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.
Jennifer's Sorry
The Angels of Light Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yes her mind can do anything, but her body's no good (it just feels like a ?stone?)
Deep in the forest, the wild birds do call
Yes I think I once heard them,
but I do not recall.
(Some day I will go there, or that's what I'm told)
Like the boy at the altar dressed up in red silk
Bah bah bah.
The Angels of Light's "Jennifer's Sorry" is a poignant and deeply introspective song about the struggles of Jennifer, who is misunderstood by people around her. The first verse of the song talks about how Jennifer's mind may be capable of doing anything, but unfortunately, her body does not cooperate with her. It is likely that the musician intended to convey the message that Jennifer may be suffering from a physical disability or illness, preventing her from being able to fully carry out her thoughts and ideas.
In the second verse, the song moves on to describe Jennifer's longing for something idyllic and natural: the sound of birds calling in the wild forest. The melody and lyrics suggest a sense of nostalgia and emotional longing, with the singer wondering if they have really heard them before. It seems as though Jennifer has never had the chance to experience this form of natural beauty before, but she remains hopeful of achieving the experience one day.
The final verse of "Jennifer's Sorry" returns to the song's focal point, Jennifer. She is again presented as apologetic and remorseful, lamenting her own frustrations and yearning for something she cannot obtain. She wants to feel like "the boy at the altar dressed up in red silk," suggesting that she is looking for a sense of power or ecstasy that is currently out of reach. Overall, the song presents a powerful portrayal of Jennifer's inner life, and the obstacles she must confront to attain a sense of fulfillment and peace.
Line by Line Meaning
Jennifer's sorry she was misunderstood
Jennifer regrets that people did not understand her intentions or actions
Yes her mind can do anything, but her body's no good (it just feels like a ?stone?)
Although Jennifer's mind is capable, her body is weak and restrictive, almost like it is made of stone
Deep in the forest, the wild birds do call
Birds sing their melodious tunes from the depths of the forest
Yes I think I once heard them, but I do not recall. (Some day I will go there, or that's what I'm told)
I believe I heard the birds at some point, but it's hard to remember. However, I am told that someday I might get to experience the forest myself
Jennifer's sorry, but she just want's to feel
Jennifer apologizes but wants to experience something deeply
Like the boy at the altar dressed up in red silk
She desires a feeling of reverence and purity, similar to what the boy in red silk feels at the altar
Bah bah bah.
This line seems to be a nonsensical refrain, not meant to convey any deeper meaning.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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