The Frames have been together since 1990 and are a survivor of Dublin's prolific early 90's rock and roll scene. They have also been essential in the development of the current crop of emerging Irish rock bands, such as Turn. The Frames have toured with various other Irish artists, including Damien Rice and Bell X1. In December 2004, Hansard appeared on stage in a collaboration with singer songwriter Paddy Casey.
The name The Frames reportedly arose from Hansard's habit, at a young age, of fixing the bicycles of many of his friends. The large number of bicycle frames lying around his house led neighbours to dub it the "house with the frames".
Their new, 6th studio album, The Cost, is available in Ireland since 22 September 2006 and worldwide since 20 February 2007.
Lead singer Hansard recently collaborated with Czech musician Markéta Irglová, which led to the solo album "The Swell Season". Glen and Markéta also star and perform in the John Carney movie Once (www.oncethemovie.com). The movie received several awards including the World Cinema Audience Award - Dramatic at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival as well as an Oscar for best Song for the track "Falling Slowly".
On several occasions the members of The frames appear on stage during the Swell season gigs.
www.theframes.ie
Underglass
The Frames Lyrics
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my head, it looks forever but theres no one there
don't say, youll wait forever then you disappear
i'll stay, ill stay forever if you want me here
Cause i'm always thinking about it
How can I accept your disappointment man
i want it less than you ever have
i will not accept your disappointment man..
damn straight, cause there's always someone who'll compare
I'd wait, I'd wait forever if you want me here
but I'm always wrong about it
i will not accept your disappointment man
it's not exact, it's no science man
i wanted less than you ever have
how can I accept your disappointment man..
The lyrics of The Frames' song "Underglass" are deeply personal and introspective, focused on the painful and complicated emotions that arise from a failing relationship. The first verse begins with the singer acknowledging the gulf between himself and his partner - "your will it drifts forever in the open air, my head, it looks forever but there's no one there" - and expressing his desire to bridge that divide, to stay with his partner "if you want me here." However, he also acknowledges that there are limits to what he can do, that he cannot force his partner to stay, and that such a break might be inevitable ("don't say, you'll wait forever then you disappear").
The second verse deals more directly with the tension and conflict inherent in the situation, as the singer grapples with his partner's disappointment and his own feelings of inadequacy. He seems to be struggling with the weight of expectations that have been placed on him, unable to "accept" his partner's "disappointment." The use of the phrase "it's not exact, it's no science man" suggests a frustration with the sense that these emotions are beyond his control, arbitrary and unpredictable. Despite all this, the singer remains committed to his partner, willing to wait and try to make things work - even though he knows he may be "always wrong about it."
Overall, "Underglass" is a moving and poignant meditation on love and loss, full of beautifully intimate moments that capture the complexity of relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
your will it drifts forever in the open air
Your desires and motivations are aimlessly floating through the world without direction.
my head, it looks forever but theres no one there
Although I am always searching for a path, I am lost and alone in my thoughts.
don't say, youll wait forever then you disappear
Please do not make promises that you cannot keep, leaving me with false hope and disappointment.
i'll stay, ill stay forever if you want me here
No matter the circumstances, I will remain by your side and offer my support.
Cause i'm always thinking about it
My mind is constantly consumed with thoughts and worries about our situation.
How can I accept your disappointment man
I struggle to come to terms with the fact that I have failed to meet your expectations.
it's not exact, it's no science man
There is no guarantee that things will work out precisely as intended, it is not an exact science.
i want it less than you ever have
I desire success and fulfillment less than you desire it for me.
i will not accept your disappointment man..
I refuse to let your disappointment break me or deter me from my goals.
damn straight, cause there's always someone who'll compare
I acknowledge that there will always be others to compare my achievements or lack thereof to, causing further pressure and disappointment.
I'd wait, I'd wait forever if you want me here
I am willing to patiently wait for you and offer my unwavering support for as long as you need me.
but I'm always wrong about it
Despite my efforts, I am always left feeling inadequate and as though I have made mistakes.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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