Interpretations-
Live has always been a straightforward band, never shying away from songs delivering powerful emotional messages. Musicians and music fans respect Live for their unique, modern rock sound, but also for their dedication to creating deep, thought provoking pieces of music. Live’s abilities to produce such music has been virtually unparalleled by any other modern artists. Unlike their counterparts, Live refuses to pander to the short attention spans of popular listeners. The recent mainstream success of Live’s albums have not hindered their style, though. Here, I have compiled all of Live’s songs from their studio albums, and wrote a short synopsis of what the song means to me. Keep in mind: the true beauty of music is finding your own meanings. Therefore, a song can have many meanings, depending on one’s opinion. I would ask that you respect my opinions of the songs. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to leave a message or correction on the bulletin board.
Throwing Copper (1994) – Regarded by many as one of the greatest albums of all-time, Throwing Copper remains strong from start to finish. The album strays from the funky grooves of Mental Jewelry, focusing more on an edgy sound with many crescendos.
The Dam at Otter Creek-
This song is about the fear of guilt. The story being told seems to be of a tragic event ultimately leading to a man’s death. The man’s body is placed in the creek, but the body forms a “dam” which backs up the water. This can be a metaphor for the haunting memory of the ordeal that remains. The “dam” will never go away, it will only continue to overflow.
Selling the Drama-
Maybe I’m out on a limb with this one, but I think this song is about falling into a false sense of security based on the words of a preacher, or another vessel of worship. “To love a god, to fear a flame, and to burn a crowd that has a name…” This line describes how love of something mysterious can turn into fear. And the “crowd that has a name” is organized religion, or at least the hordes of worshippers “burned” by unholy evangelists.
I Alone
This one is not very easily understandable, probably why it is so great. It seems to be about the betrayal of a person who has loved without boundaries.
Iris-
The title refers to the iris of one’s eye. The song seems to be about an emotionally abusive relationship.
Lightning Crashes-
One of Live’s most successful singles, and for good reason. The song, dedicated to Barbara Lewis (1973-1993), tells the tale of a young mother dying during child birth. As a new mother is given life, an old one loses it. Ed uses the line “pale blue colored iris, presents the circle” to compare the infinity of the circular shaped eye as a metaphor for life’s continuity. The song may be melancholy, yet it is also uplifting as it musically builds to a climactic crescendo.
Top-
Top is about the realization of untruth. It’s the moment that one finds they have become a pawn in someone’s game.
All Over You-
One of the first genuine stabs at a rock ballad, featuring an amazing bridge.
Shit Towne-
Shit Towne is a perfect example of Live lashing out at their hometown, and other similar towns. The band has mentioned numerous times that York, PA is a cultural void. This song paints the picture of their disgust and utter aggravation as they lament, "gotta live in shit town." Regrettably, the theme of this song is one that many can relate.
T.B.D.-
For those wondering, the title stands for Tibetan Book of the Dead. The lyrics, supposedly, are about one man’s hallucinations prior to his death.
Stage-
Stage takes a look into the life of a “rock and roll messiah.” In a way, this song demonstrates that a musician is not necessarily a flawless person.
Waitress-
This song uses the unenviable occupation, waiting, to illustrate a scene. Waitresses are usually under-appreciated and underpaid, but worthy of honest pay. A play on words is utilized to pose a metaphor – “…everybody’s good enough for some change.” In this context, change can mean currency, as well as modification of life.
Pillar of Davidson-
This one seems to be about losing control of one’s life. The first verse suggests prostitution, the second suggests drug dealing, and the last verse suggests loneliness.
White, Discussion-
This song seems to go hand-in-hand with Beauty of Gray, yet it seems to proclaim a more powerful call to action. It’s clearly about disagreement, but stresses that in the end the past has been done and cannot be changed.
Horse- (unlisted song)
Live takes a stab at a country song, complete with slide guitar and a catchy chorus. This one is another pseudo-ballad.
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Mental Jewelry Interpretations
Secret Samadhi Interpretations
The Distance to Here Interpretations
