Named after a section of the book 'White Noise', written by postmodernist author Don DeLillo, the group incorporates string instruments and keyboards along with a standard rock lineup of guitar, drums, and bass guitar. Their style takes in a variety of influences from classic rock and roll to arcane-sounding art rock to tuneful indie pop and more. They have been signed to Majordomo Records for many years; on March 4, 2009, the band signed to Island Records.
Formed in the wake of a series of personal tragedies in the life of front-man Mikel Jollett, the band has gathered a reputation for one of the most exciting and energetic live shows in years. Stomping, screaming, wailing, crooning through bony rock songs and enormous dark anthems, the band embodies the desire to live life fully in the face of a world saturated with media and fear. The Cali five-piece's eponymous debut EP includes nods to rock music's most transcendent tidbits: subtle references to the sad-eyed melancholy of The Cure, the balled-fist intensity of The Fall, and the art school disaffection of the Velvet Underground.
The Airborne Toxic Event released their second album, All At Once on April 26, 2011. Songfacts reports the band explaining: "It's called 'All at Once' because the songs deal with the idea of sudden change—how life generally doesn't change incrementally. Your parents die, a child is born, the airplane shakes, a former love from a former life walks casually by you on the street, and suddenly everything is different. We live in the quiet passages between these extraordinary moments of change. It's exhilarating. It's terrifying. It can be monstrously disfiguring. It can be potentially redemptive."
Wishing Song
The Airborne Toxic Event Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wish I had a lady fair, and then a butterfly
I wish I had a house of stone that looked down on the sea
But most of all I wish that I was someone else but me
Now I don't have a coat of silk, but I still have the sky
and I don't have a lady no, but there goes a butterfly
and I don't have some house of stone, but I can see the sea
I'm happy to be me
The Airborne Toxic Event's Wishing Song is a melancholic ballad that speaks about the human tendency to wish for things we don't have, to desire the lives of others instead of embracing our own unique experiences. The singer in the song wishes for many things, such as a coat of silk, a lady fair, and a house that overlooks the sea, but ultimately confesses that he wishes to be someone else. However, as the song reaches its conclusion, the singer realizes that even without these things, he can still appreciate the sky, a butterfly, and the sea, and he comes to the conclusion that he is happy simply being himself.
The song speaks to the human experience of wishing for what we don't have, but also emphasizes the importance of accepting and appreciating our own lives, with all their imperfections and unique experiences. It's a reminder that though we may long for a different coat, a different partner, or a different home, the beauty of life can still be found in the simple moments we experience every day, and that ultimately, being true to ourselves is what brings true happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
I wish I had a coat of silk, the color of the sky
The singer desires a luxurious coat that signifies the beauty of the sky.
I wish I had a lady fair, and then a butterfly
The singer longs for true love and a light, carefree spirit like that of a butterfly.
I wish I had a house of stone that looked down on the sea
The singer desires a grand abode with a view of the vast, majestic waters.
But most of all I wish that I was someone else but me
Despite the earlier wishes, the artist ultimately wants to be someone other than themselves, showing self-doubt and insecurity.
Now I don't have a coat of silk, but I still have the sky
The artist acknowledges that they don't possess the extravagant apparel they wished for, but realize they still have a beautiful sight to admire.
and I don't have a lady no, but there goes a butterfly
While the singer is still without a partner, they recognize the beauty present in the world around them, represented by the butterfly.
and I don't have some house of stone, but I can see the sea
The singer hasn't achieved their dream home, but can still appreciate the stunning view of the sea.
most of all I know that I am happy just to be me
The artist resolves that they don't need extravagant possessions or to be someone else, as they recognize the joy of living as themselves.
I'm happy to be me
The artist affirms their contentment with their current self and circumstances.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bobbie Bees
I've never truly made out the second verse.
I don't know if I'm hearing it right, but this s what I get:
"Lay me under the skies of blue.
And tell me I'm timeless and that your ????? loves you.
And hold me under the spell that has no end.
We'll stay in this river and down this river float."
The ???? are the only part I really can't make out.
Anybody get anything different?
MegaAstroFan18
Jim Henson did have a thing for themes of identity issues and being happy with who you are. Third song to feature on the Muppet Show that I've noticed with that theme.
Glenn Griffon
He also recognized the importance of emotions in people of all ages. To tell adults that it's okay to still indulge in childish things like the muppets. To tell children that it's okay to feel angry, to feel sad, to feel depressed, lost, hopeless. It's okay to feel these things as long as you allow them to pass because in time, with support from your friends and those who love you, things will get better and you will smile again.
Ivan Fraga
Awesome choice for this song!
Bobbie Bees
I've never truly made out the second verse.
I don't know if I'm hearing it right, but this s what I get:
"Lay me under the skies of blue.
And tell me I'm timeless and that your ????? loves you.
And hold me under the spell that has no end.
We'll stay in this river and down this river float."
The ???? are the only part I really can't make out.
Anybody get anything different?
DrunkenBard
Anr H Lead singer purposefully left it vague, during a Reddit AMA he said "Those lyrics were written as a sort of message I would’ve wanted to hear when I was eight years old from someone who’s been on the planet a little longer. I think it’s like a dog whistle. You just have to be a kid to get it."
Jon Martin
I've always heard it as "and tell me, young Thomas" instead of "tell me I'm timeless"
arsmith1127
I think it's and tell me I'm timeless and that your mom loves you. At least that's what I got from it.
Enrique Manyari
Thanks !!! For André Manyari... my son !!!
Margaret Wilson
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Margaret Wilson
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