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.
Glasshouse
The Legendary Pink Dots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ten years in the glasshouse.
And we're busy counting bruises, and watch the stones go cruising by.
They're just whizzing past our heads, and we're still standing here,
tied on a thread, stretched beyond our limits. Beyond my limit.
And I'd surely love to reach out and touch you, but it's suicide.
And I'm burning. Just burning up on the inside.
It's so very very cold here. So very very cold here.
And I doubt if things will ever change.
The Legendary Pink Dots's song Glasshouse explores the painful experience of being trapped in a difficult situation, whether it be a toxic relationship or an oppressive system. The opening line, "Ten years in the glasshouse," sets the tone for the song's theme of confinement and isolation. The glasshouse is a metaphor for being trapped and unable to escape from the situation, like being in a prison.
The lyrics convey a sense of helplessness and resignation, as the singer counts bruises and watches stones fly by, unable to do anything to change their circumstances. They express their desire to reach out and touch the other person, but they know it would be suicidal to do so. The imagery of watching the other person's reflection instead of looking them in the eyes suggests a feeling of disconnectedness and distance.
The song's title, Glasshouse, takes on a double meaning. Not only does it refer to the metaphorical prison, but it also calls attention to the fragility of the situation. The glasshouse could easily be shattered, but there's no clear way to escape without getting hurt. The closing line, "And I doubt if things will ever change," reinforces the feeling of hopelessness and despair that permeates the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Ten years in the glasshouse.
We have been trapped in isolation for a decade.
And we're busy counting bruises, and watch the stones go cruising by.
We are focused on the pain inflicted on us and the danger that surrounds us.
They're just whizzing past our heads, and we're still standing here,
Despite the constant threat of harm, we are somehow still alive.
tied on a thread, stretched beyond our limits. Beyond my limit.
We are held back by a fragile thread and pushed beyond what we thought were our breaking points.
And I'd surely love to reach out and touch you, but it's suicide.
We yearn for connection but fear it will ultimately lead to our destruction.
And now I'm watching your reflection, cos I can't look in your eyes.
We cannot bear to face the intensity of a direct gaze.
And I'm burning. Just burning up on the inside.
The emotional turmoil and pain we feel is overwhelming.
It's so very very cold here. So very very cold here.
The environment we're in is harsh and devoid of warmth and comfort.
And I doubt if things will ever change.
We have resigned ourselves to a bleak present and uncertain future.
Contributed by Aubrey W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@caseywood9781
You did a fantastic job seaming these together!! Truly SUPERB!!!
If only Edward had thought of it. Instead, there's always a pause and I can't put it on a playlist. Not one that shuffles anyway
@veroniqueboissacq3111
this song is for me.
@coldplayciro
I saw them 1989!!!!! not many know them in Europe!!!!!! Love Ciro
@jefrouner
I don’t know what I’ll do if this video ever disappears
@tomt5745
Sublime
@DerDrache707071
Awesome!!
@daupike
very nice!!
@SweetSweetWaldo
It's one song, the split into two on the CD was a glitch. Still, it's one of my faves of a lot of LPD faves!
@TheMysteriality
Hmmm...yummie love this :)
@IlariaN94
Could someone give me the translate of the words said in this song?Or could you give me the words?