The band signed with Rise Records and released the studio albums Empire Theory (2009) and Dreamhouse (2010), and independently went on to release their third album Young and Courageous in 2014 and their fourth album Everything Nothing in 2018.
Create Couldn't Keep Up
Tides of Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Keep your head down)
Think of all the things
They told you he did that were so wrong
This last ounce of love is what kept you so inspired (While they flocked)
You kept your wings outstretched with miles for you to look down
You lost yourself along the way
Gave into temptation
You try so hard to keep to
So sure that Heaven will open its gates
And inside you'll have your own estate
Where you'll own all the others
Who were too scared to live for themselves
So shake off the chills, just don't look into his eyes (Keep your head down)
Think of all the things
They told you he did that were so wrong
This last ounce of love is what kept you so inspired (While they flocked)
You kept your wings outstretched for miles and miles
Snow falls soft
And the sweetest sound it makes
Stolen goods tainted by the spit of a third
Watch his life fall to pieces
He'll never see through eyes again
Watch his life fall to pieces
Snow falls soft
And the sweetest sound it makes
But your temporary peace of mind won't last long
Forgive and forget through tears and sweat
Stolen goods tainted by the spit of a third
The first verse of "Create" by Tides of Man is a contemplative reflection on the nature of inspiration and sacrifice. The opening line, "Shake off the chills, just don't look into his eyes," can be interpreted as a warning against being too influenced or seduced by someone else's perspective, even if it is a powerful or charismatic figure. The following lines, "Think of all the things they told you he did that were so wrong / This last ounce of love is what kept you so inspired," suggest that the singer has been spurred on by a sense of loyalty or admiration towards someone, despite their flaws or crimes. The image of keeping "wings outstretched" and losing oneself along the way may indicate that the pursuit of this inspiration has been both freeing and limiting, leading to a kind of spiritual enslavement based on false values and ideals.
The chorus then intensifies this theme, with the repetition of "Shake off the chills, just don't look into his eyes" and the reminder of "all the things they told you he did that were so wrong." The verse ends with a snide remark about how those who were "too scared to live for themselves" will be overpowered by the singer's own success and power in the afterlife. The second verse takes a darker turn, with the lines "Stolen goods tainted by the spit of a third / Watch his life fall to pieces / He'll never see through eyes again." This may suggest that the trust or faith that the singer placed in their inspiration was misplaced or twisted, leading to destructive or tragic consequences. The final lines, "Snow falls soft / And the sweetest sound it makes / But your temporary peace of mind won't last long / Forgive and forget through tears and sweat / Stolen goods tainted by the spit of a third," bring together the themes of fragility, beauty, and corruption, suggesting that even as the singer tries to move on or reconcile with their past mistakes, they may still be haunted by the echoes of their own flawed and tainted inspiration.
Line by Line Meaning
Shake off the chills, just don't look into his eyes
Don't confront the things that frighten you, focus on survival
(Keep your head down)
Stay quiet and avoid retaliation
Think of all the things
Reflect on the harmful actions that have been taken
They told you he did that were so wrong
Take into consideration the warnings and accusations against those who have wronged you
This last ounce of love is what kept you so inspired (While they flocked)
Despite being rejected, keep seeking love and inspiration
You kept your wings outstretched with miles for you to look down
Spread your metaphorical wings and explore the world around you
You lost yourself along the way
You've become disconnected from your true self
Gave into temptation
Indulge in actions that are easier or more fun despite potential consequences
Enslaved by a false list of values
Trapped by beliefs that aren't true to who you are
You try so hard to keep to
You put forth a lot of effort to uphold these values
So sure that Heaven will open its gates
Belief that good actions will be rewarded after death
And inside you'll have your own estate
The hope of receiving a personally owned domain in the afterlife
Where you'll own all the others
The idea of controlling others even in the afterlife
Who were too scared to live for themselves
Belief that some people lack courage to live a true, authentic life
Snow falls soft
Observation of gentle precipitation
And the sweetest sound it makes
Describing the peaceful, gentle noise of winter weather
Stolen goods tainted by the spit of a third
Belongings taken by the influence or actions of someone else
Watch his life fall to pieces
Observing someone's life completely falling apart
He'll never see through eyes again
Someone will never be able to see the world in the same way again
Forgive and forget through tears and sweat
Let go of anger and move on through emotional turmoil
But your temporary peace of mind won't last long
Momentary relief will eventually come to an end
You kept your wings outstretched for miles and miles
Continued to explore and fly despite hardships
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kayla Pickles
I can't believe this band broke off, as alway's the best of music never seems to be recognized or observed in a higher light. This should have much more views.
V0R
Well you know what? Most mainstream garbage people end up selling either souls (literally) and selling out to the sick music industry. I'm glad they didn't accept an offer if they got one.
Sigh. I spoke too soon. Their merch has the all seeing eye and the owl on it
*cry
FreeHat7
@V0R I'm glad to see that Tilian went to a band that I think he vibes with, Dance Gavin Dance. Their more recent song Blood Wolf directly talks about how much they hate the music industry.
V0R
@FreeHat7 No way? Right on! I'll have to check them out. Thanks for letting me know!
V0R
@FreeHat7 Yeah it's really good! Excited to hear the rest. GG On escaping out of the industry! Not easy but the best decision you'll ever make for yourselves. Don't let their fear porn tactics get to you.
V0R
@FreeHat7 Yeah I've been getting caught up with DGD. So good! Thanks for showing me lol I was heartbroken. I love crazy guy 🤣
Gavin Rammic
I walked into a store and asked an employee to recommend an album for me. This is the album. 10/10 2012
Arctic Knight
Do you remember which store? I really want to buy this CD but its damn near impossible to find
London Plum
definitely their best song in my opinion
Local Band Smokeout
agreed!