Under the moniker Youth Lagoon, Powers has unveiled a trilogy of studio albums, each offering a distinct introspective journey into his personal hopes and fears. His inaugural creation, "The Year of Hibernation," exposes the intricacies of anxiety and psychological dysphoria. This debut album serves as a candid portrayal of the labyrinthine corridors of the mind, providing listeners with a unique window into Powers' innermost sentiments.
Powers' sophomore release, "Wondrous Bughouse," ventures into the realm where the physical and spiritual intersect. Here, Youth Lagoon's music metamorphoses into an otherworldly landscape, a sonorous exploration mirroring the complex interplay between tangible reality and ethereal dimensions.
In a departure from his earlier themes, "Savage Hills Ballroom," the conclusive chapter of Youth Lagoon's trilogy, embraces discomfort rather than evading it. This album germinated from Powers' nocturnal explorations through the suburbs of Idaho, reflecting society's tendency to present flawless facades. "Savage Hills Ballroom" showcases a musical and visual evolution, born from an unflinching engagement with one's vulnerabilities and blemishes. The album captures Powers' realization that genuine human connection thrives not in perfection, but in the shared experience of imperfection.
Powers' decision to draw the curtains on the Youth Lagoon project in early 2016 marked a pivotal juncture in his artistic odyssey. He characterized the trilogy as a journey through an isolated and solitary spectrum, a terrain he had outgrown. This denouement signaled Powers' yearning to explore new creative vistas beyond the confines of his past work.
The trajectory of this evolution gains poignancy when juxtaposed with a personal tragedy. While touring Europe, Powers received the shattering news of a dear friend's drowning in a local river. This heartbreaking incident catalyzed a profound shift in Powers' songwriting approach. He came to recognize the intricate threads that bind humanity and the uniqueness found within flaws. This awakening infused "Savage Hills Ballroom" with a renewed perspective, giving birth to an album that encapsulates the beauty emerging from embracing vulnerabilities.
The collaboration with co-producer/engineer Ali Chant for "Savage Hills Ballroom" prompted Powers to cross continents, relocating to Bristol, UK. The album's creation unfolded meticulously within Toybox Studios, a subterranean recording haven housed in a vaulted Georgian basement. This transformative experience in an unfamiliar land fueled the evolution of Youth Lagoon's sonic identity and creative vision.
Dropla
Youth Lagoon Lyrics
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You'll never die x6
The lyrics to Youth Lagoon's song Dropla convey a powerful message about the inevitability of mortality and the confusion and fear that comes with it. The repetition of "da da doo doo" adds to the surreal and dream-like quality of the song, as though the singer is trying to make sense of their own mortality through a nonsensical mantra. The repeated phrase "you'll never die" can be interpreted in a few possible ways - either as a reassurance to oneself, a denial of the reality of death, or a desperate plea for immortality.
Throughout the song, there are references to drowning, sinking, and being pulled under, which can be seen as metaphors for death or for feeling overwhelmed and trapped by life. The chorus includes the line "I know that you're afraid to die", which acknowledges the universal fear of death, but also implies a sense of comfort or understanding between the singer and the listener. Ultimately, the song is a poignant and introspective reflection on the human experience of mortality and the uncertainty and fear that it brings.
Line by Line Meaning
Da da doo doo
The opening line of the song has no direct meaning, as it's just a nonsensical phrase used as a vocalization.
You'll never die x6
The repetition of this phrase indicates a fear of mortality and the desire for immortality or the sense of being immortal. It could also refer to the idea that our legacy or memory will live on even after our physical death.
Contributed by Callie O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Neo Proxy
Eternal cave, one made of drapes
They hand you perfume from your personal maid
Whose scrubs make her arms look too big for her frame
For the life of me I can't remember her name
I'm praying to speak, accept my song
And most use prayers to keep a good health
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
I live in a fog, one that's fore made
While my physical body is turning in my grave
The spirit's forgiven, building in your brain
But I doesn't know how!
I reach my arm across the bed and hold your hand
The angel of state can't wait to seize all your land
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You weren't there when I needed
You are gone, you're going under
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die
Poorly Disguised Alien
youth lagoon is what you listen to at 3am in the dark and just let it soak in
Maria Delgado
Poorly Disguised Alien
Preach!
Anna Miller
It is 3 AM here, searched for the song after watching Aoki’s documentary.
Poorly Disguised Alien
@Anna Miller cheers, it's 3am here for me now, too, and i just settled into bed. Now, thanks to your notification, i think I'll listen to this and fall asleep 💤
Miriam Cortez
In a recent interview with pitchfork magazine, Trevor Powers expressed his fears and anxieties of dying while making the album. Trevor Powers will never die because he's induced his fans in unique ways and he'll always be an inspiration to us.
Neo Proxy
Eternal cave, one made of drapes
They hand you perfume from your personal maid
Whose scrubs make her arms look too big for her frame
For the life of me I can't remember her name
I'm praying to speak, accept my song
And most use prayers to keep a good health
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
I live in a fog, one that's fore made
While my physical body is turning in my grave
The spirit's forgiven, building in your brain
But I doesn't know how!
I reach my arm across the bed and hold your hand
The angel of state can't wait to seize all your land
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You weren't there when I needed
You are gone, you're going under
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die, you will never die
You will never die
Scott Hall
This album was 10X better than what I thought it'd be. I'm impressed impressed impressed & I will be listening to it all summer
lilly westmore
"You weren't there, when I needed. You are gone. You're going under. You'll never die." - Trevor Powers (a beautiful human being)
Saif Khan Chishty
So great is emotional effect of the vocals here that "You'll Never Die" simultaneously becomes a declaration and a plea.
seagloss
Saif Khan Chishty i read this comment about two years ago and i cannot stop thinking about it. whenever i hear this song i think "declaration and plea", thank you sir