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.
Words
The Echoing Green Lyrics
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My lips are moving and the sound is coming out
The words are audible but I have my doubts
That you realize what has been said
You look at me as if you're in a daze
It's like the feeling at the end of the page
When you realize you don't know what you've just read
'Cause all the words are having no effect at all
It's a funny thing...am I all alone?
Something has to happen to change the direction
What little filters through is giving you the wrong impression.
It's a sorry state
I say to myself.
What are words for
When no one listens anymore?
What are words for
When no one listens there's no use talking at all
Pursue it any further and another thing you'll find
Not only are they deaf and dumb
They could be going blind
No one notices, I think I'll dye my hair blue
Media overload bombarding you with action
It's getting near impossible to cause a distraction
Someone answer me, before I pull out the plug
Do you hear me?
Do you care?
Tell me what are words for?
The Echoing Green's song "Words" is about the frustration of speaking but not being truly heard. The first verse sets the tone, with the singer feeling doubtful that the person they are speaking to really understands the words they are saying. The feeling is likened to reading a page and realizing that the meaning hasn't sunk in. The second verse takes the concept further, with the singer feeling as though they might as well be talking to a wall, with their words having no effect. They wonder if they are truly alone in this feeling.
The chorus is a plea for someone to listen and understand, questioning the point of speaking at all if no one is paying attention. The third verse takes a slightly more desperate tone, with the singer imagining that their listeners are not just deaf but blind as well. They joke about dyeing their hair blue, a way of expressing the feeling of wanting to do something drastic to get noticed. The final lines express frustration with the constant barrage of media and the difficulty of getting people's attention in our modern world.
Overall, "Words" is a song about the difficulty of communication, particularly in a world full of distraction and noise. It speaks to the feeling of being unheard and the desire for true human connection.
Line by Line Meaning
My lips are moving and the sound is coming out
As I speak, you can hear the words from my mouth.
The words are audible but I have my doubts
Although my words are heard, I am doubtful it is comprehended.
That you realize what has been said
I am unsure if you even understand what I am saying.
You look at me as if you're in a daze
Your expression shows me that you are not fully present.
It's like the feeling at the end of the page
The sensation you feel once completing something without gaining anything from it.
When you realize you don't know what you've just read
The comprehension of the words read is not retained, or acknowledged.
I might as well go up and talk to a wall
Speaking to you has the exact same effect as speaking to a wall.
'Cause all the words are having no effect at all
The words I am saying have no effect on you; you remain unaffected.
It's a funny thing...am I all alone?
It is odd because I don't know if anyone else experiences this isolation.
Something has to happen to change the direction
There needs to be a change so that we can move in a different direction.
What little filters through is giving you the wrong impression.
The lack of comprehension that you have is causing a misunderstanding of what I am saying.
It's a sorry state
This is a terrible situation to be in.
I say to myself.
I can only speak to myself about how I feel because no one is truly listening.
What are words for
What is the purpose of words?
When no one listens anymore?
What is the point of talking when no one is actively listening?
What are words for
What is the purpose of communication?
When no one listens there's no use talking at all
If there is no listener, there is no point in even attempting to communicate.
Pursue it any further and another thing you'll find
If I push for further communication, there will be another issue to deal with.
Not only are they deaf and dumb
The people I am speaking to do not have the ability to comprehend.
They could be going blind
It also seems like they are losing the ability to comprehend over time.
No one notices, I think I'll dye my hair blue
Since no one is noticing my words, I might as well do something that will get noticed.
Media overload bombarding you with action
The media is overloading everyone with action, and we are being desensitized to noise/communication.
It's getting near impossible to cause a distraction
Because of this, it's becoming impossible to get someone's attention.
Someone answer me, before I pull out the plug
I need someone to answer me before I give up on communication altogether.
Do you hear me?
I am asking if you are truly listening to me.
Do you care?
I am questioning your interest in what I am saying.
Tell me what are words for?
What is the purpose of language and communication if no one is listening?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TERRY JOHN BOZZIO, WARREN CUCCURULLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mike Hoss
Hi Pramesh, I saw a notification of your post on this video. Thanks. I have wanted to put up more but my old computer died and my new machine isn't compatible with old hardware. Maybe some day I can figure out a new method.
Justin Harrigan
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