like a cloud in the sky.

Contributed by Juliana K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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