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.
Venice
The Lighthouse and the Whaler Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All the feeling and the rains
And death is cold, death is sure
Why dont we all fall in love?
Oh, whoa, oh oh
Why dont we fall in love?
Oh, whoa, oh oh
Why dont we fall in love?
In your eyes, I have seen
All the feeling and the rains
And death is cold, death is sure
Why dont we all fall in love?
Oh, whoa, oh oh
Why dont we fall in love?
Oh, whoa, oh oh
Why dont we fall in love?
Oh, whoa, oh oh
In your eyes, I have seen
All the feeling and the rains
And death is cold, death is sure
Why dont we all fall in love?
Oh, whoa, oh oh
Why dont we fall in love?
Oh, whoa, oh oh
Why dont we fall in love?
The Lighthouse and the Whaler's song Venice is a reflective piece that contemplates the nature of love and death. The singer addresses a person directly and indicates that they have seen all the feelings and emotions that the person has gone through. The repetition of the phrase "Why don't we all fall in love?" suggests that the singer believes that love is the answer to death, which is described as cold and sure. The final lines of the song serve as a reprise of the main question, urging the listener to consider why love is not more prevalent.
The lyrics of Venice are simple yet evocative, conveying a sense of longing and introspection. The chorus is particularly powerful in its repetition of the phrase "Why don't we fall in love?", which serves as a call to action and a reminder that love is a universal human experience. The use of natural imagery, such as "feeling and the rains", adds a mystical quality to the song and creates a sense of connection between human emotions and the natural world.
Line by Line Meaning
In your eyes, I have seen
I have perceived a multitude of emotions and experiences through your eyes
All the feeling and the rains
The intensity of emotions and hardships have been experienced and conveyed through tears and storms
And death is cold, death is sure
The inevitability and finality of death is a depressing reality
Why don't we all fall in love?
Given the depth of human emotions, why do we not choose to love each other more often?
Oh, whoa, oh oh
An expression of heightened emotion and desire for connection
Why don't we fall in love?
Repeated question that emphasizes the absence of love in our lives
Oh, whoa, oh oh
Continued expression of longing for deeper emotional connections with others
Why don't we fall in love?
Final question that encapsulates the song's central theme of the lack of love in contemporary society
Contributed by Amelia C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Archimedes
In your eyes, I have seen
All the feeling and the rains
And death is cold, death is sure
Why don't we all fall in love?
Oh, whoa, oh oh
Why don't we fall in love?
Oh, whoa, oh oh
Why don't we fall in love?
In your eyes, I have seen
All the feeling and the rains
And death is cold, death is sure
Why don't we all fall in love?
Oh, whoa, oh oh
Why don't we fall in love?
Oh, whoa, oh oh
Why don't we fall in love?
Oh, whoa, oh oh
In your eyes, I have seen
All the feeling and the rains
And death is cold, death is sure
Why don't we all fall in love?
Oh, whoa, oh oh
Why don't we fall in love?
Oh, whoa, oh oh
Why don't we fall in love?
RAFA ELA
Nine years have passed by, and I still love this song.
Johnny Salinas
What would you have been doing nine years ago at this time listening to this song? For me, finding a nice long forest trail and just smoke enjoying nature
RAFA ELA
@Johnny Salinas When I first found this song, I included it into a playlist and listened to it whole whilst on a night drive to the beach with a few friends. It suited the mood perfectly.
Sisi D
When my baby niece is upset, this is the only thing that will calm her down. I play this song and she stops crying and falls asleep. Its the cutest thing ever. 💖
Verns November
Adorable
Hagan Williams
Its so catchy. Makes me feel like going out on an adventure. :)
Fixer66
well ive got news for u bud
DEVON COOLEY
@Fixer66 what the news I’m late
Rain
I have loved this song for like 5 years now? And it NEVER gets old.
Armando Quinones
This just puts you in the chillest of moods. 🙌