Things Behind the Sun
The Mars Volta Lyrics
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They'll only smile to see you while
Your time away
And once you've seen what they have been
To win the earth just won't seem worth
Your night or your day
Who'll hear what I say.
Look around you find the ground
Don't too wise
For down below they never grow
They're always tired and charms are hired
From out of their eyes
Never surprise.
Take your time and you'll be fine
And say a prayer for people there
Who live on the floor
And if you see what's meant to be
Don't name the day or try to say
It happened before.
Don't be shy you learn to fly
And see the sun when day is done
If only you see
Just what you are beneath a star
That came to stay one rainy day
In autumn for free
Yes, be what you'll be.
Please beware of them that stare
They'll only smile to see you while
Your time away
And once you've seen what they have been
To win the earth just won't seem worth
Your night or your day
Who'll hear what I say.
Open up the broken cup
Let goodly sin and sunshine in
Yes that's today.
And open wide the hymns you hide
You find reknown while people frown
At things that you say
But say what you'll say
About the farmers and the fun
And the things behind the sun
And the people round your head
Who say everything's been said
And the movement in your brain
Sends you out into the rain.
The Mars Volta's interpretation of Nick Drake's Things Behind the Sun is an exalting song that encourages listeners to not let society's rigid expectations constrain them. The song begins by warning listeners to be cautious of those who try to waste their time, only to later reveal that societal norms are the time-suckers. The main reason for this is that society imposes certain values on individuals that make life seem draining, hence why the chorus proclaims that 'to win the earth just won't seem worth your night or your day.' This chorus is an incredible statement on how numbing societal expectations can make life feel meaningless. The song acknowledges the importance of taking it slow and praying for those who have been shunned in life, as opposed to trying to always fit in and follow societal norms.
Things Behind the Sun has had a lasting impact as it was covered by several talented artists, most notably Thom Yorke of Radiohead. The song's message resonates with listeners who are tired of the monotony and are searching for meaning. It also showcases The Mars Volta's versatile musical style, as they blended psychedelic rock with Drake's original folk sound, to create a hypnotic melody that draws listeners in.
Line by Line Meaning
Please beware of them that stare
Be cautious of people who are constantly watching you
They'll only smile to see you while
They will feign kindness and friendliness towards you
Your time away
Take your attention away from your present task
And once you've seen what they have been
Once you find out their true intentions
To win the earth just won't seem worth
Attempting to conquer the world won't be of significance to you
Your night or your day
Whether it's day or night
Who'll hear what I say.
Will anyone listen to what I am saying
Look around you find the ground
Observe your surroundings and realize that you are not far from where you need to be
Is not so far from where you are
Where you need to be is not a distant place
Don't too wise
Do not become too arrogant or smart
For down below they never grow
People who are too arrogant never mature or develop
They're always tired and charms are hired
They are always exhausted and rely on superficial qualities to hide their true selves
From out of their eyes
Their fake persona is visible in their eyes
Never surprise.
Never be surprised by their true nature
Take your time and you'll be fine
Be patient and everything will be okay
And say a prayer for people there
Pray for people who are struggling
Who live on the floor
Those who are poor and live on the ground
And if you see what's meant to be
If you discover your true purpose
Don't name the day or try to say
Do not set a date or tell anyone about it
It happened before.
It is not a new occurrence
Don't be shy you learn to fly
Don't be afraid to take off and try new things
And see the sun when day is done
Appreciate the beauty around you
If only you see
If you are willing to look
Just what you are beneath a star
Your true essence and purpose in life
That came to stay one rainy day
The opportunity that presented itself unexpectedly
In autumn for free
Without any cost or fee
Yes, be what you'll be.
Embrace who you are and who you will become
Open up the broken cup
Allow yourself to be open and vulnerable
Let goodly sin and sunshine in
Accept both the good and bad moments in life
Yes that's today.
That is what is happening right now
And open wide the hymns you hide
Share your beliefs and thoughts with others
You find reknown while people frown
Even though people might not agree with you, you will still be remembered and respected for speaking your truth
At things that you say
Because of your unique perspective and ideas
But say what you'll say
Speak your mind freely
About the farmers and the fun
Talk about both the harsh realities and joyful moments of life
And the things behind the sun
The mysteries and unknowns of the universe
And the people round your head
The people in your immediate surrounding
Who say everything's been said
People who believe that there is nothing else to discover or learn
And the movement in your brain
The constant evolution of your ideas and beliefs
Sends you out into the rain.
Pushes you to go out and explore the unknown
Contributed by Josiah H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
raamamit
This version is so strange-beautiful. They found a way to remain original even as they, basically, do the same song, same guitar . This one grows on me slowly..
CANIMALEDETTI
My respect to The Mars Volta for covering such a tremendous forgotten poet.
Christian Braxton
My favorite cover of all time. Nick Drake is a gift...so is Volta.
uromckey
Great cover! Great band! Great Nick's song!
Ivanka Caro
Hermoso cover.
jeff logan
such a beautiful song. i wish i would of known about it sooner. needs more plays.
Daniel Juárez
Desde 2010 buscaba esta cancion en esta version que alguna vez la escuche en la radio.
Kresimir Valicevic
has anyone noticed john frusciante on acoustic guitar...funny how can you recognise him only by one, two, three, four in the beggining :D
True Funk Soul
@Nuno Martins What so he can't talk now because of his dentures? Some of us just know his voice man but you go right ahead relating everything about him back to his drug abuse in the 1990s if that makes you feel better. Nearly got through one small comment section without someone feeling the need to bring that up but no.
Nuno Martins
unfortunately that pretty much happens cause he has no teeth of his own due to drug abuse