Autodidact
Swervedriver Lyrics
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Boots filled with lead
A dimension of beauty
Mobilized within my head
All the sellers parade
Souls apart to those hell
Gas stations as churches
Hold fuel forever still
You make me lose my head
Dream of what might be
Sculpt and tumble me
As the rain transcends
Teach potential
Flip the script around
Autodidact
Teach me one thing
There′s nothing more i can do
Dream of what might be
Praise be to the gods of the east
Who bow down in front of me
All the sellers parade
Souls apart to those hell
Gas stations as churches
Hold fuel forever still
You make me lose my head
Dream of what might be
Sculpt and tumble me
As the rain transcends
Teach potential
Flip the script around
Autodidact
Teach me one thing
"The City sleeps disturbed" is the opening line of Swervedriver's song Autodidact, which sets the mood for the rest of the song. This line reminds us that the city is a bustling place, and even in the middle of the night, it is not at peace. The boots filled with lead could be a metaphor for the weight of the burdens that the singer is carrying; it could also refer to the weariness of the people in the city, tired from walking around all day. The second line of the song, "A dimension of beauty mobilized within my head" may suggest that the singer is contrasting the dullness of the city with his imagination, and that he finds beauty in an otherwise monotonous landscape. In this sense, the city is a mere backdrop to the creative spark that ignites within the singer.
Throughout the song, there is a recurring image of a "seller," and the singer portrays these people as being soulless, and the city as resembling hell. However, in contrast to this, the gas stations are seen as churches, which hold fuel forever still. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the spiritual emptiness that pervades the city, which is counterbalanced by the enduring presence of fuel. In essence, the singers' point of view is that the city and its inhabitants have lost their sense of spirit, and there is a need to be rekindled.
The chorus of the song repeats the line "You make me lose my head, dream of what might be," which could suggest that the singer is thinking of a lover who inspires him to be creative and unlocks his imagination. He hopes that this person will "teach potential," flip the script around, and teach the singer "one thing." This one thing could be anything, from a bit of knowledge or an idea that will help the singer realize his creative potential. Overall, the song is a rich exploration of the dynamics between the city and creativity, the mundane and the otherworldly, and the need to be inspired to find meaning and purpose in life.
Line by Line Meaning
The city sleeps disturbed
Even in the apparent calm of nighttime, the city is unsettled and anxious.
Boots filled with lead
The weight of responsibilities and burdens feels heavy and oppressive, like walking with lead-filled boots.
A dimension of beauty
There is an intangible quality of beauty that exists beyond what can be seen or touched.
Mobilized within my head
This beauty is not passive but rather activated and energized by the artist's thoughts and imagination.
All the sellers parade
Everyone is trying to sell something, whether it be their products, their opinions, or their image.
Souls apart to those hell
In the competitive and commercialized world, people become isolated and disconnected from one another.
Gas stations as churches
Consumerism and materialism have replaced traditional beliefs and values, turning mundane places like gas stations into quasi-religious sanctuaries.
Hold fuel forever still
But despite our obsession with consumption and accumulation, we can never truly hold onto anything forever.
You make me lose my head
The person addressed in the song is so captivating and alluring that they completely distract and overwhelm the artist.
Dream of what might be
The artist has vivid and elaborate fantasies about what their future with this person could look like.
Sculpt and tumble me
The singer wants to be shaped and molded by their experiences with this person, even if it is tumultuous or challenging.
As the rain transcends
Rain symbolizes a transformative and purifying force that can wash away the old and make way for the new.
Teach potential
The singer wants to learn how to tap into their untapped potential and achieve greater things in life.
Flip the script around
They want to be able to turn their perceived weaknesses or limitations into strengths and opportunities.
Autodidact
They want to be a self-taught and self-directed learner, free from the confines of traditional education.
Teach me one thing
Despite their desire for self-sufficiency and autonomy, they recognize that they still have much to learn and are open to being taught by others.
There's nothing more I can do
The artist has exhausted all of their options and resources in trying to achieve their goals or win over this person.
Praise be to the gods of the east
The singer acknowledges and reveres the mystical and exotic appeal of the East, which might embody the qualities that they find so attractive in the person they desire.
Writer(s): Adam Franklin, James Hartridge, Steven Totterdell
Contributed by Taylor Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Marcos Neves
It is an amazing band with wonderful songs! thank you for translating the fragments of life so perfectly !!!... long life to Swervedriver !!!...
musiclover01ization
I really dig this performance.
This Is Slammin
So fucking good!
miked4309
my new favorite song. replacing Pay Attention by Colleen Green
You Are The Creator
KEXP fucked up this recording session in case you didn't notice, Adams guitar totally dropped out of the mix. Vocals were pretty good but would be nice to add a little effects right? Listen to it, see for yourself. But still great to see and thanks and good will to everyone!
Nedim K (nedomedo)
@Michael Faust Yeah, it's a pretty clear stereo image on this one.
Fede Ulquerty
What is the drummer's name?
Fede Ulquerty
Thank you! I've just looked for it (though I have still not listened to that song). I'll do it in an hour. Blessings!
Damon Cook
the pips!
Albon Forbes
= Already Did It