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.
Ghost To Me
Youth Lagoon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
by your mother and your fathers bed
your father grins as he hears what you said
to me in the park on the blanket
home is where i call the ghost my own
that haunts the basement where i sleep alone
its seen the burns on my skin showing bones
wandering back from campus half asleep
across the bridge leading to your keep
every minute is a memory
you dont exist youre just a ghost to me
(badass instrumental)
The lyrics of Youth Lagoon's song "Ghost to Me" convey a sense of isolation and detachment from reality. The first verse describes a scene where the singer follows a group of shadowy figures to a bedroom where the mother and father are present. The father, seemingly amused by something the singer said, grins. The singer then talks about a ghost that haunts the basement where they sleep alone, and how it has seen the burns on their skin and asks why they still sleep with the phone. These lyrics hint towards a history of abuse or trauma, and the ghost represents the singer's inner demons that they must confront and live with.
The second verse adds a sense of nostalgia to the lyrics, with the singer describing a memory of walking back from campus, half-asleep, and crossing a bridge to their lover's place. Every minute is a memory, but the lover is described as a ghost - someone who no longer exists in the present. This could be due to a recent breakup, or perhaps the singer feels like they were never really there with them to begin with.
Overall, the lyrics of "Ghost to Me" evoke a sense of loneliness, sadness, and trauma. The singer seems to be haunted by their past and unable to fully connect with those around them, including their former lover.
Line by Line Meaning
Follow me a sea of silhouettes
Come along with me into a crowd of dark, elusive figures.
by your mother and your fathers bed
We are near your parents' resting place.
your father grins as he hears what you said
Your dad is pleased with something you told me about.
to me in the park on the blanket
You whispered something to me in the outdoors, while we sat on a spread-out cover.
home is where i call the ghost my own
I consider the evil spirit that inhabits my basement to be my property.
that haunts the basement where i sleep alone
It persists in the subterranean chamber where I slumber by myself.
its seen the burns on my skin showing bones
It has witnessed the wounds on my flesh that reveal my skeletal system.
and asks me why i still sleep with my phone
It wonders why I continue to slumber next to my cellular device.
wandering back from campus half asleep
Drifting back from school, I am only partially conscious.
across the bridge leading to your keep
Crossing the bridge that takes me to your fortress.
every minute is a memory
Each second is an unforgettable recollection.
you dont exist youre just a ghost to me
To me, you're not even alive; you're a mere apparition.
Writer(s): Trevor Powers Copyright: Trevor Powers Publishing
Contributed by Riley O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
ruffsnap
You know those goosebumps you get when you're hearing some of the best music you've ever heard before, or a favorite song? Yeah, I have them now lol
ruffsnap
This song seriously needs more attention, and needs to reach a broader audience. This is easily one of the greatest songs I've ever heard, no lie.
Athena Short
that little bit of music at the very end is like a little music box you found in your mothers closet. it just feels like home.
Automne
The child who are inside us haven't faded away. He got lost in this adult world where life is so serious. Imagine yourself in front of you when you were a child and hug you, find yourself and love life for all that you can always make of it. No longer look at the past because it no longer exists, do not look at the future because it has not yet happened. Love yourself and make your life a dream of love or whatever you wish comes true.
Take care of yourself, i love you all ❤️
Tim Bojan
I've never listened to a whole album and enjoy each and every song for what it is. This is amazing, and this song feels like a warm hug. I'm glad I came across this album.
- tim.
NerfMan4342
I love this album. Its peaceful and makes you think. Music is helping me through this rough stage in life. So damn beautiful. Thanks Youth Lagoon
FluXez00
im so alone and i feel so alone and this song lays it on thick. it doesnt help that this song fits well with the fall weather. 😔
Nat Dilling
Your not alone buddy im thinking of you, just know it always gets better
is that wade
im with you also i hate being alone and i always want someone, just anyone, and i hope things get better for you friend
NO
Are you still alone? I can't know if it will help you, buddy, but we're all under the same sky... (quote from one of my favourite dramas) 🌑🌌☁