In 2004, Elverum abandoned the "Microphones" name to begin recording as Mount Eerie, briefly returning in December 2007 when he began selling a new 7" single by the Microphones ("Don't Smoke" / "Get Off the Internet") on his website and at concerts.
In 2020, Elverum returned to the Microphones name once more to release the project's 14th album Microphones in 2020. Microphones members/collaborators include Karl Blau, Dennis Driscoll, Kyle Field aka Little Wings, Mirah, Khaela Maricich aka The Blow, Adrian Orange aka Thanksgiving, Adam Forkner and K Records' founder, Calvin Johnson of Beat Happening and the Halo Benders.
Heavy Eyes
The Microphones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll sleep for 14 hours.
I'll be full of soft heat.
I'll be in love when I sleep.
Heavy eyes, close rubbing with hands.
Then when I wake up there's something real.
Something real and someone who's alive.
then there's this explosion.
The lyrics to The Microphones' song "Heavy Eyes" describe the sensation of falling asleep and waking up after a long period of rest. The singer expresses a deep exhaustion, stating "I'm so tired" at the beginning of the song. However, they also express a sense of comfort and love when they sleep, implying that they associate rest with feelings of warmth and safety.
When the singer wakes up, they experience a powerful sensation of reality and aliveness. This is contrasted with the heavy, dreamlike state they were in before, suggesting that sleep is a way of temporarily escaping from the world around them. The line "there's a soft heat growing from my chest then there's this explosion" could suggest a feeling of emotional release upon waking up, as well as a renewed sense of energy after a period of rest.
Overall, the song seems to be exploring the themes of exhaustion, rest, and the contrast between sleep and wakefulness. The singer seems to find comfort in sleep, but also recognizes the importance of being present in the real world and engaging with other people.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm so tired.
I am extremely exhausted and worn out.
I'll sleep for 14 hours.
I plan to sleep for an extended amount of time to recharge my body and mind.
I'll be full of soft heat.
After a long rest, I will feel energized and warm inside.
I'll be in love when I sleep.
During my slumber, I will experience a deep and intense level of affection and passion.
Heavy eyes, close rubbing with hands.
My eyes feel heavy and tired, so I will soothe them by rubbing them with my hands in an attempt to relax.
Then when I wake up there's something real.
After awakening from my extended sleep, I will experience a new sense of reality and clarity.
Something real and someone who's alive.
I will be aware of everything around me, including the presence of other living beings.
There's a soft heat growing from my chest
I feel a gentle and comforting warmth spreading from within me, providing a sense of peace and tranquility.
then there's this explosion.
Suddenly, there is a surge of intense energy and emotion, overwhelming and unstoppable in its force.
Contributed by Muhammad S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.