This makes me feel like I do when listening to Leonard Cohen. It doesn't sound like him nor does it remind me of him, the feeling I get from listening to Swans is how I feel when listening to LC. it's like arriving at the same destination via two different journeys.
Somebody should write an analysis of Giras writing style. Swans lyrics are always one half transcendent and one half dark egoism. It's like recognizing the power of the divine but taking the side of the material. and the music just FLIES
Love will save you when the ocean splits itself in two
Love will save you when the cold wind blows right through you
Love will save you when the poison eats the precious air
And love will save you from the snake that crawls around down there
But it won't save me
Love will save you from the evil and the greed of ignorant men
And love will save you from the guilt you feel when you
betray your only friend
Love will save you from yourself when you lose control
And love will save you from all the lies your lover ever told you
But it won't save me
Love will save you from the truth when you think you're free
Love will save you from the cold light of boring reality
Love will save you from the corruption of your lazy-minded soul
And love will save you from your selfish and distorted goals
But it won't save me
Love will save you from the black night and the lightning and the ghost
Love will save you from your misery, then tie you to the bloody post
Love will save you from the hands that pull you down beneath the sea
Love may save all you people, but it will never, never save me
Anyone listening that never had to choke back a tear when the piano breaks through the driving, relentless rhythm isn't human. Michael Gira breaks your soul apart with the piano accompaniment (?) in this one.
White Light from the Mouth of Infinity and Love of Life both 'saved' me literally from depression in the early 90s - and helped me to become the mystic i feel i am today. the paradox ov Michaels harsh reality and Buddhist-like lyrics & Jarboes otherworldly voice and the incredibly gorgeous swirling sounds ov the music itself bring together the earth and sky, body and mind like no other music i have ever heard. without a doubt WLFTMOI remains one ov the most powerful and transcendent albums ov all time for me. thank you Michael, Jarboe, and your band.
This song is one of the few songs that I feel truly describes the way love is and can be, its beautiful and terrible all at once, Nice seeing Swans actually posted it too :)
