It all started with two musicians -- Aaron Smith and Michael LoPresti -- who decided to collaborate in a field one sunny afternoon because that seemed nicer than playing in a basement. By the end of the day they had written their first song. They gave it a profound name: "The Field Song." When it was selected for a Paste Sampler CD, Aaron and Michael decided to make a proper run at it.
The Lighthouse and the Whaler released a four-song EP in 2008 and a self-titled/produced/released album in 2009. Two songs from that album -- "White Days" and "Under Mountain, Under Ground" -- found their way to TV and radio. With more fans to play for, The Lighthouse and the Whaler hit the road and toured across America. Somewhere between Boston and Seattle, the band picked up three new members -- Matthew, Mark and Steve – thereafter, fulfilling the prophesy that was to be five young men stuffed in a forest green Chevy Venture, searching for open ears and loyal hearts.
Here is what most band bios won't tell you:
Michael LoPresti studied literature and theology in college but rushed home after graduation to become a musician. Michael is the voice of the band and his head is filled with wayward melodies one could chase for days. He wears boat shoes, jean cut-offs and flannel shirts all year round. Michael is a web designer and has approximately two dance moves. Put a chick flick on mute and he will make up hilarious new dialogue to go along with the picture.
Aaron Smith is self-taught on the violin, guitar and keys. He is a skeptic, searching for each perfect note as it passes. Aaron has deadpan wit and incredibly white teeth. He eats Chia seeds and dried prunes to stay healthy on the road. Aaron is acutely aware of subtle details and often finds himself lost in his thoughts for long periods of time. He is a gentle giant, but is self-conscious about his height. And yes, he is single.
Matthew LoPresti was on his way to becoming a professional soccer player but left the pitch to join The Lighthouse and the Whaler. Matthew is a percussionist and puts the passion and heart into the songs. He has a nice smile and often requires extra space on stage to accommodate his raw emotion. Matthew tells loud jokes because it makes everyone laugh more. He thinks LeBron James is a traitor and is dogmatic on the subject.
Mark Poro was a solo artist who wanted some company. He plays mandolin, violin, guitar, piano and glockenspiel, but has yet to master the triangle. Mark is a lover of the poignant and sincere, and fills each song with his pure spirit. He secretly likes to be silly, especially in serious situations. Mark is perpetually training for a marathon and has blue eyes that would remind a sailor of a calm day at sea. Mark Poro is not his real name.
Steve Diaz is originally from Virginia and met Mark at a music conservatory on Martha's Vineyard. He moved to Ohio to become a Whaler, but otherwise would have probably become a farmer. Steve is a born composer and adds contrast and depth to the music with a seasoned subtlety. Steve can grow a glorious reddish-brown beard, which he credits to his unique ancestry. He writes music to maintain his sanity. Steve is not homeless, though he sometimes looks it.
The Lighthouse and the Whaler plays indie-folk-pop and does not believe that genre labels tell you anything you need to know about a band. It has nevertheless caught the attention of MTV, Fuse, FILTER, Spinner, Under the Radar and other media outlets that cater to indie-folk-pop music fans.
The Lighthouse and the Whaler has performed at venues like Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame, SXSW, House of Blues and Rockwood Music Hall, though its favorite show to date took place in the attic of an old bookstore. The band has shared stages with Sufjan Stevens, The Temper Trap, and The Dodos, and shared blankets while sleeping in its donated mini-van, inappropriately named Rihanna.
John Richards of KEXP called The Lighthouse and the Whaler his new favorite band. He may be the smartest man on the planet.
Pioneers
The Lighthouse and the Whaler Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Before age impaired our reach
I was wishing we could go back to the house
Our hands stretched under old pine trees
Hold on, hold on, we’ve got the lights dear
Just where you came from
Hold on, hold on, we’ve got the lights dear
Hold on, I feel like you could shine a little brighter my love
Just like you did when you where younger
Underneath the copper wires and the floorboards that creek
I hope they never end
I was wishing we could go back to
How it was before age impaired our speech
I was wishing we could go back to the house
Our hands pressed in the concrete
Hold on, hold on, we’ve got the lights dear
Just where you came from
Hold on, hold on, we’ve got the lights dear
Just like where you’re going to
Hold on, I feel like you could shine a little brighter, my love
Just like you did when you were younger
Underneath the copper wires and the floorboards that creek
I hope they never end
Hold on, I feel like you could shine a little brighter, my love
Just like you did when you were younger
Underneath the copper wires and the floorboards that creek
I hope they never end
Hold on I feel like your a little bit too far away
And I remember the beginning, how it was
With your hands on my shoulders, oh my
I hope it never ends
Hold on I feel like your a little bit too far away
And I remember the beginning, how it was
With your hands on my shoulders, oh my
I hope it never ends
In The Lighthouse and The Whaler's song "Pioneers," the lyrics express a nostalgia for the past and a longing to return to a time before age and time had taken their toll on the simplicity and beauty of life. The singer wishes to go back to the house where they used to be and the times when they were younger. The lines "Hold on, hold on, we've got the lights dear / Just like where you came from" and "Hold on, hold on, we've got the lights dear / Just like where you're going to" suggest that the singer is trying to hold on to the memories and the light of the past, even as they move forward into the future.
The reference to the "copper wires and the floorboards that creek" suggests a physical place that is anchored in the past, perhaps the house where the singer grew up. The feeling of longing and the desire to hold on to the past is further reinforced by the repetition of the lines "I hope they never end" and "I hope it never ends."
Overall, the song speaks to the human need for a sense of belonging and connection to the past, and the desire to hold on to memories and experiences that are meaningful and significant.
Line by Line Meaning
I was wishing we could go back to how it was
Before age impaired our reach
The singer wishes to go back to the past when they were younger and could reach more, before age took over
I was wishing we could go back to the house
Our hands stretched under old pine trees
The singer wishes to go back to a familiar place and relive moments from their past when they were younger
Hold on, hold on, we’ve got the lights dear
Just where you came from
Hold on, hold on, we’ve got the lights dear
Just like where you’re going to
The singer wants their loved one to hold on and remember where they came from and where they are going while assuring them they have the light and support they need to continue on their journey
Hold on, I feel like you could shine a little brighter my love
Just like you did when you where younger
Underneath the copper wires and the floorboards that creek
I hope they never end
The artist wants their loved one to shine a little brighter and remembers the good times from when they were younger as they hope those nostalgic moments never end
I was wishing we could go back to
How it was before age impaired our speech
I was wishing we could go back to the house
Our hands pressed in the concrete
The artist is again expressing their wish to go back to their past and be younger again with better speech and revisiting old memories from their house
Hold on I feel like your a little bit too far away
And I remember the beginning, how it was
With your hands on my shoulders, oh my
I hope it never ends
The singer feels like their loved one is far away and remembers the beginning of their relationship when they were physically close to each other and hopes their love never fades away
Contributed by Scarlett L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Annabelle F
One day, a group of friends decided to be more awesome than they already were and now there is The Lighthouse and the Whaler :-) Thank you for giving me goosebumps !!
CloudsfullofSky
I really love all your music! There's something very sincere and refreshing about your songs that makes them so beautiful. Your music has been an inspiration for me and I want to thank you for that :)
ExplosiveSunshine
Wow. This is honestly the most beautiful thing I've seen in a long time! And you dudes have such amazing songs and unique voices! :D new fan right here!
Calliope Rogers
You guys are so amazing. <3 You'll always be transporting me far away, sending me floating on your amazing music where anything is possible. Thanks for inspiring my art!! Huge fan. :)
Milli
i found you guys through the recommendations on the sidebar, and i think this is the best band discovery i have found yet! im always recommending you guys to my friends! your music is so unique and its got a sound that has to have a genre all of its own! i love you guys!
Dylan Baumgartner
You guys music has really inspired me to go out of my comfort zone when writing music. A lot of my recent songs are heavily influenced by your songs. Thank you for the inspiration!
maddy marie
everything about you guys is amazing! i first fell in love just by seeing the band name, but your music is unbelievable. thank you <3
Travis Crowder
This is seriously my new jam! I'll be more than sure to show my friends this they'll love it
Stodd
I've discovered you yesterday and already got a crush on your music. Keep it up guys, you're awesome!
Maiara Eggers
Hey guys! I love your music, it really touches my soul, I dont know how to explain that but those songs are amazing. Besides, I just want to say that you have a big fan here in Brazil!