Members Sam Prekop and Archer Prewitt each have released solo albums. The cover art of The Sea And Cake's releases are largely paintings by Claridge and photographs by Prekop. (Postcards of some of the One Bedroom-era photos were sold on the band's 2003 tour.) Prewitt has been involved in publishing his own comic books and doing graphic design.
The band was on hiatus from 2004 to 2007, as Prekop and Prewitt each released further solo albums with accompanying tours, and focused on their visual art pursuits. Their most recent album Any Day was released in May 2018, with the band now performing as a trio (sans-bassist Eric Claridge). They have remained relatively quiet since then, aside from Sam Prekop releasing several long-form electronic music projects, often in collaboration with fellow bandmember John McEntire.
Aerial
The Sea and Cake Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
a matter of fact on, I'm not living on
a strata mirrors takes light perceptively
for thrill of my eyes, hypocrisy
this trial on center I'm not over it
i had a little find, go on open it
stop along we don't mind
dry mountains, give off fire
we've got to choose, erase this terror
a start off counting this, we gotta lay it low
if that is not down, i'm not giving on
the stranded streets are bored, we're not lonely
i hear about sometimes, instability
stop along we don't mind
a someone just like you there
dry mountains, give off fire
we've got to choose, erase this terror
stop along, we don't mind
it never made us listen to
i hardly made it up to you, it's alright
stop along, stop along
stop along, stop along
The Sea and Cake's song "Aerial" is a complex and evocative piece of music that explores a variety of moods and themes. The lyrics are enigmatic and open-ended, leaving the listener to draw their own conclusions about the meaning of the song. The opening lines, "as turning pages all but scatter me/a matter of fact on, I'm not living on," suggest a sense of disorientation and confusion, as if the singer is struggling to find their place in the world. This is reflected in the use of words like "hypocrisy" and "instability," which suggest a feeling of uncertainty and pervasive insecurity.
Despite this sense of dislocation, the song also contains a sense of hope and possibility. The repeated phrases "stop along, we don't mind" and "we've got to choose, erase this terror" suggest a desire to break free from the constraints of the past and embrace new opportunities. The lines "dry mountains, give off fire" and "a someone just like you there" evoke a sense of beauty and wonder, as if the singer is discovering new wonders and experiences that were previously hidden from view.
Overall, "Aerial" is a rich and complex song that rewards careful listening and interpretation. The lyrics are full of vivid imagery and poetic language, suggesting a range of emotions and experiences that are both personal and universal.
Line by Line Meaning
as turning pages all but scatter me
The constant change and unpredictability of life makes me feel lost and overwhelmed.
a matter of fact on, I'm not living on
I am existing rather than fully living, just going through the motions of life without purpose.
a strata mirrors takes light perceptively
The layers of my life reflect and refract experiences, shaping my perception of the world.
for thrill of my eyes, hypocrisy
I often act in a way that contradicts my true feelings, seeking superficial pleasures and ignoring deeper truths.
this trial on center I'm not over it
I am still struggling with a difficult challenge, unable to fully move on from it.
i had a little find, go on open it
I have discovered something that could bring me joy or understanding, and I urge others to explore it as well.
stop along we don't mind
We are content to pause and appreciate the world around us, finding value in the present moment.
a someone just like you there
We are grateful for the presence of others who share our experiences and perspective, offering understanding and connection.
dry mountains, give off fire
Even in seemingly barren or lifeless places, there can be unexpected beauty and vitality.
we've got to choose, erase this terror
We must make a conscious effort to confront and overcome our fears, and choose to embrace hope and positivity instead.
a start off counting this, we gotta lay it low
We must approach our problems systematically and calmly, not allowing them to overwhelm or consume us.
if that is not down, i'm not giving on
If a solution or resolution is not achievable, I will not give up hope or stop striving for progress.
the stranded streets are bored, we're not lonely
Even in situations where we feel stuck or stagnant, we can find companionship and connection with others.
i hear about sometimes, instability
The possibility of change or uncertainty in the future can be unsettling, but it is a necessary part of growth and progress.
it never made us listen to
We refuse to be silenced or dismissed, and will continue to speak our minds and express ourselves authentically.
i hardly made it up to you, it's alright
I may not have been the best version of myself in the past, but I am open to accountability and growth, and recognize that mistakes are a natural part of the human experience.
stop along, stop along
We will continue to appreciate and savor each moment of life, finding meaning and purpose in the journey rather than the destination.
Contributed by Gabriel G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.