With keen pop sensibilities, a skewed sense of humour and a willingness to draw inspiration from diverse sources (notably punk rock), Therapy? came to attention in the early 1990s rise of alternative rock, but have endured for more than a decade since; Critic Johnny Loftus writes, "After a ten-plus year career that has seen them outlast competitors and outwit industry attempts at categorization, Therapy? are still headbangers with their thinking caps screwed on tight."
Current line-up :
Andy Cairns (guitar, vocals) (1989 - )
Michael McKeegan (bass guitar, backing vocals) (1989 - )
Neil Cooper (drums) (2003 - )
Past members:
Fyfe Ewing (drums) (1989 - 1996)
Martin McCarrick (cello, guitar, backing vocals) (1996 - 2004)
Graham Hopkins (drums) (1996 - 2001)
Discography:
-Hard Cold Fire (2023)
-Cleave (2018)
-Disquiet (2015)
-A Brief Crack of Light (2012)
-Crooked Timber (2009)
-One Cure Fits All (2006)
-Never Apologise Never Explain (2004)
-High Anxiety (2003)
-Shameless (2001)
-So Much For The Ten Year Plan - A Retrospective 1990-2000 (2000)
-Suicide Pact - You First (1999)
-Semi-Detached (1998)
-Infernal Love (1995)
-Troublegum (1994)
-Face the Strange E.P. (1993)
-Shortsharpshock E.P. (1993)
-Nurse (1992)
-Pleasure Death (1992)
-Babyteeth (1991)
Northern Ireland, 1989.
Six Mile Water
Therapy? Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On the nights we got drunk to each other
You know me, I used to have some wit
It ended up in a shit filled sandpit
We come from across the border
We drink the six mile water
This mongrel needs a new home
This mongrel needs a new home
That time when things got better
We'd take trips across the wire
Like the night we took mad acid
Swore we saw the city hall on fire
We come from across the border
We drink the six mile water
This mongrel needs a new home
This mongrel needs a new home
I'm sorry
I'm sorry
I'm sorry
But I'm not ready for home
Bukowski day, I'm gonna miss it
We'd get together each month for a day
All the memories I have are
Decked out in Presbyterian Gray
We came from across the border
We drank the six mile water
This mongrel needs a new home
This mongrel needs a new home
I'm sorry
I'm sorry
I'm sorry
But I'm not ready for home
Now, me and you don't talk of one another
It never really started out that way
I always meant to write you a letter
I always meant to call you some day
We came from across the water
We drank the six mile water
This mongrel needs a new home
This mongrel needs a new home
I'm sorry
I'm sorry
I'm sorry
But I'm not ready for home
I'm sorry
I'm sorry
I'm sorry
I'm sorry
The song "Six Mile Water" by Therapy? is a nostalgic reflection on a friendship that has fallen apart. The songs describe two friends who used to be like brothers, drinking together and taking trips across the border. However, their relationship deteriorated over time, and now they don't speak to each other anymore. The lyrics express regret for not maintaining the friendship and wishing for a new start. The title of the song, "Six Mile Water," refers to a river that runs through Northern Ireland, connecting the two sides of the political divide. The river is significant as it is symbolic of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The song describes a sense of loss and longing for a time when things were different. The singer expresses sorrow for the emptiness of their present state and their desire to leave and start afresh. This is reinforced by the repeated line, "This mongrel needs a new home." The singer seems to be seeking a new beginning or a fresh start, trying to move on from the past.
In conclusion, "Six Mile Water" is a poignant representation of the complexities of human relationships and how time, distance, and circumstance can lead to the deterioration of even the closest of friendships. The song is a reflection of the band's Northern Irish heritage and their own experiences of growing up in a politically divided society.
Line by Line Meaning
You and me used to be like brothers
We used to be extremely close and have a brotherly bond.
On the nights we got drunk to each other
On nights we drank together and got drunk, we were always there for each other.
You know me, I used to have some wit
I was known for my quick wit and humor.
It ended up in a shit filled sandpit
Unfortunately, things did not end well and the situation got messy.
We come from across the border
We are from different countries, but still shared a close bond and experiences.
We drink the six mile water
We used to drink from the river Six Mile Water, which holds nostalgic memories for us.
This mongrel needs a new home
I am feeling lost and uncertain about my place in the world.
That time when things got better
During a time when things were improving in our relationship and lives.
We'd take trips across the wire
Crossing a border or other obstacle together to explore and have fun.
Like the night we took mad acid
Recalling a specific night when we did drugs together.
Swore we saw the city hall on fire
We experienced an intense hallucination and believed we saw the city hall on fire.
Bukowski day, I'm gonna miss it
Referring to a special day when we would get together and reminisce about writer Charles Bukowski, whom we both admired.
All the memories I have are
My memories of the good times we had are all associated with a specific aspect, such as a certain location or group.
Decked out in Presbyterian Gray
The memories are old, traditional and somewhat rigid, as if they were dressed in the conservative clothing of Presbyterian worshipers.
Now, me and you don't talk of one another
Our relationship has deteriorated to the point where we no longer bring each other up in conversation.
It never really started out that way
Initially, we had a strong friendship that was not destined to end this way.
I always meant to write you a letter
I regret not keeping up with you and communicating more frequently.
I always meant to call you some day
I had intentions of reaching out to you, but never got around to it.
But I'm not ready for home
I am not yet ready to return to the place where I come from, whether it be a physical location or a state of mind.
I'm sorry
An apology for the way things have turned out and my role in the current state of our relationship.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW CAIRNS, GRAHAM HOPKINS, MARTIN MCCARRICK, MICHAEL ROBERT MCKEEGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind