The White Octave consists of Stephen Pederson (guitar/vox), Linc Hancock (bass/vox), Finn Cohen (guitar), and Rob Biggers (drums). The band put together 13 songs for their debut release, Style No. 6312, on Deep Elm Records in 2000. While on Deep Elm Records, they were on a number of compilations, such as 'Deep Elm Records: Unreleased No. 2', 'Too Young To Die: Preventing Youth Suicide', and 'Emo Diaries No. 5'. They also released a split with the band Sorry About Dresden in 2000.
The White Octave left Deep Elm, and later released their sophomore album, Menergy, on the now defunct Initial Records in 2001. The band broke up when Stephen Pederson left North Carolina to move back to Omaha, where he later formed Criteria. Finn Cohen and Rob Biggers went on to form The Nein
South
The White Octave Lyrics
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The White Octave's "South" explores themes of independence, self-worth, and the struggle to break free from the expectations of others. The opening line, "Delayed like a caesarean baby," sets the tone for the song with a powerful metaphor that suggests the singer has been held back or restrained in some way. They feel trapped and "owned," unable to live their life on their terms.
The lyrics go on to describe the pressure of others' expectations on the singer ("reigned over like mignons and pupils") and their frustration with feeling like they can't breathe for themselves. The chorus serves as a rallying cry for the singer to break free, urging whoever or whatever is holding them back to show their hand so they can be proven a liar.
Line by Line Meaning
Delayed like a caesarean baby
I feel stuck and unable to progress, like a baby that was delayed in being born through surgery
I'm owned till I split from this shell
I feel trapped and dependent on someone else, but hope to break free from their hold
Reigned over like mignons and pupils
I am being controlled and treated like a subordinate, with no agency or power
I barely breathe for myself
I feel suffocated and unable to take control of my own life and decisions
So where are your engines
I question the source of someone's power and influence over me
Where are your servants
I question who is doing the bidding of the person in power over me
They've dethroned you with cold stares
The people in power over me are losing their grip on me, despite their attempts to intimidate me
And last and least it's your only invention
The person in power has only one tool to control me, and it's losing effectiveness
But your creation has gone stale
Their tool to control me is no longer effective and has become useless
Show me you defuse
I challenge the person trying to control me to de-escalate the situation
And I'll break you down with light
If they de-escalate the situation, I will reciprocate with honesty and openness
You can't sell your own worth back to me
You cannot manipulate me to believe that you are worth more than me
But you tell me you're confused
The person in power is trying to throw me off balance by feigning confusion
And I prove it is a lie
I see through their manipulation and will not be fooled by their act of confusion
Hurray it's your own bastille day
I celebrate my own emancipation from the person in power over me
Freedom rings in my ears like the band
I feel liberated and free, as if music is playing in my ears
Weight transfers quickly from my hands
The burden and responsibility of my own life is now mine to bear, and it feels lighter as the control of the other person fades away
And the shoulders I lean upon
I am no longer dependent on others for support, but can rely on my own strength
Show me your confused
I challenge the person in power to be honest about their intentions and feelings
And I'll prove it is a lie
I will see through their attempt to manipulate me with confusion
You can't sell your prideless self this time
You cannot manipulate me into thinking that you have any power or influence over me
Show me your defused
I challenge the person in power to de-escalate the situation and relinquish their control
And I'll prove it is a lie
I will see through their attempt to manipulate me with a false sense of calm
You can't sell your own worth back to me
You cannot manipulate me to believe that you are worth more than me
Contributed by Camilla C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Anna Fitzgerald
God, I used to wait for them to play this song when I would see them at Go Studios and be smiling ear to ear when they did...Freakin went to see them every chance I got. Thanks for posting this & giving me back moments in time.
lunarvision
Same. They were a great, underrated band.
robtwild
this is such a great song...!
fockingclassy
Holy Shit!!!!! I cant believe this is FINALLY posted! Ive been looking for a copy of this song for fucking YEARS!!!!! Thanks, youve made my week dude!!!!!
fancyhandles22
Love this.. Everything about it
Jason Mehaffey
Wear your heart on your pants....... I love and miss you Dudes.
pablo metalero
epic
Jesse Hampton
why is it the best bands are always the most under rated? oh that's right i remember now. most people dont think for themselves and prefer spoon fed garbage.