Merritt, who hails from Iowa City, had been putting together a band and sealed the deal to have Skylar, originally from Seattle, join him in creating TRAPDOOR SOCIAL while hanging backstage at a Death Cab for Cutie concert at The Greek Theater in Los Angeles. They are a powerhouse duo, playing off of each other’s very different personalities - Merritt’s darker, angst-driven creativity coupled with Skylar’s bright and dynamic performance. “There is a serious dark thing and a serious light thing happening in TRAPDOOR SOCIAL.” says Skylar. “Merritt derives creative energy out of stress and anxiety - his art thrives when he’s suffering. My way is bouncing, affectionate, super positive - I live to be on stage.”
The result is a lush, moody indie alt-pop experience where lyrics, melody and beat work intimately together to create a compelling and seductive melange.
TRAPDOOR SOCIAL makes its official debut with a six song EP Death Of A Friend,
due out October 2012. The songs were produced by Curt Schneider, with
Death Cab For Cutie drummer Jason McGerr playing on the tracks.
Video plays an important part of the creative process for TRAPDOOR SOCIAL. They are prolific, with outstanding clips for “Inertia” and “Death Of A Friend” released Summer 2012, and “Away” and “Like You Never” currently in production. "Video is another great canvas to paint on. It can connect the dots from different concepts in a very visceral way.” describes Merritt, who wrote, produced and performed in the video for “Inertia”. “As soon as the song is done, I immediately go to imagery.”
The songs on Death Of A Friend speak of love, emotion, introspection. “We want to eventually write an anthem for the renewable energy movement.” proclaims Skylar. “I had an epiphany when I saw the Harry Belafonte documentary ‘Sing Your Song’ while at the Sundance Film Fest last year. Harry was a star, but then also got into civil rights movement, using his clout to swing a big sword at those issues, dedicating the rest of this life to affect change. You can be a rock star and change the world - this is what I want to do. We have to become rock stars in order to get this message out, in order to get the work done that we want to get done.”
In the meantime, TRAPDOOR SOCIAL walks its talk, with continued involvement with green companies Farmscape and Agrisaurus, which Merritt helped create, and the development of an awareness campaign around solar and other renewable energy. “Life is about finding situations into which you can add love.” says Merritt. “I want to help get the message out that everyone should just do what they can!”.
TRAPDOOR SOCIAL inspires us with that message, loud and clear.
Great Lake
Trapdoor Social Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pressed against my window pane
And I don't mind if I make mistakes
The color of my life
On your knees before the throne you pray
To rid you of your vices
Or set you free to live your glory days
Just trading eyes for eyes, eyes
Ooh
Sunrise over great lake
The lonely shore lies frozen in place
And I can't tow all this dead weight
Troubles on my mind
And I feel this is a golden age
For reasons I can't quantify
But life breeds on yet another day
Behold the highest right
Ooh
Yeah
Ooh
The first verse of Trapdoor Social's song "Great Lake" talks about a sunrise over the great lake, pressed against the window pane. The singer doesn't mind making mistakes because the color of their life is reflected in the beauty of this natural wonder. The second line brings in a sense of spirituality as the singer mentions praying before the throne to rid oneself of vices or to be set free for glory days. However, the line "just trading eyes for eyes" could refer to a sense of disillusionment with religion or perhaps the realization that prayer is not enough to solve your problems.
Moving on to the second verse, the sunrise over the great lake is viewed from the lonely shore that lies frozen in place. The weight of the troubles on the singer's mind is too much to bear, as mentioned in the line "And I can't tow all this dead weight." Despite this, the singer feels like they're in a "golden age" for reasons they can't explain. However, life goes on and another day is born, bringing with it the potential for greatness or "the highest right." Overall, the song reflects on the beauty of nature, spirituality, and the struggles and potential of the human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Sunrise over great lake
The sun is rising over a large lake.
Pressed against my window pane
The singer is seeing the sunrise from inside, with their face or hands against a window.
And I don't mind if I make mistakes
The singer is not worried about making mistakes in life, as they are part of the journey.
The color of my life
The artist is reflecting on the colorful experiences they have had in life.
On your knees before the throne you pray
Someone is praying on their knees before a figurative 'throne'.
To rid you of your vices
The person is seeking help to rid themselves of bad habits or addictions.
Or set you free to live your glory days
The person is also seeking help to overcome obstacles and live the best version of their life.
Just trading eyes for eyes, eyes
An ambiguous line. Could mean exchanging looks or avoiding the truth, depending on interpretation.
The lonely shore lies frozen in place
The shore of the lake is empty and still, with no signs of life.
And I can't tow all this dead weight
The artist is struggling with emotional burdens they cannot seem to shake off.
Troubles on my mind
The singer is worried and preoccupied with their problems.
And I feel this is a golden age
Despite their troubles, the artist views their current time as special and valuable.
For reasons I can't quantify
The singer cannot pinpoint the exact reasons for feeling this way about their current time in life.
But life breeds on yet another day
Life continues on, with each passing day bringing new experiences and opportunities.
Behold the highest right
An ambiguous line. Could be a call to admire or worship something, or to rise up and fight for a just cause.
Contributed by Aaliyah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Just Another Artist
I love Trapdoor Social so so much!!! This is my favorite song of their so far! Another good one is Sunshine!
Mitch F
I LOVE YOU GUYS! You've gotten me through so many hard times. Keep up the great work!
Windyxxoo Manning
OMG this song is so beautiful it takes my breath away completely. What an,amazing band! Thank u kindly for sharing your music with everyone!!!
Jethrow Magadanz
Saw the ad. Now I love this song and have a new band in my library. Good stuff.
Bethany Tea
I can't get over the shots and editing on this video. If it had been had been done any other way, it would have looked so creepy, but it came out so beautifully. ❤
JACK WHITE INC.
One of the most beautiful songs I have ever Heard...my God this describes VIRGOS so perfectly.... Masterful work
megan cowden
Love it keep up the good work you're really great 👍🏻
Ace Overton
I will admit that I was introduced to this songs as an Youtube Ad, and then I had to go and look it up. It is a very comforting song. I was not disappointed
lorenzo molina
I love it
Robert Micciulla
Saw you guys in DC last month. What a fun show! Also from Colorado so wishing you the best.