The Legendary Pink Dots are a Netherlands-based band formed in August 1980 … Read Full Bio ↴The Legendary Pink Dots are a Netherlands-based band formed in August 1980 in the UK who, although distinctly underground, have been musically influential over the years. The band name was derived from pink dots of nail varnish on the piano in their squat, where founding members Edward and April lived. The band has as its focal point vocalist Edward Ka-Spel, who is, along with Phil "The Silverman" Knight, one of the original remaining members of the band. In the mid eighties the band resettled in the Netherlands, where they still reside today. Apart from Edward and Phil, the line-up has gone through many changes. Members such as Ryan Moore, a Canadian bass player, who joined in 1991 after the recordings of the Last Man to Fly with the Tear Garden (he joined as a session musician), went on to form their own labels and musical projects. See Twilight Circus and M Records. Their music is nothing if not original and it is difficult to categorise, but comparisons may be drawn with bands like Pink Floyd and Can.

Their sound has been described as an amalgamation of psychedelic rock, industrial, synth-pop and avant-garde. They have released over 40 records and continuously tour the world.

Members of the band have also collaborated with Nurse With Wound, The Dresden Dolls, Jarboe, HNAS, Jim O'Rourke, Skinny Puppy's cEvin Key, forming The Tear Garden. Ka Spel accompanied Skinny Puppy for a small part of their 1988 European 'Head Trauma' tour in Sweden. Key also appears on the 1994 album 9 Lives to Wonder.

All Sides
The Legendary Pink Dots Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Somewhere in the distance there's a figure standing proudly.
Arms raised toward the heavens, she's commanding space and time to crack.
It's raining. It's alarming.
I see mountains on their backs.
The blood red river rises.
Armies on all sides assailing all that creeps.
Should I stand here like a sheep and dye a target on the space between my eyes?
Should I run? Should I sleep?

Should I mumble words to she who sees me naked from all sides?
Is it all a little late to start believing?

Oh I believe all sides...
Oh anything...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "All Sides" by The Legendary Pink Dots seem to describe a scene of impending doom or chaos. The opening line refers to a figure standing proudly, perhaps indicating a feeling of defiance or bravery in the face of danger. The image of arms raised toward the heavens adds to the sense of power and authority.

The following lines suggest that something catastrophic is happening or about to happen, indicated by the rain, mountains on their backs, and a blood red river rising. Armies on all sides assailing all that creeps amplifies the sense of danger and potential violence. The singer seems to be questioning what to do in this situation. Should they stand and face the danger head-on like a sheep awaiting its fate, or should they run or sleep to avoid confrontation?

The final lines of the song suggest a sense of resignation or hopelessness, questioning whether it's too late to start believing or hoping for a positive outcome. The repetition of "I believe all sides" and "Oh anything" could indicate a desperate plea for help or guidance in this difficult time.

Line by Line Meaning

Somewhere in the distance there's a figure standing proudly.
There's a figure standing confidently in the distance.

Arms raised toward the heavens, she's commanding space and time to crack.
She's gesturing to the sky with the intention to break the barriers of space and time.

It's raining. It's alarming.
The rain is unsettling and scary.

I see mountains on their backs.
The people around me are carrying a heavy burden.

The blood red river rises.
The situation is becoming more intense and dangerous.

Armies on all sides assailing all that creeps.
Enemies are attacking from all directions and targeting everything including the smallest things.

Should I stand here like a sheep and dye a target on the space between my eyes?
Should I just stand here passively and make myself an easy target for attack?

Should I run? Should I sleep?
Should I flee or give up?

Should I mumble words to she who sees me naked from all sides?
Should I pray to the goddess who knows my every weakness and vulnerability?

Is it all a little late to start believing?
Is it too late to start believing?

Oh I believe all sides...
I believe in everything...

Oh anything...
Anything is possible...

Contributed by Aria K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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