While founder Belville is a devout Christian, it is difficult to apply the same label to the band itself; while the lyrics are at times clearly infused with a strong element of faith, they are not specifically based around praise and at no point could they be considered to be preaching a message.
The music of The Echoing Green is heavily based in electronic sounds, however these are used more for their melodious structure than any desire to create an electronic dance outfit. As such, the music comes across as a well shaped, driving flow of intricate harmonies, underpinned with somewhat reflective, even introverted, lyrics.
Atmosphere
The Echoing Green Lyrics
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They're ready to blow
Machines that build the things that
Everyone knows
Put your hand in the silica sand
And you'll find out mysteriously
A geo-gravitational world is the only one I
Need
I feel my body spinning wildly
Alone in the atmosphere
A sudden sense of isolation
Now is my greatest fear
My eyes are tracing
The path of the sun
I'm sending pictures back to everyone
Take a ride on the spherical side
And you'll find out mysteriously
A geo-gravitational world is the only one for
Me
I feel my body spinning wildly
Alone in the atmosphere
A sudden sense of isolation
Now is my greatest fear
The gamma rays are firing
There's fragments everywhere
I can feel my body spinning
Alone in the atmosphere
What's in the air I'm breathing
That makes me feel this way
Take a ride on the spiritual side
And you'll find out mysteriously
A geo-gravitational world is the only one
For me
I had a hard time living
Alone in the stratosphere
I pray that someone gets me out of here
The Echoing Green's song "Atmosphere" is a complex and introspective exploration of humanity's relationship with technology and the natural world. The song presents an image of machines racing and ready to blow, embodying the potential for destruction and chaos that technology can bring. However, the machines also build the things that "everyone knows," highlighting the ways in which they have become an integral part of modern life.
Against this backdrop of technological advancement and potential danger, the lyrics also explore a sense of isolation and dislocation. The singer feels their body spinning wildly while alone in the atmosphere, experiencing a sudden sense of isolation that becomes their greatest fear. This feeling is intensified by the gamma rays firing and fragments of something unknown scattered everywhere.
Yet despite these challenges, the singer ultimately finds solace in the concept of a "geo-gravitational world," where the natural world and technology coexist in balance. It's a world that they need and want to be a part of. The song concludes with a plea for escape from the stratosphere and a hopeful prayer for rescue.
Overall, "Atmosphere" is a thoughtful and thought-provoking exploration of the complex relationship between technology and nature. It expresses both the potential for danger and the possibility of harmony and balance, leaving the listener with much to ponder.
Line by Line Meaning
Machines are racing
The speed and progress of machines is increasing rapidly.
They're ready to blow
These machines are reaching their very limits, almost to the point of breaking down.
Machines that build the things that Everyone knows
These machines are responsible for constructing familiar, commonplace objects.
Put your hand in the silica sand And you'll find out mysteriously A geo-gravitational world is the only one I Need
The sensation of touching sand will reveal to you that a natural world of gravity is the only thing the singer desires.
I feel my body spinning wildly Alone in the atmosphere A sudden sense of isolation Now is my greatest fear
The singer is experiencing a loss of control in their environment and fears the accompanying sense of loneliness.
My eyes are tracing The path of the sun I'm sending pictures back to everyone
The singer is observing and capturing the movements of the sun, sharing their experiences with others.
Take a ride on the spherical side And you'll find out mysteriously A geo-gravitational world is the only one for Me
By embracing the natural world they desire, the singer will discover a greater sense of purpose.
The gamma rays are firing There's fragments everywhere I can feel my body spinning Alone in the atmosphere
The singer is surrounded by intense radiation and debris, while still feeling a lack of control and isolation.
What's in the air I'm breathing That makes me feel this way
The singer is questioning the cause of their physical and emotional discomfort in their environment.
Take a ride on the spiritual side And you'll find out mysteriously A geo-gravitational world is the only one For me
Through a spiritual journey, the singer will come to embrace the world of natural gravity they desire.
I had a hard time living Alone in the stratosphere I pray that someone gets me out of here
The challenges and isolation of living at high altitude are overwhelming and the singer hopes for rescue or escape from their circumstances.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Christian Gabel, Magnus Zotterman, Mattias Baerjed, Tobias Danielsson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind