Pictures
The 13th Floor Elevators Lyrics


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You're moving, keep climbimg.
You're moving, keep climbimg.
You're wonderin'
(You're moving, keep climbimg.)
What's on your mind
(You're moving, keep climbimg.)
It's the one keystone people keep trying to find
(You're moving, keep climbimg.)
(You're moving, keep climbimg.)
The state of mind that puts you there
And evolution's everywhere,
it's creeping back from the affair.
So leave! Leave! Leave!
Leave your body behind.
Leave, Leave, Leave!
Leave your body behind.
Yes, yes, yes,
You can always come back
To live the desire you want on your track
Live the love that gives it's return
The higher you're livin', now, the purer it burns.
So keep climbin'
(Ooo, that energy's higher)
Keep on climbin'
(Your sun catches on fire)
Keep climbin' and bathe in the sun
The dawns and the darkness
Watch, the journey's begun
Remember, remember, Why can't you remember?
Remember that we're fallin'
Indifference from the love
It's only habit circumstance that fits you like a glove
Remember, that we're callin' in every cast to learn
It's spoken in the voices of the holy sound you earn
You've got to remember, remember.
You're form' can move,
You're shape is composed of edges.
You're form you can move,
Edges and ridges of your own energy!
Your own energy!
Your own energy!
Just a motion you feel.
(You're moving, keep climbimg.)
And you're wonderin'
(You're moving, keep climbimg.)
Who searched for this?
(You're moving, keep climbimg.)
Only higher resistant consciousness and bliss
(You're moving, keep climbimg.)
By feeling more love for the sense world you're seeing
You raise sense your income and your level of being
By finer and finer,
And finer agreeing you Leave!
Leave, Leave!
Leave your body behind!
Leave, Leave, Leave!
Leave your body behind!
Yes, yes, yes attention comes back
You focus on anchors,
You have what you lack.
Live the love each thought form returns.
Graze in the judgement of the ether that burns!
So keep climbin'
(Oh, your energy's higher!)
Keep on climbin'
(Your sun catches on fire!)
Keep climbin'
The sun fills so soon
And gathers the clouds into a heavenly moon.
Remember, remember, Why can't you remember?
Remember we're bombarded,
The downpour of the word.
The outside means lock us in so all else seems absurd.
Remember things regarding,
Are terminals like you.
For terminals discharge against each other,
And balance syphoning through.
You've got to remember!
Remember!
You're form' can move,
You're shape is composed of edges.
You're form you can move,
Edges and ridges of your own energy!
Your own energy!
Your own energy!
Just a motion you feel.
(You're moving, keep climbimg.)
(You're moving, keep climbimg.)
And you're body and mind are one.
(You're moving, keep climbimg.)
Your heart like cool ashes,
(You're moving, keep climbimg.)
The life sprays through your nippled eyes
Like ribbon through your lashes.
It ripples down with your heart's clear
you're mixed in two,
The poisoned ear.
The love you feel is love you hear.
You leave!
Leave! Leave!
Leave your body behind!
Leave! Leave! Leave!
Leave your body behind!
Remember, remember, remember, remember




Keep on climbin'
Keep on climbin'

Overall Meaning

The 13th Floor Elevators' song "Pictures" is a psychedelic rock anthem that encourages listeners to keep climbing and seeking higher levels of consciousness. The chorus repeats the phrase, "You're moving, keep climbing" while acknowledging the struggles that come with trying to reach enlightenment. The song suggests that leaving behind the physical body and focusing on the energy within can help individuals access a state of mind that puts them on the right path.


The lyrics reference evolution and nature, suggesting that everything is connected and that by tapping into this energy, individuals can achieve a sense of bliss and resistance. The call to "leave your body behind" is a nod towards the importance of meditation and mindfulness in seeking spiritual enlightenment. The song's trippy, dreamlike quality is heightened by its use of repetition and heavy instrumental backing, making it a classic example of psychedelic music.


Line by Line Meaning

You're moving, keep climbing.
Keep progressing and don't stop.


You're wondering
You're curious and questioning.


What's on your mind
You're contemplating your thoughts and desires.


It's the one keystone people keep trying to find
It's the essential element people yearn for and seek out.


The state of mind that puts you there
The mental state that leads to success and fulfillment.


And evolution's everywhere
Change and progress is happening all around us.


It's creeping back from the affair
It's returning after being forgotten or ignored.


So leave! Leave! Leave!
Abandon negative influences and move on.


Leave your body behind.
Escape physical limitations and focus on the mind and soul.


Yes, yes, yes,
Affirmative confirmation.


You can always come back
You can return after leaving or taking a break.


To live the desire you want on your track
To pursue your dreams and passions.


Live the love that gives it's return
Experience love and receive it in return.


The higher you're livin', now, the purer it burns.
The more elevated your life, the more intense and genuine your love becomes.


So keep climbin'
Continue moving upward and onward.


(Ooo, that energy's higher)
Expressing excitement or enthusiasm for becoming more energized.


(Your sun catches on fire)
Your passion ignites and intensifies.


And bathe in the sun
To revel and indulge in the enjoyment and success.


The dawns and the darkness
Both the bright and dark times in life.


Watch, the journey's begun
Be prepared for the journey and its challenges.


Remember, remember, Why can't you remember?
Emphasizing the importance of not forgetting certain details or experiences.


Remember that we're fallin'
Remember that we're constantly making mistakes and experiencing setbacks.


Indifference from the love
Feeling disconnected or disenchanted from love.


It's only habit circumstance that fits you like a glove
It's only because you're used to it and accustomed to it.


Remember, that we're callin' in every cast to learn
Remember that we're constantly striving to learn and expand our knowledge.


It's spoken in the voices of the holy sound you earn
It's expressed in the wisdom and teachings of those who are considered wise and knowledgeable.


You've got to remember, remember.
It is essential to keep in mind and recall.


You're form' can move,
Your body and mind are able to progress and change.


You're shape is composed of edges.
Your physical and mental attributes are defined by certain qualities or characteristics.


Edges and ridges of your own energy!
Unique traits and features of your own character and spirit.


Just a motion you feel.
Simply a sensation or feeling.


Who searched for this?
Who was the one trying to find this?


Only higher resistant consciousness and bliss
Only those who have a strong and elevated desire to understand and achieve fulfillment.


By feeling more love for the sense world you're seeing
By experiencing and appreciating the physical world with more love and appreciation.


You raise sense your income and your level of being
You increase and enhance your awareness and spiritual progress.


By finer and finer, and finer agreeing you Leave!
By becoming more harmonious with what you aspire to become, you leave behind negative traits or influences.


You focus on anchors,
You concentrate on things that give you stability and foundation.


You have what you lack.
You already possess what you thought you were missing.


The sun fills so soon
The sense of accomplishment and happiness comes quickly.


And gathers the clouds into a heavenly moon.
Bringing clarity and brightness to a previously uncertain or cloudy situation.


Remember we're bombarded,
Remember that we're constantly being inundated with information and stimuli.


The downpour of the word.
The overwhelming flood of messages and meanings.


The outside means lock us in so all else seems absurd.
We're trapped in the mindset we've adopted and can't see other possibilities.


Remember things regarding,
Remember important or significant things.


Are terminals like you.
The things that matter to you are just as important as you are.


For terminals discharge against each other,
What we focus on or prioritize can impact and affect each other.


And balance syphoning through.
There's a mutual exchange and influence that takes place.


You're body and mind are one.
Your physical and mental components are interconnected.


Your heart like cool ashes,
Your heart feels calm and at peace.


The life sprays through your nippled eyes
Your life force and energy radiate through your eyes.


Like ribbon through your lashes.
Like a delicate and graceful adornment.


It ripples down with your heart's clear
Your whole being vibrates with clarity and positivity.


you're mixed in two,
You're a blend of different and sometimes conflicting elements.


The poisoned ear.
The negative influences in your life.


The love you feel is love you hear.
What you put out into the universe is what you receive.


Remember, remember, remember, remember
A reminder to not forget important lessons or experiences.


Keep on climbin'
Continue striving to reach new heights.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: TOMMY HALL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@allanvorda4455

Perhaps my favorite of the lesser known Elevator songs. Great lyrics, great vocals by Roky (is there any doubt he is among the greatest rock singers ever!), and I absolutely love the subtle guitar work of Stacy Sutherland. I interviewed Roky four times and each time the responses were less lucid. If you can find my book "Psychedelic Psounds" you can read the Elevators's interview which also has Danny Galindo and Clementine Hall among others. Long live the Elevators---the fathers of psychedelic music--- who should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

@truth3479

unfortunately lesser .. introduction to the elevators requires a very large sound system and caps of chocolate mescaline .. I met Roky 3 times, last time we embraced which is a real rarity because he feels your vibes when touched .. miles of smiles to ya Allan ..

@truth3479

the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a sham .. just Tom Foolery and everyone knows it

@StONed-mb1iv

I miss them when they are gone...

@blakewhittington4336

This is my favorite Psychedelic song

@neilus

i remember listening to this coming down from my first acid trip....it seemed to last forever and one of the most sublime moments of my life....perfect end to a perfect album...thanks for posting!

@ThePunisher2346

I listen to this on one of my trips and felt a very spiritual presence very amazing indescribable feeling

@jj80808

I came upto this on acid! It takes me back every listen

@enriqueromero1670

Best Roky song among so many, the backing vocals are great.

@barbh1

Roky Erikson, RIP to a great and unique musician. <3

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