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.

Scarlet Wish
The Legendary Pink Dots Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

To be as light as poppy seeds free-falling on a gentle breeze. Descend upon the devil's ground and bring the lost souls to their knees. As deserts bloom, despair retreats, and faith returns in crimson wreathes, plucked from the garden that is me expanding.
Faith returns in crimson wreathes, locked from the garden that is me. I shall land on where I'll please, and where I go you'll know I've been. Red ribbons around your feet and you'll believe again, believe again... There's so much left to live for.

Where I go you'll know i've been, red ribbons around your feet and you'll believe again, believe again, there's so much left to live for. Believe again, believe again, there's so much left to live for so much left to live for.

To be (x8)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Scarlet Wish" by The Legendary Pink Dots describe a spiritual journey of redemption and liberation. The singer envisions himself as weightless and ephemeral, like poppy seeds falling in the wind. He seeks to descend upon the devil's ground, which could be interpreted as the world of temptation and sin. However, his goal is not to succumb to it but to bring the "lost souls" to their knees, perhaps through the power of his faith. As he lands on different places, he leaves behind "red ribbons" that symbolize the transformative effect of his presence. Those who find the ribbons will believe again and rediscover the beauty and purpose of life.

The imagery of blooming deserts and crimson wreaths suggest a profound transformation of the natural order. The garden that is the singer expands beyond its boundaries, becoming a metaphor for the potential of the human spirit. The chorus reinforces the message of hope and perseverance, urging the listener to believe again and find meaning in the present moment.

Overall, "Scarlet Wish" is a poetic and introspective song that celebrates the power of faith and the resilience of the human soul.

Line by Line Meaning

To be as light as poppy seeds free-falling on a gentle breeze.
To feel weightless, like a small seed falling softly in the wind.

Descend upon the devil's ground and bring the lost souls to their knees.
To arrive in a place of darkness and guide those who are lost towards redemption.

As deserts bloom, despair retreats, and faith returns in crimson wreathes, plucked from the garden that is me expanding.
In the midst of barrenness, hope springs forth and blooms like flowers. From within me, growth expands and brings forth a renewed sense of faith.

Faith returns in crimson wreathes, locked from the garden that is me.
As my inner garden flourishes, my faith blooms like vibrant red flowers, locked securely within me.

I shall land on where I'll please, and where I go you'll know I've been.
My journey is mine to determine, and you will know where I have been by the impact I leave behind.

Red ribbons around your feet and you'll believe again, believe again...
By binding yourself to hope and living with purpose, you will rediscover the power of belief.

There's so much left to live for.
Life is precious and full of opportunity, and one should embrace all that it has to offer.

Believe again, believe again, there's so much left to live for.
Choosing to believe in oneself and in the possibilities of the world can open up a wealth of experiences and adventures to be had.

Contributed by Madelyn W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS