The group was formed in 1988 in Winnipeg, Manitoba by vocalist Daniel Greaves, guitarist Joey Serlin, bassist Pete Loewen and drummer Sammy Kohn. Serlin was a comic fan and named the group after the DC comic. They released their debut album, McLaren Furnace Room, in 1992. (The album was named for one of the band's rehearsal spaces, the furnace room of the McLaren Hotel in Winnipeg.) The single "Cracked" garnered the band significant airplay on rock stations, but was quickly eclipsed by the anti-spousal abuse anthem "Run and Hide", which became the band's breakthrough hit.
Loewen left the band, and was replaced by Ken Tizzard. The band's 1994 album In the Trees confirmed their place in Canadian rock with the hit singles "Boneyard Tree", "All Uncovered" and "Lusitana".
Their 1996 album Brand New Day was not as well-received by critics or audiences -- "Zoom", "Incarnate" and "Shut Up" were moderately successful singles, but none achieved the kind of success that the band's earlier singles had. 1998's Silent Radar was the band's return to commercial success, with the hit singles "Stereo", "Any Day Now" and "Brighter Hell".
Their 2001 album Slomotion saw the exit of Sammy Kohn and the remaining members experimenting with more industrial textures. As if prepared for a bad reception, the band also packaged the album with a second greatest hits disc. The album was, indeed, poorly received by fans and critics, with only the single "Absolutely Anytime" gaining any radio airplay.
The band subsequently broke up. Greaves went on to form Doctor with Rob Higgins, Tizzard joined Thornley, and Serlin appeared on Ryan Malcolm's debut album before forming his own new band, Redline.
In 2009, the band reformed and started touring again.
Silent Radar
The Watchmen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm afrid and I'm tired
I'm away trying not to see
What the day brings on out of
me I'll stay right here
Gotta silent radar watching you
I'm the same ya I'm alright
Ashamed trying not to be
In my mind I'll always (be) (need) you right
here
Silent radar watching you (me)
I'm thinking it over (I'm sure I'll find)
At the best of times I'm the (better life to
live) Lucky one
Getting closer and closer
silent radar sees everyone
Better kind of way of life to live
I haven't changed but I'm trying
In my mind I'll always be right here (hear)
The Watchmen's song Silent Radar explores the emotions of the singer who is alone and exhausted. The lyrics suggest that the singer is going through a difficult phase in life which has made him fearful and apprehensive. He tries to avoid any situation that may trigger his anxieties, and chooses to stay alone. The line "What the day brings out of me" may indicate that the singer is struggling with his inner demons which may get triggered by external stimuli. Despite his attempts to distance himself from the world, the singer admits to keeping a "silent radar" on others, perhaps indicating a deep sense of loneliness and a desire for companionship.
As the song progresses, the singer seems to be reflecting on his life and relationships. He is alone and no one seems to be around for him, perhaps indicating that he feels abandoned by those he considered close. However, he also mentions a persisting attachment to someone, with the lines "In my mind, I'll always be right here", suggesting that he is holding onto a memory or a hope for someone to return. The chorus of the song takes on a more positive note, with the singer acknowledging that he is the "lucky one".
Line by Line Meaning
I'm alone and I'm tired
I feel isolated and exhausted
I'm afraid and I'm tired
I am scared and exhausted
I'm away trying not to see
I'm avoiding facing reality
What the day brings on out of me I'll stay right here
I am hesitant to face what the day may bring
Gotta silent radar watching you
I am closely watching over you
I'm the same ya I'm alright
I may appear fine on the surface, but I'm not
Still alone no ones been by
I continue to be isolated without any company
Ashamed trying not to be
I'm trying not to feel embarrassed
In my mind I'll always (be) (need) you right here
I will always feel like I need you with me
Silent radar watching you (me)
I am monitoring myself closely
I'm thinking it over (I'm sure I'll find)
I'm considering my situation and hoping to find a solution
At the best of times I'm the (better life to live) Lucky one
Even at my best, I consider myself fortunate
Getting closer and closer silent radar sees everyone
I am becoming more aware of others around me
Better kind of way of life to live
There is a better way to live life
I haven't changed but I'm trying
I am trying to change myself for the better
In my mind I'll always be right here (hear)
In my thoughts, I will always be present and attentive
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Goddess
on Zoom
I would love to know the interpretation of this song.
I’m thinking it starts with his birth but now he is dying and he recalls how safe he was with his mother and she is smiling through the lights(in the starlight in heavens) and will carry him home because as he is on the earth her voice is a voice that he doesn’t love more(being the first loving voice he heard and will be the one that calls him to the other side or calls him home) .... calling to the other side of the river evokes the ferryman to me .....mid lyrics he said he’s done all he can met all he can and he is ready to let go