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.
Montana
Youth Lagoon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With black leggings, I've never seen your face so white
Your honesty was killing me
The monsters in the room were all dancing to the music all around us
A door is always open if it isn't closed
And a plant is said to be dead if it doesn't grow
I will grow
There's a spirit in Montana and in your chest, a soul
Oh, what a soul
I tried to be the middle-man between you and this list
I couldn't move as the footsteps neared closer to me from the monsters that feed
I swore that I wouldn't bleed
I won't bleed
There's a spirit in Montana and in your chest
A note that rings like the bells of cathedrals rung by the village scapegoat
As I walked slowly down your driveway to my car
I looked back and turned into salt
A pillar with a hat
The lyrics to Youth Lagoon's song "Montana" paint a vivid picture of a surreal and intense moment between two people. The first verse describes the singer's companion wearing a hoodless sweatshirt and black leggings, looking pale and vulnerable in their bed. The singer is overwhelmed by their companion's honesty, which seems to reveal hidden monsters in the room that dance to the music around them. The second verse offers a metaphorical reflection on growth and stagnation, emphasizing the importance of keeping doors open and nurturing growth in oneself. The chorus brings together the spirit of Montana with the soul in the companion's chest, which is described as ringing like the bells of a cathedral. The singer describes trying to be a middleman between their companion and a list, but is interrupted by approaching footsteps from the monsters in the room. The singer vows not to bleed before the chorus repeats, emphasizing the powerful connection between the soul and the spirit of Montana. The final lines describe the singer leaving, but then turning into salt like Lot's wife in the biblical story.
Through the vivid imagery and metaphors, "Montana" seems to explore themes of vulnerability, growth, and spiritual connection. The monsters in the room and the turning into salt add a surreal and mysterious quality to the song's meaning, leaving room for interpretation and speculation.
Line by Line Meaning
You wore a hoodless sweatshirt on your bed that night
You wore casual clothing while lying on your bed on that particular night
With black leggings, I've never seen your face so white
Your face looked extremely pale in contrast to the black leggings you were wearing
Your honesty was killing me
Your sincere and truthful words were overwhelming me emotionally
The monsters in the room were all dancing to the music all around us
All the negative thoughts and feelings in the room seemed to be amplified and encouraged by the music
A door is always open if it isn't closed
Opportunities are always available unless they are specifically blocked or prevented
And a plant is said to be dead if it doesn't grow
A plant cannot be considered alive if it does not show signs of growth and vitality
I'll grow
I will strive to develop and improve myself
I will grow
I am committed to personal growth and development
There's a spirit in Montana and in your chest, a soul
Both Montana and you possess an intangible essence - the soul that animates a living being
Oh, what a soul
The soul that you carry within is of great significance and importance
I tried to be the middle-man between you and this list
I attempted to mediate or facilitate communication between you and a set of instructions or guidelines
I couldn't move as the footsteps neared closer to me from the monsters that feed
Overpowered by fear or anxiety, I was unable to act as footsteps drew near from the creatures that thrive on negative emotions
I swore that I wouldn't bleed
I promised myself that I would not allow myself to suffer and be hurt emotionally
I won't bleed
I will maintain my emotional strength against any potential pain or hurt
A note that rings like the bells of cathedrals rung by the village scapegoat
A message or statement that resonates powerfully and echoes through its environment like the pealing of a church bell sounded by the person blamed for societal misfortunes
As I walked slowly down your driveway to my car
I gradually made my way to my vehicle parked at the end of your driveway
I looked back and turned into salt
As I turned my head to glance behind me, my gaze and thoughts became fixed and unable to move forward
A pillar with a hat
An image or representation of a stationary, prominent structure topped with a head covering
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: TREVOR POWERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MattG1027
Turned 40 today and something made me come here to play this right before I head to my birthday dinner with my family. Who tf wants to cry on their birthday? Guess I'll be giving both my parents an extra big hug tonight. I still remember seeing Trevor play this album at a tiny club in DC the night he got his Best New Music review from Pitchfork. Good times. :)
@mr.goodboi2780
Much like the artist's words, Youth Lagoon is a place you inhabit, it's not the normal musical project. Unlike Trevor though, who no longer wants to continue the Youth Lagoon theme, this music is always a place I'll come to and wish to inhabit. I love the atmosphere he brings here, and will always remain some of the most inspiring content to me in my life. I wish him luck on his next venture, but I'll never forget these beautiful tracks.
Edit 5 years later: Still feel the same. Glad he's made a new one.
@j00066
Youth lagoon is back !:)
@MudMargera
@@j00066new album is excellent
@calebdavis6166
youth lagoon is BACK and producing NEW RECORDS! Don't talk shit you dont know what you're fucking SAYING!!!!
@marissamcphaul8382
I discovered this video 4 years ago, and I still cry every time I watch
@bradkovach
This video is a triumph in visual storytelling. It gets me every time. 😢
@yerlindiaz2046
Miss you every day, YL
@jessicad2999
I have never seen a music video where the introverted protagonist goes to the woods to heal and process grief. So powerful 🙏
@calebdavis6166
r u being sarcastic because thats actually an extremely common trope