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.
The Gleam Part 2
The Microphones Lyrics
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You have been blinded by the gleam and then your sight came back.
You since spoke into the sky and you breathed it back.
Oh, but I saw what you dont see,
I saw tiny lights and mountain of speeeeee(sustained note)-ds.
I saw your future in my sleep.
The lyrics of The Microphones' song "The Gleam Part 2" explore the idea of perspective and how one's point of view can greatly impact their perceptions of reality. The opening line, "I know you've seen the billowy black," refers to a dark and ominous presence that the singer acknowledges their audience has noticed. However, in the following line, the singer notes that this darkness has only temporarily blinded the listener's sight because it was ultimately overcome by a bright and powerful "gleam." The second verse highlights the divergent experiences of the singer and the listener, as the singer asserts, "Oh, but I saw what you don't see," and describes a vision of countless small lights and a towering mountain of "speeds," which may symbolize the frenetic pace of modern life. Finally, the singer claims to have seen the listener's future in a dream, suggesting that their point of view grants them a unique understanding of the world that others lack.
Line by Line Meaning
I know you've seen the billowy black.
I understand that you have experienced darkness in your life.
You have been blinded by the gleam and then your sight came back.
You were temporarily distracted or misled by something shiny or attractive, but you eventually regained your clarity of vision.
You since spoke into the sky and you breathed it back.
You have expressed your thoughts and feelings out loud, and then internalized them again.
Oh, but I saw what you dont see,
However, I have perceived things that you are not aware of or haven't noticed.
I saw tiny lights and mountain of speeeeee(sustained note)-ds.
I witnessed small glimmers of hope and promise, as well as countless obstacles and challenges.
I saw your future in my sleep.
I had a prophetic dream that revealed what may lie ahead for you.
Contributed by Levi I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.