epsilon-blue emerged in 1997 and has since become one of New Zealand's prem… Read Full Bio ↴epsilon-blue emerged in 1997 and has since become one of New Zealand's premier electronic dance acts and one of this countries most recorded electronic artists.

epsilon-blue, named after a stellar constellation, released their debut album 'waterland' (1998) on Auckland based label Kog Transmissions. The album, which has overtones of techno, trance and dub, was received warmly by critics, b-net stations and a nation of dancers. The track 'one in a million' went on to be a number 1 b-net track and was also made into a stunning music video.

Touring New Zealand many times, epsilon-blue has supported Salmonella Dub and Pitch Black, and supported American artist Moby on his first Auckland appearance at the Powerstation in 1999 and Faithless on their recent NZ visit.

The second album 'we have a responsibility to our shareholders' was released February 2002, also on Kog.

Understanding
epsilon-blue Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I live on this rock
Where the grass don't grow
And talk is cheap well I ought to know
And I'm not proud of this world we've made
Still it's a part of you and me
And we're the only ones who can
Make it change

Many have tried
In many ways
All I see are longer rows of crosses on the
Soldiers' graves
So do what you have to
And when it's all been said
Love and understanding are the best answers
I've heard yet
I've heard yet

Yea so tell me what's the price of our achievements
What's the cost of our pride
When our obvious brutality
Is lost before our eyes
So we choke down the pills
So that you don't have to bother
Trading one hypnotic state for another

Many have tried
In many ways
All I see are longer rows of crosses on the
Soldiers' graves
So do what you have to
And when it's all been said
Love and understanding are the best answers
I've heard yet
So do what you have to
And when it's all been said
Love and understanding are the best answers

I've heard yet
I've heard yet

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Understanding" by epsilon-blue delve into themes of introspection, societal critique, and the quest for love and understanding in a world marred by conflict and indifference. The opening lines, "I live on this rock / Where the grass don't grow / And talk is cheap well I ought to know," paint a stark picture of a desolate and barren existence, where communication is facile and insincere. This imagery sets the tone for a reflection on the shortcomings and failures of humanity in creating a meaningful and compassionate world.

The mention of "longer rows of crosses on the Soldiers' graves" serves as a somber reminder of the toll of war and violence, highlighting the futility of past attempts to bring about lasting change. Despite this bleak reality, the lyrics advocate for love and understanding as transformative forces that have the power to mend the brokenness of the world. The repetition of the refrain, "Love and understanding are the best answers I've heard yet," underscores the belief in these virtues as essential components for healing and progress.

The lyrics also touch upon the destructive nature of pride and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The questioning of the price of achievements and the cost of pride exposes the moral dilemmas and ethical compromises that come with pursuing success at any cost. The acknowledgement of humanity's inherent brutality and the numbing effects of escapism through pills reflect a critical stance on the ways in which society often chooses to ignore or numb itself to harsh realities.

In conclusion, "Understanding" by epsilon-blue sends a powerful message about the importance of empathy, compassion, and self-reflection in navigating a world fraught with challenges and conflicts. The song challenges listeners to look beyond superficial solutions and confront the complexities of human nature with a spirit of love and understanding. Through its poignant lyrics and introspective musings, the song urges individuals to strive for a more compassionate and empathetic world, where love and understanding can be catalysts for positive change and genuine connection.

Line by Line Meaning

I live on this rock
I exist on this planet Earth

Where the grass don't grow
In a place where growth and vitality are lacking

And talk is cheap well I ought to know
I understand that words alone hold little value

And I'm not proud of this world we've made
I am ashamed of the society we have created

Still it's a part of you and me
However, it is intertwined with our identities

And we're the only ones who can
We have the power to make a change

Make it change
Bring about a transformation

Many have tried
Numerous attempts have been made

In many ways
Using various methods

All I see are longer rows of crosses on the
What I witness are extended lines of crosses marking

Soldiers' graves
The burial sites of fallen soldiers