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.
Andromeda Suite
The Legendary Pink Dots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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Take this cup, dissolve with me. Tonight's a one way voyage through your mind where all the doors open wide, where everything's exposed... Kill all fear. Take this and sign along the dotted line. Free yourself. No possessions! Imagine there's no heaven.
Part 2...
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The Legendary Pink Dots' Andromeda Suite is a song that explores the themes of escape from fear and societal norms, challenging the limitations imposed on individuals. In the first part of the song, the focus is on breaking free from fear and possessions, and rejecting the idea of heaven as something to strive for. The imagery of a one-way voyage through the mind suggests that once someone has started to explore their own thoughts and feelings, there is no turning back. The line "take this and sign along the dotted line" could suggest a contract that one has to sign, committing them to the journey of self-discovery.
In the second part of the song, the focus shifts to the relationship between the individual and the medical establishment. The lyrics allude to the idea that those who do not conform to societal norms are often labelled as mentally ill and are administered drugs to bring them into line. The use of colorful phrases like "red ones, green ones, and yellow ones" suggests that medication is being prescribed frequently and indiscriminately. The singer questions whether there is a cure that can help them fit into societal expectations. The final stanza seems to suggest an escape into a dream world, and the idea that someone has found a way to move beyond societal norms and find love and companionship in new and exciting ways.
Overall, the song is a reflection on the limitations imposed on individuals by society and how they can be overcome through exploration and escape.
Line by Line Meaning
Take this cup, dissolve with me.
Join me on this journey, let's let go of reality and experience something new together.
Tonight's a one way voyage through your mind where all the doors open wide, where everything's exposed...
We're going to explore your subconscious without any restrictions or filters, revealing everything that's kept hidden from the world.
Kill all fear.
Leave behind any doubts or anxieties that hold you back and embrace the unknown with courage.
Take this and sign along the dotted line. Free yourself. No possessions!
Give yourself permission to let go of material possessions and embrace a new way of living freely without the confines of societal norms.
Imagine there's no heaven.
Picture a world free from religious dogma and superstitions, where individuals are free to interpret their own meaning of existence.
Tell me doctor, what exactly is the problem?
Questioning the authority and control of those perceived as experts and questioning their perceived ability to make decisions for us.
Do I not behave according to the patterns on your wall?
Asking if we are expected to blindly follow societal norms and expected behaviors rather than being true to ourselves.
Do I push all your parameters, am I unfit for your box?
Challenging authority and questioning if we are allowed to exist outside of categories imposed by society or experts.
Tell me doc... do you have the perfect cure?
Questioning if authority and experts have ultimate solutions, especially for complex and personal problems.
Will you shower me with red ones, green ones and yellow ones? Is the answer in a spike, or with a rusty knife or in that place they call "heaven"?
Questioning the validity and effectiveness of treatments traditionally prescribed by experts and exploring alternative methods and beliefs.
Ah... there's no need to send me flowers for I have gardens where I go walking with my wife.
Telling authority figures that they do not need to offer meaningless gestures of sympathy or concern because they have their own personal sources of comfort and happiness.
Though I haven't met her yet, I know she's coming because she sends me messages... lots of messages.
Believing that there is a deeper connection and purpose for their existence, one that transcends societal norms or expectations.
It's along way to Andromeda but we'll marry in the spring.
Acknowledging that the journey to finding true happiness and fulfillment may be long and challenging, but is ultimately worth it and full of hope.
Contributed by Jason R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Iry-Hor
This tune is out of this world. What a timeless gem!
midsentence
Twelve years on, this version of this song still utterly terrifies and bewilders me. My absolute favorite recording.
Juliette Z
Astounding to see this live last night!! Thank you Dots!
droneforever
When I saw them in NC in '98 it was my first time seeing the band, and during this song my friend and I kept grinning like idiots and excitably shouting in each others' ears about how the whole place was going to be abducted to the stars. And then we heard Edward say "it's a long way to andromeda" and flipped out even more. Maybe their best song.
Reb Short
Saw them do this in Toronto last night. Wonderful as always.
Gregg Wilson
Yes, they played it in Chicago last week too, brought down the house!
Selwyn Greenfrith
The tune in first bit is utterly amazing! Wish it was longer.
xMinarchistx
christ, has it been almost 15 years since the blew me away performing this at the Black Cat in DC? god im old
Zibi B.
Cudo! Ciary!
Adam Filipek
25 lat dawno ... długa droga. Uwielbiamy! Needles po Tym sobie nadam.