Angels of Light include many New York City collaborators, including Dana Schechter of Bee and Flower, Kid Congo Powers of The Cramps, Larry Mullins aka Toby Dammit, Bliss Blood of The Moonlighters and Pain Teens, Thor Harris of Shearwater, and most recently the Brooklyn band Akron/Family.
Gira talks about the Angels project :
I write the songs on acoustic guitar, then gather musicians and friends, and build up the orchestrations with them in the studio and in live performances. I guide the process, but solicit their creative contributions actively. Each recording contains the contributions of an ever-changing plethora of amazing musicians, whom I thank here heartily!
After many years (too many to comfortably contemplate!) of dwelling on "sonic overload" with Swans, I now concentrate on augmenting the songs I write with orchestrations that support the basic song, rather than the sound itself taking over.
My goal is to achieve the same sense of magic I experienced as a child listening to Burle Ives recordings of Brer Rabbit and other such marvels, including the early Disney children's records I listened to long ago.
I view the arrangements as little films created to make a context for the words and voice, so that one can drift off into the world the music creates. I produce the Angels recordings, and the production of the recordings is as important to me as the songs themselves.
Most of the instruments used in the recordings are acoustic, but not all. Electric guitars, bass and drums etc., are sometimes used (as well as an occasional electronic sound, or loop), but I intentionally steer clear of a "Rock" sound. It doesn't interest me at all any more.
However, I have no particular fealty to "The Song" as if it were some sacred codex. On the other hand, just sitting around my house, writing these things, and finally coming up with a statement that I think makes sense, I want to bring them to life as much as possible, in new and challenging ways for both myself and you, so I always strive to present them in a fresh and interesting context.
For this reason, I'm always changing the sonic approach from record to record.
All Angels of Light albums have been released on Michael Gira's label Young God Records.
The name Angels of Light was first used by the spiritual theater group founded by drag queen Hibiscus of The Cockettes. It is not known whether Gira's group was named in homage to Hibiscus's similarly metaphysically-minded group.
Angels Of Light
The Angels of Light Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So there's nothing that can stop you now
From sleeping
And your breathing in a silence that will drug you now
So completely
That you're drowning in a liquid that is glowing with strange substance
Without feeling.
And you're rising to the surface of awareness
That's unconscious
And you're dreaming
Of real violence
With no consequence,
With no meaning.
You're not free now
But unfolding
And you're beautiful in the light
You're not free now
You're not innocent
You're transparent
And you're right.
Na na na nanana
In The Angels of Light's song "Angels Of Light," the lyrics describe a state of being that is lethargic and drowsy, potentially induced by some kind of drug. The singer observes someone who is so lazy that they are content to simply sleep and breathe without any other stimulation or engagement with the outside world. The person's mind is so tranquil and devoid of feeling that they are able to imagine themselves as separate from their own physical body, observing it from a detached perspective. In this state of mind, the person dreams of violence without any consequences or meaning, suggesting a sense of detachment from reality and morality.
The chorus of the song suggests that even though the person may not be "free" or "innocent," they are beautiful in their own right and have a certain transparency or vulnerability. The overall message of the song seems to emphasize the idea that even in our most passive or apathetic states, we still have the capacity for beauty and vulnerability.
Line by Line Meaning
And you're lazy
You lack motivation and are unwilling to put in effort.
So there's nothing that can stop you now
Without any external pressure, you are free to continue being lazy.
From sleeping
You are so unproductive that you are able to sleep without any disturbance.
And your breathing in a silence that will drug you now
Your shallow breaths are causing your body to feel numb and lethargic.
So completely
The effects of the silence are all-encompassing and all-consuming.
That you're drowning in a liquid that is glowing with strange substance
The numbness is so strong that it feels like drowning in some kind of surreal liquid.
And your mind will show you pictures of your body.
Your thoughts are focused solely on your physical form, detached from any feeling or emotion.
Without feeling.
This mental image lacks any emotional attachment or sensation.
And you're rising to the surface of awareness
You are becoming more conscious of your thoughts and surroundings.
That's unconscious
Despite this rise in awareness, there is still a sense of unconsciousness present.
And you're dreaming
Your mind is wandering through a series of subconscious thoughts and images.
Of real violence
Your dreams are filled with violent and aggressive imagery.
With no consequence,
These violent acts hold no weight or repercussion in your dream state.
With no meaning.
There is no underlying significance or message to these dreams.
You're not free now
Despite your unproductive behavior, you are not free from the effects of your actions and thoughts.
But unfolding
Your journey is still ongoing and constantly evolving despite your current state.
And you're beautiful in the light
Despite any negative feelings or behaviors, there is still beauty and potential within you.
You're not free now
Reemphasizing the fact that there are consequences and limitations to your current state of mind and behavior.
You're not innocent
Your actions and thoughts are not pure or blameless.
You're transparent
Your true self and intentions are easily seen through by others.
And you're right.
Despite any flaws, there is still a sense of correctness or validity to your being.
Na na na nanana
Non-lyrical portion of the song, not relevant to any interpretation.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind