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.

Methods
The Legendary Pink Dots Lyrics

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Dive like a swan in a pond, as the train rolls in. Close your eyes,
hold your breath - , you'll be holding it forever. There are methods, many
methods - take a pill. Swallow one by one. It's easy, it's so easy - you
can drift away to heaven. Many methods, there are methods - like a blade
on the wrist you can carve your initials. It's messy, but it's effective -
and a method. Another method ... select and slip away. Tightropes, and
nightshades and shady streets where knives are swinging (methods!) swing,
swing away on a rope - it's a method. another method....Airports,

motorways - take a dive, take a dive...Methods. Methods. .Just select and
slip away (x3) Methods. Just select and slip away...Methods.

Methods.... Just select and slip away. Take alive, take a life, take a
dive....

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Methods" by The Legendary Pink Dots describe various ways of escaping the world and committing self-harm, such as taking pills, cutting oneself, or jumping off a high place. These methods are presented as easy solutions to life's problems, a way to "drift away to heaven" and escape the pain and difficulties of existence. The repetition of the word "methods" throughout the song emphasizes the mechanical and methodical nature of these actions, suggesting a lack of emotion or humanity in the decision to end one's life.

The image of a swan diving into a pond as a train rolls in creates a sense of finality and inevitability, as if there is no turning back once the decision has been made to end one's life. The mention of tightropes and nightshades, as well as shady streets where knives are swinging, adds to the sense of danger and peril in these actions. Ultimately, the song seems to be a commentary on the desperation and hopelessness that can drive a person to take such extreme measures, as well as a critique of a society that fails to provide adequate support and care for those struggling with mental health issues.

Line by Line Meaning

Dive like a swan in a pond, as the train rolls in. Close your eyes
Immerse yourself in the moment, ignore distractions as they come and enjoy the ride.

hold your breath - , you'll be holding it forever.
Don't be afraid to confront challenges head on, but don't hold your breath for an easy way out.

There are methods, many methods - take a pill. Swallow one by one.
There are many ways to cope with life's difficulties, some of which may seem easier or quicker, but may come with their own consequences.

It's easy, it's so easy - you can drift away to heaven.
It may seem easy to escape our problems at first, but this temporary escape can lead to long-term consequences.

Many methods, there are methods - like a blade on the wrist you can carve your initials.
There are many harmful methods to cope with pain or anxiety, some of which can lead to permanent damage or even death.

It's messy, but it's effective - and a method.
Some harmful methods may be effective in providing temporary relief, but they are still harmful and not recommended.

Another method ... select and slip away.
Escaping the difficulties of life is not a solution, but it is still an option that some may choose.

Tightropes, and nightshades and shady streets where knives are swinging (methods!) swing, swing away on a rope - it's a method. another method....
There are many dangerous situations in life where we may feel like we are walking on a tightrope or surrounded by danger, but trying to escape through dangerous means is not the answer.

Airports, motorways - take a dive, take a dive...Methods. Methods. .Just select and slip away (x3) Methods. Just select and slip away...Methods.
Even in the face of stress or uncertainty, it is important to resist the urge to escape through harmful methods, instead focusing on healthy and positive coping mechanisms.

Take alive, take a life, take a dive....
These dangerous methods are not recommended and should not be pursued as a means of escaping the difficulties of life.

Contributed by Alice V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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