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.

The Unlikely Event
The Legendary Pink Dots Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I hope that you can hear me
Because they're screaming in the aisle...
The stewardess said "Turn that phone off!"
So I smiled...blew a smoke ring.

My neighbor sinks his head between his knees...
It's pushing 45 degrees.
Outside it's freezing,

Though God knows...

Now I need a drink...
Ah, bring it quick...

On Channel 9,
The dotted line
Stops short a mile away from Dallas...
But we're on a roll...
Shall dig a hole so deep that we'll strike oil!

Black gold, ah, that Texas tea...
It's 3:15...
I hear your voice mail...

Are you with your secret lover, Lover?

Just called to say goodbye...
I won't be home for dinner.

Goodbye...
Lay a wreath upon that grassy knoll for me...

Goodbye...

Goodbye...
Good luck. Be who you *want* to be...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Legendary Pink Dots’ song The Unlikely Event convey the turbulence of a plane journey, both physically and emotionally. The opening lines are particularly poignant, as the singer worries that their message won’t even be heard because of the tumultuous atmosphere-- passengers are “screaming in the aisle.” However, when the singer is asked to turn off their phone, they respond with a nonchalant gesture of blowing a smoke ring, perhaps signaling a rebellious attitude or an ability to remain calm in chaotic moments.

The song continues to play with opposing images, as the outside world is “freezing” while the inside of the cabin reaches 45 degrees, a heat that seems to cause the singer to need a drink. Soon, a TV screen set to Channel 9 displays a dotted line stopping short of Dallas, but the singer remains optimistic about their own adventure -- “We’ll strike oil!” The final lines indicate a sense of loss, as the singer leaves a message for someone who is potentially with a secret lover, resigning themselves to say goodbye and encouraging the recipient to “be who you *want* to be.”

Overall, this song captures the ambivalence and anxiety of a journey that could end in unknown territory, including possible danger or heartbreak. However, it also conveys a sense of hope, as the final words of encouragement urge the recipient to pursue their own desires and dreams.

Line by Line Meaning

I hope that you can hear me Because they're screaming in the aisle... The stewardess said "Turn that phone off!" So I smiled...blew a smoke ring.
I'm trying to speak to you, but there's chaos and noise all around me. The flight attendant scolded me for using my phone, but I just laughed it off.

My neighbor sinks his head between his knees... It's pushing 45 degrees. Outside it's freezing, Though God knows...
My fellow passenger is panicking and feeling ill due to the changes in air pressure and temperature. It's uncomfortably cold outside at high altitude, but that's to be expected.

Now I need a drink... Ah, bring it quick...
I could use a stiff drink after all this commotion and discomfort. I hope the flight attendant brings one soon.

On Channel 9, The dotted line Stops short a mile away from Dallas... But we're on a roll... Shall dig a hole so deep that we'll strike oil!
The airplane's TV map shows that we will not be flying directly over Dallas, but it doesn't matter - as long as we keep going, we'll get what we want, like striking it rich with oil by digging deep enough.

Black gold, ah, that Texas tea... It's 3:15... I hear your voice mail... Are you with your secret lover, Lover?
I'm referring to the popular phrase 'black gold' to describe oil, which is abundant in Texas. I notice the time and call you, and I can't help but worry if you're with someone else.

Just called to say goodbye... I won't be home for dinner. Goodbye...
I've made a decision to leave, and I wanted to tell you before I go. I know I won't be returning in time for dinner, but I can't stay.

Goodbye... Lay a wreath upon that grassy knoll for me... Goodbye...
I'm saying goodbye to you for the last time. I ask that you remember me and honor me with a wreath placed where JFK was assassinated. Goodbye.

Goodbye... Good luck. Be who you *want* to be...
My final farewell to you is a wish for the best. Be true to yourself and strive for what you truly desire in life. Goodbye.

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

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS