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.
III. Universe
The Microphones Lyrics
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When I walk out of the canyon
And see me start to climb
At the end of day
But who′s there to see me walk out?
There's no beacon
No sun to block out
No bird of blaze
"Do you really think there′s anybody out there?"
So what?
No one sees me
What do I care now that the Black Night has seized me?
On a mountain's mane
I climb to my claim
And I am aimless, alone, and unraveling
And above Barren Wastelands stare at me
They know my name
"What do you want?"
And I know i'll be in the air
And that my trail passes lions′ lairs
And I see summits buried in more air
Buried in space
(See Phil? There′s no end in sight)
How many times have I learned this before?
How many times have I made up this song before?
How many times have I died up here before?
And oh how hidden tomorrow morning is
What heavy fog
What wide shadow!
Universe, I know you
The lyrics to The Microphones' song "III. Universe" convey a sense of isolation and introspection. The singer describes walking out of a canyon and starting to climb, but notes that there is no one there to witness their actions. There is a feeling of insignificance as the singer questions if there is really anybody out there to see them. Despite the lack of external validation, the singer continues to climb, feeling aimless and alone. They also mention that the barren wastelands stare at them, aware of their presence.
There is a sense of longing for connection and a search for meaning in the vast expanse of the universe. The singer asks what they want, reflecting on the cyclical nature of their experiences and the inevitability of their journey. There is a recognition of the uncertainty of the future, with the mention of hidden tomorrow morning and the heaviness of fog and wide shadow. Ultimately, the singer addresses the universe itself, expressing their knowledge of its existence in a way that suggests a desire for understanding and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
See me look unveiled
Observe me without any disguise or pretense
When I walk out of the canyon
When I emerge from a deep and narrow valley
And see me start to climb
Witness my ascent
At the end of day
As the day comes to a close
But who's there to see me walk out?
But there is no one present to witness my emergence
There's no beacon
There is no guiding light or signal
No sun to block out
No sun obstructing my view
No bird of blaze
No majestic bird with a fiery presence
A Close Dark Voice says
An intimate and mysterious voice utters
"Do you really think there′s anybody out there?"
"Do you truly believe there are any observers or companions?"
So what? No one sees me
So what? Nobody perceives my actions
What do I care now that the Black Night has seized me?
Why should I bother now that the darkness of night has captured me?
On a mountain's mane
Upon the rough and rugged slopes of a mountain
I climb to my claim
I ascend towards my destined place
And I am aimless, alone, and unraveling
And I am without purpose, solitary, and falling apart
And above Barren Wastelands stare at me
And the desolate and empty lands above fix their gaze upon me
They know my name
They are aware of my identity
"What do you want?"
"What is your desire?"
And I know I'll be in the air
And I understand that I will be floating above the ground
And that my trail passes lions’ lairs
And that my path leads through the dwelling places of lions
And I see summits buried in more air
And I perceive peaks hidden beneath even more atmosphere
Buried in space
Hidden within the vast expanse of the cosmos
(See Phil? There’s no end in sight)
(Look, Phil? There is no conclusion or limit in view)
How many times have I learned this before?
On how many occasions have I acquired this knowledge in the past?
How many times have I made up this song before?
How frequently have I composed this tune previously?
How many times have I died up here before?
How often have I perished in this place previously?
And oh how hidden tomorrow morning is
And oh, how veiled and uncertain the upcoming morning is
What heavy fog
What dense mist
What wide shadow!
What immense and broad darkness!
Universe, I know you
Universe, I am aware of your existence
Writer(s): Phillip Whitman Elvrum
Contributed by Isabelle D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.