The Thermals' sixth LP and debut for Saddle Creek, Desperate Ground, was produced by John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr, Sonic Youth) in Hoboken, NJ. Agnello and The Thermals completed the record and evacuated the studio just hours before Hurricane Sandy ravaged New Jersey, a fate quite fitting when you consider the product. Desperate Ground is a true scrappy and scratchy return-to-form for The Thermals, with all the raw power and unhinged adolescent energy that made their early LP's so insanely enjoyable. Lyrically, Desperate Ground is a brash and irresponsible ode to human violence, a black celebration of the inevitability of war and death. A dark and yet joyous affair, Desperate Ground tells the (murky) tale of a lone rogue in the night. One man, one path, one sword. An unceasing urge to destroy. A never-ending battle against the forces of nature. A destiny impossible to avoid.
In early 2013 The Thermals signed to Saddle Creek, a label they've known and admired for many years. The Thermals and Saddle Creek have a long history of sleeping on floors together: The Thermals have toured with Cursive and Ladyfinger, and Hutch and Kathy organized the first Bright Eyes show in Portland way back in 1999.
The Thermals were most famous for turning down $50,000 from Hummer, discovering the elusive fourth chord in punk rock (F#m) and for soundtracking that scene in Weeds where Mary-Louise Parker jumps in the pot-filled pool in her underwear.
The Thermals announced they were splitting in April 2018.
The Thermals lineup was Hutch Harris, Kathy Foster and Westin Glass.
You Dissolve
The Thermals Lyrics
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It's just another way you exist,
It's just another way you survive,
It's just another way you dissolve
You dissolve!
It's the only way you depart,
It's the only way you operate
You dissolve! [Repeat: x3]
You dissolve
It's just another way you deceive
It's just another way you can leave
It's just another way you dissolve Into steam
You dissolve like a dream
You dissolve!
It's just another way
You dissolve!
It's just another way
You dissolve!
it's just another way
You dissolve hm you dissolve
You dissolve!
The lyrics to The Thermals' song "You Dissolve" are a poignant commentary on the inevitable process of change and growth that we all go through as individuals. The repetition of the phrase "You dissolve" throughout the song highlights the cyclical nature of this process, and suggests that dissolution and transformation are integral to our survival and growth as human beings.
The opening lines of the song suggest that dissolution is just one of many ways in which we can exist and survive in the world. This implies that change and transformation are not only necessary, but also beneficial to our overall well-being. As the song progresses, the lyrics become more introspective, suggesting that dissolution is not only something that happens to us, but also something that we actively participate in. The lines "It's just another way you deceive / It's just another way you can leave" suggest that dissolution can be a conscious choice, allowing us to shed our old selves and move on to something new.
The lines "You dissolve like a dream" are particularly poignant, suggesting that the process of dissolution is as beautiful and ephemeral as a dream. The repeated refrain of "You dissolve" throughout the song reinforces the idea that this process is both natural and necessary, encouraging us to embrace change and transformation in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
You dissolve
This is the main refrain of the song and represents the concept that is being explored--dissolution.
It's just another way you exist,
Existence can take many forms, and one of them is dissolution (losing material form).
It's just another way you survive,
Survival can be achieved through different means, and sometimes it's by dissolving into something else.
It's just another way you dissolve
Once again, dissolution is being highlighted as another way of being, but this time as a means of change.
It's the only way you depart,
The only way to leave or depart from a situation may be to dissolve, to be removed from it.
It's the only way you operate
Dissolution can also be used as a means of operation--to function in a different way or state than previously.
It's the only way you dissolve
Reiterated again, dissolution is a recurring theme and is the only way to change or transform.
It's just another way you deceive
Dissolution can also be a way of deceiving, of hiding or disguising something by making it disappear into something else.
It's just another way you can leave
Dissolution can also be a means of escape, of leaving a situation by losing form or changing entirely.
It's just another way you dissolve Into steam
Dissolution can take place in the form of steam, a transformational state of matter that can be seen as an analogy for change.
You dissolve like a dream
Comparing dissolution to a dream, something that disappears upon waking, emphasizes its ephemeral nature.
it's just another way
This line emphasizes the repetition of dissolution as a theme throughout the song.
You dissolve hm you dissolve
The final line serves as a conclusion, repeating the main refrain 'You dissolve' and solidifying the concept as the centerpiece of the song.
Lyrics © TERRORBIRD PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: HUTCH HARRIS, KATHLEEN MICHELLE FOSTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
sunsofguns
Been listening to the Pixies' "Velvety Instrumental" and the opening of this song reminded me of it.