Recent highlights include performances at Wigmore Hall, BBC Radio 3 Open Ear at LSO St Luke’s, Tallinn Music Week, St Petersburg’s Sound Ways Festival, Southbank Centre, Kings Place and Spitalfields Festival. The Hermes Experiment were one of the showcase artists at the Classical NEXT Conference 2019. In January 2019, they celebrated their fifth birthday with a concert supported by Arts Council England and RVW Trust, and recorded for BBC Radio 3.
The ensemble is dedicated to the value of contemporary music in education and community contexts. They are ensemble in residence for the Young Music Makers of Dyfed 2018-19, and as part of their fifth birthday project they recently ran composition workshops in state schools in and around London. In 2017-18, they worked with composition students from both The Royal Academy of Music and Trinity Laban. They are running similar projects in 2018-19 at both institutions. In 2014-15, they took part in Wigmore Hall Learning’s schemes.
The ensemble also strives to create a platform for cross-disciplinary collaboration. In June 2015, they created a ‘musical exhibition’ with photographer Thurstan Redding, and in September 2016 during an Aldeburgh Music Residency, they developed a new interpretation of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale. They also worked with poet Ali Lewis in 2016 & 2019, devising new pieces with him.
The quartet has received funding from Arts Council England, Aldeburgh Music, the RVW Trust, Hinrichsen Foundation, Britten-Pears Foundation, Future of Russia Foundation, Oleg Prokofiev Trust, Nicholas Boas Charitable Trust, PRS for Music Foundation and Help Musicians UK.
Draw The Line
The Hermes Experiment Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lying to cover another excuse.
Now is not the time to close your eyes,
Is there common ground to turn things
around?
Building a legacy based on abuse,
Using your power to make me confused.
I see all the games you like to play,
Only so far I can go with you.
It’s your word against mine, every single time,
It’s your word against mine, every single time,
Every single time, we’ve got to draw the line,
We’ve got to draw the line.
Conquer and divide are your favourite tools,
We are all divine, who chose you to rule?
Over me no more, now is not the time to
close my eyes.
Crying, my honesty leaves you bemused,
Trying, to take back the words you used.
You can’t see it, things are different for you,
You don’t feel it, there’s no heat in this room,
You won’t hear it, hear that you don’t belong,
Ten steps forward, this race you’ve already
won. It’s your word against mine, every single time,
It’s your word against mine, every single time,
Every single time, we’ve got to draw the line,
Every single time, we’ve got to draw the line.
Losing a legacy based on abuse,
Choosing ignorance is no excuse.
The lyrics of "Draw the Line" by The Hermes Experiment depict a powerful and emotional narrative of standing up against manipulation, abuse, and dishonesty. The opening lines speak to the struggle of dealing with painful truths and the inclination to lie to avoid confronting difficult realities. The singer calls out the destructive cycle of excuses and the need to confront the situation instead of turning a blind eye. There is a plea for finding common ground to bring about positive change and break away from the toxic patterns that have been established.
The theme of power dynamics and manipulation is prevalent throughout the song, as the lyrics describe the misuse of power to confuse and control others. The references to playing games and twisting words highlight the emotional manipulation and gaslighting tactics that can be employed in toxic relationships. The singer acknowledges the limitations of how far they can go in such a situation, emphasizing a sense of boundaries being pushed and the need to take a stand.
The repetition of "It’s your word against mine, every single time" underscores the ongoing struggle of conflicting narratives and the challenge of asserting one's truth in the face of manipulation and deceit. The call to "draw the line" resonates as a powerful declaration of setting boundaries and refusing to be swayed by deception or abuse. The lyrics also touch upon themes of self-empowerment and reclaiming one's agency in the face of oppressive influences.
The closing lines of the song bring a sense of closure and resolution as the singer acknowledges the consequences of losing a legacy tainted by abuse and the importance of rejecting ignorance as an excuse. The imagery of taking steps forward and drawing a line symbolizes a firm stance against manipulation and a commitment to breaking free from toxic cycles. Overall, "Draw the Line" conveys a powerful message of resilience, self-empowerment, and the importance of standing up for truth and justice in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Hiding under a painful truth
Avoiding facing the harsh reality
Lying to cover another excuse
Being dishonest to justify your actions
Now is not the time to close your eyes
It's important to stay aware and not ignore the situation
Is there common ground to turn things around
Can we find a way to resolve our differences
Building a legacy based on abuse
Creating a reputation on mistreatment
Using your power to make me confused
Manipulating with authority to create uncertainty
I see all the games you like to play
I'm aware of the strategies you use
You know it’s too late to twist me around
You can't change my mind anymore
Only so far I can go with you
There's a limit to how much I can tolerate
It’s your word against mine, every single time
Constantly conflicting perspectives
we’ve got to draw the line
It's time to set boundaries
Conquer and divide are your favourite tools
You thrive on creating division
We are all divine, who chose you to rule
We are all equal, why should you have power over me
Over me no more, now is not the time to close my eyes
I won't let you control me, I won't turn a blind eye
Crying, my honesty leaves you bemused
My truthfulness confuses and frustrates you
Trying, to take back the words you used
Attempting to retract hurtful statements
You can’t see it, things are different for you
You are blind to the reality as it affects you differently
You won’t hear it, hear that you don’t belong
You refuse to accept that you are out of place
Ten steps forward, this race you’ve already won
You're ahead in this competition you created
Losing a legacy based on abuse
Sacrificing reputation due to mistreatment
Choosing ignorance is no excuse
Ignoring the truth isn't justified
Lyrics © Faber Music
Written by: Ayanna Witter-Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind