The Essex Green is the name of an Elephant Six indie rock band from Brookly… Read Full Bio ↴The Essex Green is the name of an Elephant Six indie rock band from Brooklyn, NY. Comprised of permanent members Jeff Baron, Sasha Bell (formerly of The Ladybug Transistor) and Chris Ziter, along with Michael Barrett and Tim Barnes, they formed in 1997 and were later signed to Kindercore Records, who released their first album, Everything Is Green, later that year.

After the release of some EPs and singles, the group signed with Merge Records who released their second album, Long Goodbye, in 2003. After a world tour, they headed back to the studio in fall of 2005 to begin work on their third album, Cannibal Sea, which was released in March of 2006.

Slope Song
The Essex Green Lyrics

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These day of canvassing the ground
It's a careful step or two into town
Tracing one of every sign
Six million cracks don't lie

There's ice upon the veil this year
It's hard to keep one's frozen head clear
Read the color on my cheeks

Or dripping nose tv's
Gonna find out

There's a wave upon the Corney shore
That drowns the old fat lady's roar
There's a locket full of sand
And a tarot in my hand
Gonna find out

These days I look up now and then
The slope seems a familiar friend
When its lines have left my palm
In queerness and in calm
Gonna find out

Gonna find out

Overall Meaning

The Essex Green's "Slope Song" is a masterpiece of abstract and symbolic lyrics that paint a picture of the singer navigating through life's uncertain terrains. The first stanza sets the tone for the song, as the singer reflects on the unpredictability of life and the need to tread cautiously when dealing with others. The mention of "six million cracks" not lying is a reference to the historic phrase "six million Jews," which symbolizes the idea that everyone has a story to tell, and every person's experiences matter. The singer is aware of the importance of every sign and clue along the way, as they navigate life's obstacles.

In the second stanza, the imagery becomes more vivid, and the listener can almost feel the chill in the air as the singer speaks of the "ice upon the veil." This stanza showcases the struggles of the singer, who is facing challenges in clearing their mind and keeping their thoughts in check. The singer's physical state is also highlighted through the reference to the "color on my cheeks" and the "dripping nose tv's."

The third stanza is the most uplifting of the song, with the singer finding solace and familiarity in the slope. Despite the uncertainties of life, the slope is always there, providing "queerness and calm" and guiding the singer on their journey. The final line, "gonna find out," is repeated for emphasis, as the singer sets out to discover the truths and answers they seek.

Line by Line Meaning

These day of canvassing the ground
The days are filled with searching the land

It's a careful step or two into town
The journey to town must be approached thoughtfully

Tracing one of every sign
Careful attention is paid to each passing sign

Six million cracks don't lie
The numerous problems and issues are impossible to ignore

There's ice upon the veil this year
The environment is harsh and cold this season

It's hard to keep one's frozen head clear
It can be difficult to think clearly in these conditions

Read the color on my cheeks
The visible effects of the climate on one's body can speak volumes

Or dripping nose tv's
The symptoms of sickness and exhaustion are evident

Gonna find out
Determination and a plan of action are necessary

There's a wave upon the Corney shore
The tides are strong and potentially damaging

That drowns the old fat lady's roar
The power of the sea overpowers even the loudest individuals