Thee Oh Sees are no doubt the lightest of his excursions, but in contrast to the rest of his resume one could surmise that there are significant reasons for the change.
Thee Oh Sees have a lo-fi electric-acoustic sound that's usually soaked in reverb, making it as if you can hear and see the exact room they recorded in. It creates a very distinct mood that seems to fit their style, lyrics, and melodies.
What most people focus on is that Mr. Dwyer is in the band. While it's certainly a notable quality, the recent band members bring so much more to the table. The earliest recordings are Dwyer's solo recordings, mostly single instrument/vocal ditties that you can hear him working out. They're an intimate portrait of John, but without the recent material, the portrait would simply be incomplete.
Thee Oh Sees don't subscribe to any one style.
With the addition of Brigid Dawson, Petey Dammit, and a rotating cast of drummers, the sound has grown into the landscape that one man couldn't create alone. Brigid's soprano voice brings an almost hauntingly sensitive aspect to the lyrics and melodies, while Petey and Mike's pounding and insistent backline (and additional drums from Lars Finberg of The Intelligence on recent recordings) complete the frame in its entirety. Their energetic, sweat-laden shows coupled with their prolific recording schedule has garnered them a growing, dedicated fan base.
The catalog that this band has put together is growing and growing, albeit under several different monikers, and several different labels.
in 2017 it was announced that the band would change its name to simply 'Oh Sees'
in November of 2019, the band announced that they would be changing their name yet again to simply 'Osees'
Poison Finger
Thee Oh Sees Lyrics
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Fingers in the soil it could be you or me you see. hey
Blinders on the son are rather restless
People are your friends, it's a grand assumption to me. hey
The song Poison Finger by Thee Oh Sees invites its listeners to contemplate the fragility of life and the unpredictability of our mortal existence. As the lyrics suggest, we are all wriggling to life, but it is uncertain if we will thrive or perish in this world. Our fingers are in the soil, a subtle reminder of our physical connection to the earth, and how easily we can succumb to its powers. The lines "you could be you or me" underline that death does not discriminate, it can happen to anyone at any moment. Moreover, the "blinders on the sun" implies a sense of confusion or disorientation, possibly alluding to the human struggle to understand the meaning of life and death. The final line hints at the potential deceptiveness of our relationships with others, that in reality, true friendship may be a grand assumption.
In essence, Poison Finger reflects on the precariousness of our human existence, and reminds us to cherish life and those around us. The lyrics offer a perspective on mortality that is both haunting and sobering, showcasing Thee Oh Sees' ability to create evocative and thought-provoking songs.
Line by Line Meaning
Wriggling to life, it's a possibility
The potential of life exists but it requires effort and movement towards it.
Fingers in the soil it could be you or me you see. hey
The process of growth and success involves getting dirty, and anyone has the potential to achieve it.
Blinders on the son are rather restless
Ambition can lead to narrow focus and restlessness while striving towards a goal.
People are your friends, it's a grand assumption to me. hey
Trusting that everyone is a friend can be a naive and dangerous assumption.
Contributed by Audrey G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.