The band received some media criticism for Jeff Martin's Jim Morisson-like stage persona in some of its videos and their Led Zeppelin-esq riffs, although he seemed determined to be striving to create his own image and sound. His looks certainly do draw some comparison, however, to The Doors' late front man.
Their sound is hard to categorize as each album possessed different themes and influences. Splendor Solis (1993) was a more acoustic, blues-based record, while Edges of Twilight (1995) was much darker with strong Middle Eastern influences on several tracks. Transmission (1997) saw a dramatic change to a darker, more industrial-tinged sound, and it was distributed in the USA by Atlantic Records. The last three albums by the band featured various efforts to attract a wider commercial audience, with the single "Heaven Coming Down" reaching No.1 on the Canadian mainstream charts in 1999.
In 2000, Capitol Records finally released a retrospective compilation in the USA of their Canadian singles entitled Tangents after only releasing their first two albums south of the border.
The Tea Party released The Interzone Mantras in 2001, but it did not possess the singles of its predecessors.
In October 2005, a year after their final album Seven Circles was released, Jeff Martin left the band and embarked on a solo career, releasing an album in early 2006. Jeff Burrows (drummer) and Stuart Chatwood (bass/synthesiser) have also had post-Tea Party successes, the former in several projects and the latter in soundtrack composition. Burrows and Chatwood worked together on a new project called The Art Decay before Burrows joined Crash Karma in 2008.
On April 12th 2011, an official Facebook page was launched with a biography section that closed with "The band is scheduled to play a select number of dates in 2011. No other info was available at this time." The following day, the local radio station K106.3 announced the Sarnia Bayfest lineup including The Tea Party, which was later confirmed by drummer Jeff Burrows on his radio show on April 13th. Burrows further stated that a Canadian tour was also in the works.
The Tea Party performed at the Cisco Systems Bluesfest in Ottawa, Ontario on July 14th, 2011, and the band will be playing a Canadian tour commencing on November 15th, 2011 in Vancouver. The band's website and tour is called "THE TEA PARTY - No Politics... Just Rock and Roll". In September 2011, the band was reportedly approached to sell its website URL for over a million dollars by the extremely popular American political movement bearing the same name: www.teaparty.com.
Oceans
The Tea Party Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can I follow
Because distance is hard to swallow
You should stay a while
Let's have a drink
Let's have a laugh
You feel power
If that's so
Then what's your hurry
If you've got to go
There's just one thing I've got to ask
If I promise an ocean
Would you care for the notion of
Staying here and resting your weary head
It's all that she said
Well the sky's changed
That's for certain
You smile says
What you working
Time heals all
This we know
We'll work it out
And if I promise an ocean
Would you care for the notion of
Staying here and resting your weary head
And would you come back and see me, or
Angel am I dreaming because
Heaven knows that I'll miss you so
And that's a fact
Look now where I'm at
I miss you so
Look now where I'm at
I can't let go
There's more questions
Than there's answers
I'm not taking any chances
Because I need to let you know
Just how I feel
And if I promise an ocean
Would you care for the notion of
Staying here and resting your weary head
And would you come back and see me, or
Angel am I dreaming because
Heaven knows that I'll miss you so
And that's a fact
Look now where I'm at
I miss you so
Look now where I'm at
I miss you so
Look now where I'm at
I miss you so
I can't let go
I miss you so
The Tea Party's "Oceans" seems to be a song about longing and separation. The singer seems to be talking to someone who is planning on leaving or has already left. They are pleading with them to stay a while longer and offering comfort in the form of laughter and drinks. The singer also seems to be wrestling with their own emotions, admitting that they miss the person deeply and can't let go. Throughout the song, there is a theme of promises and questions, as the singer tries to connect more deeply with the person they are speaking to.
The repeated line, "if I promise an ocean," seems to be a metaphor for the singer's desire to offer something grand and impossible as a way of making the other person stay. The ocean represents a vast and infinite promise, but it's also something that can't be delivered. The final lines of the song suggest that the singer knows this, and is struggling to come to terms with their own feelings of loss.
Overall, "Oceans" is a beautifully ambiguous and emotionally powerful song that captures the pain of longing and the struggle to connect with someone who is slipping away.
Line by Line Meaning
Where are you going
Asking where the other person is headed, their destination.
Can I follow
Expressing interest in going along with them on their journey.
Because distance is hard to swallow
Admitting that it's hard to be apart from someone for a long time.
You should stay a while
Inviting the other person to stick around and spend time together.
Let's have a drink
Proposing that they share a beverage together.
Let's have a laugh
Suggesting that they enjoy some lighthearted moments together.
You feel power
Observing that the other person seems confident and in control.
And no worries
Noticing that they don't appear to be anxious or upset.
If that's so
Assuming that if they really are doing well, then there's no need to rush off.
Then what's your hurry
Asking why they need to leave so quickly if everything is going alright.
If you've got to go
Acknowledging that they may have other commitments or reasons to leave.
There's just one thing I've got to ask
Indicating that there is something important that they want to say or clarify.
If I promise an ocean
Offering a metaphorical promise of something grand or significant.
Would you care for the notion of
Asking if they would be interested in the idea of a prolonged stay or significant commitment.
Staying here and resting your weary head
Suggesting that the other person might benefit from some relaxation and rejuvenation in a comfortable setting.
It's all that she said
Confirming that this is what someone else (possibly the person being addressed) has said before.
Well the sky's changed
Noticing that the weather or time of day has shifted.
That's for certain
Confirming that the change is definitely happening or has happened.
You smile says
Interpreting the expression on the other person's face as conveying something specific.
What you working
Asking what the other person is currently focused on or preoccupied with.
Time heals all
Reflecting on a common saying that suggests that over time, emotional wounds can be repaired or forgotten.
This we know
Stating that this is a widely accepted truth.
We'll work it out
Expressing optimism that any issues or conflicts can be resolved or overcome with effort and patience.
And would you come back and see me, or
Asking if the other person would be willing to revisit this place or relationship in the future.
Angel am I dreaming because
Possibly expressing doubt about the relationship or situation, or questioning if it's too good to be true.
Heaven knows that I'll miss you so
Admitting that the other person's absence will be strongly felt and difficult to handle.
And that's a fact
Asserting that this is a true and unalterable reality.
Look now where I'm at
Observing where they are now, possibly in relation to where they want to be or where the other person is.
I miss you so
Expressing a strong desire to be with the other person again.
There's more questions
Admitting that there are still uncertainties or unresolved issues in the relationship or situation.
Than there's answers
Noting that there seem to be more unknowns than knowns, making it difficult to move forward confidently.
I'm not taking any chances
Indicating a desire to be cautious or careful, and avoid making mistakes.
Because I need to let you know
Stating that there is something important that the other person needs to hear or understand.
Just how I feel
Asserting that their emotions or thoughts are genuine and worth considering.
I can't let go
Admitting that it's difficult to move on or let something or someone go.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jennifer Errington
One of a few Tea Party songs that bring tears to my eyes each time. I was even more moved once I saw the video - so glad they used Canadian talent on this!
ShardX
I still love The Tea Party. I really hope the get together again someday, I need to see them at least one more time.
Tien Most Powerful Human On Earth
You got your wish
NekoMasterMax
Holy shit, that was probably one of the most greatest songs I listened to! hell It brought a tear to my eyes! NO SONG HAS EVER DONE THAT BEFORE!
FIRE DEMON
This song has so much meaning it’s amazing.
Eva D
I love this song, I have shivers on my skin... Really beautiful...
Chris Bizwhaho
...wow, I had no clue these guys were still around. awesome song.
Shnaky
WOW this has to be one of the best songs i've ever heard~
huetnitram
this is an amazing song
simdrums
This is just tooo amazing *sniff The best I heard for years ^^