Starting in 2010, The Eastern Sea began work on their first official LP, Plague (WhiteLabBlackLab), which was recorded to tape by Matt Smith (Ola Podrida, Golden Bear) at HOTTRACKS!!! in Austin. The completed Plague, mastered by Jeff Lipton at Peerless Mastering (Bon Iver, Andrew Bird), represents The Eastern Sea’s most cohesive collection of songs to date. Musically, it combines the hypnotic rhythm of post-rock, the playful melodies of traditional American folk, and the dynamics of contemporary progressive indie-rock. While ornate percussion lies at the heart of Plague, the signature slow builds of poly-rhythm in songs such as “Wasn’t for Love” and “The Match” serve as a launch pad for melodic bass, shimmering keys, finger-picked electric guitar, and expressive trumpet. Lyrically, Hines’ boldly present vocals weave a revealing autobiographical narrative, developing themes of change, transition, and powerlessness over the course of twelve songs.
A Lie
The Eastern Sea Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That night when all the words were right
Your friends told me that you were behind the gym
The rest of us inside
And when you took me by the hand and said
That you would never break my heart again
I think I told you that I'd never leave
You look surprised that night
That night when all the words were right
Your friends told me that you were behind the gym
The rest of us inside
And when you took me by the hand and said
That you would never break my heart again
I think I told you that I'd never leave
I guess that was a lie
You looked surprised that night
That night when all the words were right
Your friends told me that you were behind the gym
The rest of us inside
And when you took me by the hand and said
That you would never break my heart again
I think I told you that I'd never leave
I guess that was a lie
In "A Lie" by The Eastern Sea, the singer reflects on a night when they were with someone who had hurt them in the past. Despite their resolution to leave that person behind, they find themselves drawn back in as that person makes promises to never hurt them again. However, even as the singer affirms their own loyalty in response, they begin to doubt their sincerity. The repetition of the line "you looked surprised that night" suggests that the singer is noticing a discrepancy between the outward appearance of the situation and the underlying reality of their feelings. Perhaps they are surprised by their own willingness to give this person another chance, or perhaps they are noticing signs that the person they are with is not being truthful.
The lyrics of "A Lie" offer a nuanced portrayal of the conflicting emotions that arise in situations of repeated hurt and forgiveness. The repetition of the first verse creates a sense of circularity and stagnation, emphasizing the cyclical nature of relationships that are founded on a pattern of hurt and reconciliation. The line "I guess that was a lie" suggests a sense of disillusionment and disappointment, as the singer realizes that their own promises of loyalty may have been misplaced.
Overall, "A Lie" offers a thoughtful exploration of the complexities of relationships, particularly those in which hurt and forgiveness are recurring themes. The song's use of repetition and understated imagery creates a sense of emotional resonance that will likely resonate with many listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
You looked surprised that night
Your facial expression displayed shock on that particular night
That night when all the words were right
During that night, everything was going perfectly and as planned
Your friends told me that you were behind the gym
I was informed by your friends that you were in an area outside of view
The rest of us inside
Everyone else was situated indoors
And when you took me by the hand and said
You held my hand and expressed verbally
That you would never break my heart again
You made a promise to never cause me emotional harm once more
I think I told you that I'd never leave
I believe I promised to never abandon you
I guess that was a lie
However, that statement has proven to be untrue
Contributed by Ellie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Keenan Guthrie
The group is amazing and the music is top class
Austin Homebrew Supply
Homebrew, fire, grilled meats, cute dogs and dancing. This video has it all! We are amazed and honored that you brewed our Greenbelt Red Ale recipe for the video. Coolest. Band. Ever.
JP D2
Zero years ago.
The Whitescreen
Listening this in the morning is the best way to get up. Lovely song.
Adrienne Martineau
What a fun video! The song was very catchy; had a great beat to it!
Nitch R.
Killer song, great video- cheers all around!
Tara Faust
I like this a lot. So glad you guys are coming to my town.
M T A
I honestly have an unnatural love for this song.
soundwright
great sound from Mattie!
Sarahisaherz
Can't wait to see you all open for The Head and the Heart!