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.

Joey the Canary
The Legendary Pink Dots Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Tossed and scrambled in a cage some sixteen miles below. I attempted sending
codes, but only ghosts reply, and it's cramped in here. Though the
freezer's packed with a hundred crates of beer, it won't wash away my
tears, my fear. Considered writing novels. I thought hard about this
career, solved a dozen famous mysteries, but still I can't be clear if
there is anybody up there, perhaps it's been a year. Is there still
anybody up there? No fear. Is there anybody up there, was you ever
there at all?(x4)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Legendary Pink Dots' song "Joey the Canary" are both cryptic and evocative. The song is told from the perspective of someone who is trapped in a cage, sixteen miles below the surface of the earth. The singer tries to send out codes for help, but there is no response except for ghosts. The cage is cramped, and despite the presence of a hundred crates of beer, the singer is still overcome with fear and tears. The singer even contemplates writing novels or solving famous mysteries to pass the time, but there is still a sense of uncertainty about whether anyone is even listening to their pleas for help.

The song can be interpreted in a number of different ways, but at its core, it speaks to the feeling of being trapped and helpless. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of isolation and longing for connection, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The repetition of the line "Is there anybody up there?" underscores the singer's desperation and the uncertainty of their situation. Ultimately, the song leaves the listener with a sense of unease and a haunting reminder of the fragility of human existence.

Line by Line Meaning

Tossed and scrambled in a cage some sixteen miles below.
I am trapped in a cage far beneath the earth's surface, feeling disoriented and confused.

I attempted sending codes, but only ghosts reply, and it's cramped in here.
I've tried to communicate with others, but my attempts are fruitless and it's suffocating being stuck in this tiny space.

Though the freezer's packed with a hundred crates of beer, it won't wash away my tears, my fear.
Even though I have plenty of distractions, such as a large amount of alcohol, they can't distract me from my overwhelming sadness and anxiety.

Considered writing novels. I thought hard about this career, solved a dozen famous mysteries, but still I can't be clear if there is anybody up there, perhaps it's been a year.
I've contemplated other paths in life, solved complex problems, and yet I'm still unsure if anyone is aware of my existence or if it's been a very long time since they were.

Is there still anybody up there? No fear.
I wonder if anyone is out there, but I'm not afraid of the possibility that there isn't.

Is there anybody up there, was you ever there at all?(x4)
I keep questioning whether there is anyone out there, and whether anyone has ever really been present in my life.

Contributed by Hudson G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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