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.
Simon Is Stronger Than Us
The Angels of Light Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Focused and painting when exhausted or drunk
And Francis he did that thing too
Tho Francis Drawed London and made no excuse
But Simon makes children seem large
Like sphinxes that freeze up our quarrel
And Simon is scared of no fools
And Simon once gave me a gift
And had the good manners to not mention it
And he finally got rid of that interesting bitch
Who mocked him in public and treated him like shit
Yes Simon is stronger than us
Simon has eyes that can see
Simon has hands made of meat
But he makes a new world out of love
Yes he makes his own world it's because
Simon is stronger than us
Shiny picture shining on
Looking down from a libertine wall
The Angels of Light's song “Simon Is Stronger Than Us” is a reflective piece that exalts the artistic prowess of Simon as a painter. The opening lyrics direct us towards his talent for working through adversity, painting even when exhausted or drunk. Next, the song highlights the artistic endeavors of another painter Francis, who drew London without making any excuses, thus urging the listener to appreciate the dedication of many artists.
The second stanza of the song stresses that Simon’s paintings depict children as sphinxes who put an end to all quarrels. He is fearless in his art and doesn't tremble to challenge anyone, including lawyers, moguls or anybody who considers themselves important. The third stanza describes Simon’s impeccable manners, as he once gave the singer a gift without making a mention of it. The verse concludes by mentioning that Simon moved on from a toxic relationship and rid himself of someone who treated him poorly.
The final chorus declares that Simon is stronger than all of “us,” emphasizing his unmatched talent as an artist. The song ends on a poignant note with “shiny picture shining on, looking down from a libertine wall”, emphasizing the painter's art and ability to create a world of his own.
Line by Line Meaning
Simon is stronger than us
Simon possesses strength beyond our capability.
Focused and painting when exhausted or drunk
Simon is able to concentrate on his art even in times of exhaustion or drunkenness.
And Francis he did that thing too
Francis also showed great artistic dedication.
Tho Francis Drawed London and made no excuse
Francis created something exceptional without making excuses.
But Simon makes children seem large
Simon idealizes children and makes them larger than life.
Like sphinxes that freeze up our quarrel
He equates them with sphinxes, mystical creatures that impose a sense of stillness.
And Simon is scared of no fools
Simon is not intimidated by foolish or powerful individuals.
Like hard New York lawyers or famous moguls
Even the most prominent figures don't faze him.
And Simon once gave me a gift
Simon presented a gift to the artist.
And had the good manners to not mention it
He showed proper etiquette by not drawing attention to it.
And he finally got rid of that interesting bitch
Simon succeeded in removing a problematic individual from his life.
Who mocked him in public and treated him like shit
This person showed him disrespect and cruelty.
Yes Simon is stronger than us
The refrain emphasizes his superior strength.
Simon has eyes that can see
His vision is acute and perceptive.
Simon has hands made of meat
His physical strength and dexterity are formidable.
But he makes a new world out of love
Despite his power, Simon's creativity stems from a place of love.
Yes he makes his own world it's because
He is able to create his own reality through his unique strength and vision.
Shiny picture shining on
He produces exceptional art that shines brightly.
Looking down from a libertine wall
His art reflects a sense of liberation and freedom.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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