Nada Surf — See These Bones
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Total ratings: 1939
Length: 5:05
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Everyone's right
And no one is sorry
That's the start and the end of the story
From the sharks and the jets
To the call in the morning
Everyone's right
And no one is sorry
That's the start and the end of the story
From the sharks and the jets
To the call in the morning
And life is just bets anyway
Look alive
See these bones
What you are now we were once
Try it as they the might
No one is immune to
Misfiring and acting on the wrong clues
And thinking this time to re-do ,re-do
I feel rain in the movies
And the talk before the screen lights
I hear strings in the park
I don't like to call or write
Except when it's too late at night
And mostly just think in the dark
Look alive
See these bones
What you are now we were once
Just like we are
You will be dust
Just like we are
Permanent
You look too tired to eat
to hungry too sleep
Just imagine the speed
It's just what you need
Look alive
And see these bones
What you are now
We were once
And just like we are
You'll be dust
Just like we are
Permanent
The lights in the city
Are more or less blinking
This side of the story
Decides what you are thinking
Warm arms and cold faces
we're squinting, we're hurrying
We take inventory
We're digging, we're burying.
Do you remember when the light was low?
Do you remember it fell?
Do you remember when we went through her house?
Remember ringing the bell?
Look alive
See these bones
What you are now
We were once
Just like we are
You'll be dust
Just like we are
Permanent
And no one is sorry
That's the start and the end of the story
From the sharks and the jets
To the call in the morning
Everyone's right
And no one is sorry
That's the start and the end of the story
From the sharks and the jets
To the call in the morning
And life is just bets anyway
Look alive
See these bones
What you are now we were once
Try it as they the might
No one is immune to
Misfiring and acting on the wrong clues
And thinking this time to re-do ,re-do
I feel rain in the movies
And the talk before the screen lights
I hear strings in the park
I don't like to call or write
Except when it's too late at night
And mostly just think in the dark
Look alive
See these bones
What you are now we were once
Just like we are
You will be dust
Just like we are
Permanent
You look too tired to eat
to hungry too sleep
Just imagine the speed
It's just what you need
Look alive
And see these bones
What you are now
We were once
And just like we are
You'll be dust
Just like we are
Permanent
The lights in the city
Are more or less blinking
This side of the story
Decides what you are thinking
Warm arms and cold faces
we're squinting, we're hurrying
We take inventory
We're digging, we're burying.
Do you remember when the light was low?
Do you remember it fell?
Do you remember when we went through her house?
Remember ringing the bell?
Look alive
See these bones
What you are now
We were once
Just like we are
You'll be dust
Just like we are
Permanent
Comments (106)add comment
Saw them a few weeks ago again in London with this song as the highlight. Chatted with Matthew afterwards, such a nice bloke. Also the first gig ever where the bar closed right after the last song was played... crazy.
Grayson wrote:
It's back :) https://www.nadasurf.com/
Their website's no more. Dust. Sad. https://www.nadasurf.com/
It's back :) https://www.nadasurf.com/
New album from the band scheduled for release in September. Tour dates in the fall as well for those interested.
I've hardly listened to any commercial radio ever since I downloaded the RP app! What Nada Surf I've heard, has been here on RP. And, this song, given the "inspiration", it's a really good song! I'd say, the best NS song I've heard yet!
worldwalker wrote:
this song always kills me 
I see what you did there! LOL
Grayson wrote:
works now… love these guys
Their website's no more. Dust. Sad. https://www.nadasurf.com/
works now… love these guys
This album seemed to mark a bit of a departure. A bit more experimental. See These Bones is a decent opener, but there are more interesting tracks on there. The Fox is probably my favourite. It would be great to hear it on RP.
Their website's no more. Dust. Sad. https://www.nadasurf.com/
This song is great, but I'm surprised Clear Eye Clouded Mind has never been played on RP... Nada Surf still did some excellent songs after 2010, guys!
this song always kills me
Is he referencing "West Side Story"?
I've loved this song since the first time I heard it many years ago. Fun to see these folks live too!
jerund wrote:
And this matters, why? It appears you want things fast and soon over. For my part, this is an interesting view of life, in its transience. But sure, drop a point.
went way too long and dropped another point
And this matters, why? It appears you want things fast and soon over. For my part, this is an interesting view of life, in its transience. But sure, drop a point.
went way too long and dropped another point
fredriley wrote:
Updated link - https://www.songfacts.com/facts/nada-surf/see-these-bones#
This song was directly inspired by a visit to that museum. According to Songfacts:
"See These Bones" was inspired by a visit Nada Surf lead singer Matthew Caws made in the mid 2000s to the Crypt of the Capuchin Monks in Rome, who created a macabre but stirring environmental sculpture from the bones of their departed brethren. Caws said:, "It's a chilling place. Seeing all those old bones up close really drives home that this is it - and you better make the most of your life. Ultimately, it's uplifting. I left there in a bizarrely good mood."
I got a similar feeling after visiting neolithic tombs on Orkney a few years back, particularly the massive Midhowe on Rousay. In those neolithic days, the dead weren't buried away but stashed in communal tombs which the community would regularly visit. The ancestors were very much a part of daily life.
"See These Bones" was inspired by a visit Nada Surf lead singer Matthew Caws made in the mid 2000s to the Crypt of the Capuchin Monks in Rome, who created a macabre but stirring environmental sculpture from the bones of their departed brethren. Caws said:, "It's a chilling place. Seeing all those old bones up close really drives home that this is it - and you better make the most of your life. Ultimately, it's uplifting. I left there in a bizarrely good mood."
I got a similar feeling after visiting neolithic tombs on Orkney a few years back, particularly the massive Midhowe on Rousay. In those neolithic days, the dead weren't buried away but stashed in communal tombs which the community would regularly visit. The ancestors were very much a part of daily life.
Updated link - https://www.songfacts.com/facts/nada-surf/see-these-bones#
westslope wrote:
Agreed. It's not as if the subject has been neglected since, oh I guess 100,00 years ago, although the sophistication of the presentation has probably been refined. This is such a well done composition. So many musicians with at least one remarkable song and so little opportunity to see these pieces performed. So we have Radio Paradise.
This has to be one of the best artist treatment of human mortality that I have across in a very long time.
Agreed. It's not as if the subject has been neglected since, oh I guess 100,00 years ago, although the sophistication of the presentation has probably been refined. This is such a well done composition. So many musicians with at least one remarkable song and so little opportunity to see these pieces performed. So we have Radio Paradise.
I have this in my playlist sandwiched by Line of Fire by Junip and Caught By the River by Doves. They all have the "starts slow then goes bananas" dynamic.
This has to be one of the best artistic treatment of human mortality that I have across in a very long time.
TY for the good music and company
Great song that got me into Nada Surf.
Their best album in my opinion is 'Let Go'.
Their best album in my opinion is 'Let Go'.
lindaurq wrote:
bittersweet...
so I really like it, but melancholic
bittersweet...
I like these songs that I'm not familiar with, and by the time they end I'm looking to see who it is. That's why I listen to rp I guess.
Memento mori
Doesn't like surfing I guess!
A happy song about death
A Variety review of Nada Surf's new album
https://variety.com/2020/music/reviews/nada-surfs-never-not-together-album-review-12
https://variety.com/2020/music/reviews/nada-surfs-never-not-together-album-review-12
this kills in the sweetest non-aggressive non-serial killer way
bumped 8 to 9 . . . . for melody and harmonies
I like the feel of it, lazy and melodic, arrangement, bass, guitar, keys, bg vocals all good.
so I really like it, but melancholic
Love it!!! 
This song makes me happy! Great tune.
So Groovy!
That is very good - instant 9!
These lyrics are fantastic. Great song.
Perhaps the most upbeat song about death I've heard
a lovely song!
Dwallie wrote:
In my early 30s, I visited Verdun, the site of the World War 1 Battle of the Bulge. Over 230,000 soldiers died during that 300-day battle — almost a quarter of a million people.
There's a very large cemetery there, full of soldiers' remains. At the top of the hill was the Douaumont Ossuary. Since I didn't know what an ossuary was, I decided to check it out. Big mistake. Visions through those windows haunt me to this day.
There is a museum in Rome of the Capucin Monks and it is filled with artwork created by thousands on thousands of human bones - bones of the Monks themselves. They have a motto that goes something like, 'what we were, you are - what we are, you will be'. I wonder if they didn't take some inspiration from this
fredriley wrote:This song was directly inspired by a visit to that museum. According to Songfacts:
"See These Bones" was inspired by a visit Nada Surf lead singer Matthew Caws made in the mid 2000s to the Crypt of the Capuchin Monks in Rome, who created a macabre but stirring environmental sculpture from the bones of their departed brethren. Caws said:, "It's a chilling place. Seeing all those old bones up close really drives home that this is it - and you better make the most of your life. Ultimately, it's uplifting. I left there in a bizarrely good mood."
I got a similar feeling after visiting neolithic tombs on Orkney a few years back, particularly the massive Midhowe on Rousay. In those neolithic days, the dead weren't buried away but stashed in communal tombs which the community would regularly visit. The ancestors were very much a part of daily life.
"See These Bones" was inspired by a visit Nada Surf lead singer Matthew Caws made in the mid 2000s to the Crypt of the Capuchin Monks in Rome, who created a macabre but stirring environmental sculpture from the bones of their departed brethren. Caws said:, "It's a chilling place. Seeing all those old bones up close really drives home that this is it - and you better make the most of your life. Ultimately, it's uplifting. I left there in a bizarrely good mood."
I got a similar feeling after visiting neolithic tombs on Orkney a few years back, particularly the massive Midhowe on Rousay. In those neolithic days, the dead weren't buried away but stashed in communal tombs which the community would regularly visit. The ancestors were very much a part of daily life.
In my early 30s, I visited Verdun, the site of the World War 1 Battle of the Bulge. Over 230,000 soldiers died during that 300-day battle — almost a quarter of a million people.
There's a very large cemetery there, full of soldiers' remains. At the top of the hill was the Douaumont Ossuary. Since I didn't know what an ossuary was, I decided to check it out. Big mistake. Visions through those windows haunt me to this day.
Sounds like they were inspired by this:
Remember me as you pass by,
As you are now, so once was I,
As I am now, so you will be,
Prepare for death and follow me.
Remember me as you pass by,
As you are now, so once was I,
As I am now, so you will be,
Prepare for death and follow me.
8 => 9 and a while later => 10
Lads from New York City, eh? Yah don't say.....
Lads from New York City, eh? Yah don't say.....
ElCamoteLoco wrote:
+3 Agreed
I only gave this a 7 at first. But it's grown on me so much over the last few plays it's gone to a 10.
+3
AgreedGood New York City boys.
I only gave this a 7 at first. But it's grown on me so much over the last few plays it's gone to a 10.
Very nice
gregorypilsworth wrote:
Good call.
Sounds a little like World Party.
Good call.
This reminds me a lot of Remy Zero's stuff. I like it.
Then I was right
TheFutureoftheProfessionTalk
One month 6,090 views
Recorded in London,
October 2015
TheFutureoftheProfessionTalk
One month 6,090 views
Recorded in London,
October 2015
sirdroseph wrote:
Anyone who owns a puppy or kitten does not understand where animals belong.
But this makes little sense in any kind of musical context.
Do not compare apples to cider.
Anyone who does not like Nada Surf probably does not like puppies or kittens either.
Anyone who owns a puppy or kitten does not understand where animals belong.
But this makes little sense in any kind of musical context.
Do not compare apples to cider.
Sounds a little like World Party.
Stingray wrote:
...and ISIS, Sir?
No. I see ISIS and I see mass graves. I see ethnic and sectarian cleansing.
I see the blow back from misguided and horribly tragic US Mid-East policy.
I see more dead American, Canadians and Israelis and I don't like it.
Nada Surf is a completely different vibe as many of the earlier posts demonstrate.
...and ISIS, Sir?
No. I see ISIS and I see mass graves. I see ethnic and sectarian cleansing.
I see the blow back from misguided and horribly tragic US Mid-East policy.
I see more dead American, Canadians and Israelis and I don't like it.
Nada Surf is a completely different vibe as many of the earlier posts demonstrate.
sirdroseph wrote:
...and ISIS, Sir?
Anyone who does not like Nada Surf probably does not like puppies or kittens either.
...and ISIS, Sir?
FINE SONG!
Anyone who does not like Nada Surf probably does not like puppies or kittens either.
fredriley wrote:
i like your informations! Nice song btw....
This song was directly inspired by a visit to that museum. According to Songfacts:
"See These Bones" was inspired by a visit Nada Surf lead singer Matthew Caws made in the mid 2000s to the Crypt of the Capuchin Monks in Rome, who created a macabre but stirring environmental sculpture from the bones of their departed brethren. Caws said:, "It's a chilling place. Seeing all those old bones up close really drives home that this is it - and you better make the most of your life. Ultimately, it's uplifting. I left there in a bizarrely good mood."
I got a similar feeling after visiting neolithic tombs on Orkney a few years back, particularly the massive Midhowe on Rousay. In those neolithic days, the dead weren't buried away but stashed in communal tombs which the community would regularly visit. The ancestors were very much a part of daily life.
"See These Bones" was inspired by a visit Nada Surf lead singer Matthew Caws made in the mid 2000s to the Crypt of the Capuchin Monks in Rome, who created a macabre but stirring environmental sculpture from the bones of their departed brethren. Caws said:, "It's a chilling place. Seeing all those old bones up close really drives home that this is it - and you better make the most of your life. Ultimately, it's uplifting. I left there in a bizarrely good mood."
I got a similar feeling after visiting neolithic tombs on Orkney a few years back, particularly the massive Midhowe on Rousay. In those neolithic days, the dead weren't buried away but stashed in communal tombs which the community would regularly visit. The ancestors were very much a part of daily life.
i like your informations! Nice song btw....
Humanity needs a lesson in humility.....
But even in our bones, stardust ...
Dwallie wrote:
"See These Bones" was inspired by a visit Nada Surf lead singer Matthew Caws made in the mid 2000s to the Crypt of the Capuchin Monks in Rome, who created a macabre but stirring environmental sculpture from the bones of their departed brethren. Caws said:, "It's a chilling place. Seeing all those old bones up close really drives home that this is it - and you better make the most of your life. Ultimately, it's uplifting. I left there in a bizarrely good mood."
I got a similar feeling after visiting neolithic tombs on Orkney a few years back, particularly the massive Midhowe on Rousay. In those neolithic days, the dead weren't buried away but stashed in communal tombs which the community would regularly visit. The ancestors were very much a part of daily life.
There is a museum in Rome of the Capucin Monks and it is filled with artwork created by thousands on thousands of human bones - bones of the Monks themselves. They have a motto that goes something like, 'what we were, you are - what we are, you will be'. I wonder if they didn't take some inspiration from this
This song was directly inspired by a visit to that museum. According to Songfacts: "See These Bones" was inspired by a visit Nada Surf lead singer Matthew Caws made in the mid 2000s to the Crypt of the Capuchin Monks in Rome, who created a macabre but stirring environmental sculpture from the bones of their departed brethren. Caws said:, "It's a chilling place. Seeing all those old bones up close really drives home that this is it - and you better make the most of your life. Ultimately, it's uplifting. I left there in a bizarrely good mood."
I got a similar feeling after visiting neolithic tombs on Orkney a few years back, particularly the massive Midhowe on Rousay. In those neolithic days, the dead weren't buried away but stashed in communal tombs which the community would regularly visit. The ancestors were very much a part of daily life.
fredriley wrote:
The close presence of death can act as a spur to live life while you've got it.
Nicely said, Fred. <<Doffing fedora>>
The close presence of death can act as a spur to live life while you've got it.
Nicely said, Fred. <<Doffing fedora>>
Dwallie wrote:
There is a museum in Rome of the Capucin Monks and it is filled with artwork created by thousands on thousands of human bones - bones of the Monks themselves. They have a motto that goes something like, 'what we were, you are - what we are, you will be'. I wonder if they didn't take some inspiration from this
There is a museum in Rome of the Capucin Monks and it is filled with artwork created by thousands on thousands of human bones - bones of the Monks themselves. They have a motto that goes something like, 'what we were, you are - what we are, you will be'. I wonder if they didn't take some inspiration from this
rdo wrote:
I am not sure if you know this or not, but the reference is from West Side Story.
Um, yes. The movie version of the stage play came out when I was 2. I had the "Gee, Officer Krupke" song memorized by the time I was 7.
I like hockey more.
I am not sure if you know this or not, but the reference is from West Side Story.
Um, yes. The movie version of the stage play came out when I was 2. I had the "Gee, Officer Krupke" song memorized by the time I was 7.
I like hockey more.
Grammarcop wrote:
I am not sure if you know this or not, but the reference is from West Side Story.
The Sharks and the Jets? Is the game in San Jose or Winnipeg?
I am not sure if you know this or not, but the reference is from West Side Story.
I know I'm over thinking it but. I just like it. Happy sound.
"Just like we are,
You'll be dust"
Amen, bro.
You'll be dust"
Amen, bro.
Sounds like Always Love.
Nice live and unplugged, only with guitar and voice, though!
Sloggydog wrote:
I went 7 to 8. Creeper hey. Got to be 8 if I hear it and recognise it and am pleased it has come on.
Good point Sloggydog. Bumped it to 8
I went 7 to 8. Creeper hey. Got to be 8 if I hear it and recognise it and am pleased it has come on.
Good point Sloggydog. Bumped it to 8
fitzworld wrote:
kinda agree and think their name fitting... no surf=boring, big surf=terrifyingly exciting. Just have to PSD... bike, skate or even fly a kite when there is nada surf.
Very mediocre! Nothing special about this tune. Could mistake it for a hundred other songs. And hard to take it seriously with lyrics like, "the Sharks and the Jets." BLAND and BORING!! With so much great music out there, how does anyone make time for this pabulum??
kinda agree and think their name fitting... no surf=boring, big surf=terrifyingly exciting. Just have to PSD... bike, skate or even fly a kite when there is nada surf.
ziakut wrote:
I went 7 to 8. Creeper hey. Got to be 8 if I hear it and recognise it and am pleased it has come on.
5 ——> 7
I went 7 to 8. Creeper hey. Got to be 8 if I hear it and recognise it and am pleased it has come on.
This song has a world class hook and what's not to like about the 12-string? Of course, it's hard to make that first comment without thinking about the Blues Traveler piece about the purpose of a good hook.
5 ——> 7
This song takes a heady topic and makes me want to dance to it. I'd say that's a pretty good song.
Bosami wrote:
Because of your comment I find myself laughing every time I hear this song.
My work here is done. ;-)
Because of your comment I find myself laughing every time I hear this song.
My work here is done. ;-)
Prefer the Butthole Surfers meself.
Love Nada Surf.
Grammarcop wrote:
Because of your comment I find myself laughing every time I hear this song.
The Sharks and the Jets? Is the game in San Jose or Winnipeg?
Because of your comment I find myself laughing every time I hear this song.
fitzworld wrote:
There must have been something special about it to make you write such an animated and angry criticism.
Very mediocre! Nothing special about this tune. Could mistake it for a hundred other songs. And hard to take it seriously with lyrics like, "the Sharks and the Jets." BLAND and BORING!! With so much great music out there, how does anyone make time for this pabulum??
There must have been something special about it to make you write such an animated and angry criticism.
kingart wrote:
Matthew Caws explained the band name. It doesn't mean surfing as in surfing waves on the ocean. He meant it to mean that his mind is surfing onto different thoughts based on no preconcieved thought. Surfing on nothing.
Nice hook. Nice chiming guitars. I'll put this on my Pod. (The Sharks and Jets were rival gangs in West Side Story.)
Although someone please explain to me exactly what "nothing surf" might mean.
Although someone please explain to me exactly what "nothing surf" might mean.
Matthew Caws explained the band name. It doesn't mean surfing as in surfing waves on the ocean. He meant it to mean that his mind is surfing onto different thoughts based on no preconcieved thought. Surfing on nothing.
Nice hook. Nice chiming guitars. I'll put this on my Pod. (The Sharks and Jets were rival gangs in West Side Story.)
Although someone please explain to me exactly what "nothing surf" might mean.
Although someone please explain to me exactly what "nothing surf" might mean.
so much to like about this - voice, guitar
fitzworld wrote:
agreed!
Very mediocre! Nothing special about this tune. Could mistake it for a hundred other songs. And hard to take it seriously with lyrics like, "the Sharks and the Jets." BLAND and BORING!! With so much great music out there, how does anyone make time for this pabulum??
agreed!
Just got tickets to see these boys in Portland on Friday. Can't wait.
check out a great performance of Nada Surf via KEXP radio Seattle. just go to youtube and search Nada Surf KEXP. Click on the one that says full performance. The version of See These Bones is great, as is the whole show.
Very mediocre! Nothing special about this tune. Could mistake it for a hundred other songs. And hard to take it seriously with lyrics like, "the Sharks and the Jets." BLAND and BORING!! With so much great music out there, how does anyone make time for this pabulum??
Just another Superset. Thanks Bill.
I love the Salish Christian graveyards nestled in the hills of the coastal and interior rain forest, often decorated with bright, colourful flowers and ribbons. Quiet, peaceful, often situated near gorgeous views of rivers where salmon and steelhead ply the waters—year in, year out.
The Sharks and the Jets? Is the game in San Jose or Winnipeg?
fredriley wrote:
Thanks for this. The practice of individual burials is very much a recent thing, in archaeological timespans. This reminds me of neolithic chambered cairns I saw on Shetland and Orkney, which were communal interment chambers where the bodies of all the community were stored. The tombs in their age were open and very likely the community would regularly come and commune with their ancestors, and would have a very clear idea of the inevitability of death. I can see why such places would be "uplifting" rather than morbid. The close presence of death can act as a spur to live life while you've got it.
And Kutna Hora near Prague, the Peruvian skeletons, Capadoccia, Sagada in the Philippines, all still easy to see and walk away from, feeling alive.
Here's your bucket list: https://www.superstock.com/stock-photography/Skeleton+Cave
Thanks for this. The practice of individual burials is very much a recent thing, in archaeological timespans. This reminds me of neolithic chambered cairns I saw on Shetland and Orkney, which were communal interment chambers where the bodies of all the community were stored. The tombs in their age were open and very likely the community would regularly come and commune with their ancestors, and would have a very clear idea of the inevitability of death. I can see why such places would be "uplifting" rather than morbid. The close presence of death can act as a spur to live life while you've got it.
And Kutna Hora near Prague, the Peruvian skeletons, Capadoccia, Sagada in the Philippines, all still easy to see and walk away from, feeling alive.
Here's your bucket list: https://www.superstock.com/stock-photography/Skeleton+Cave
westslope wrote:
Good one Westy! How dare those Americanos horn in on our Canadian birth right!
Nada surf? Too self-deprecating for an American band. ;-)
Catchy.
Good one Westy! How dare those Americanos horn in on our Canadian birth right!
Nada surf? Too self-deprecating for an American band. ;-)
Catchy.
Really lovely!
I remember when this first came out.. such a lovely era
Such an amazing song from the band that brought us "Popular." Wonders never cease.
Nada Surf has some of the most catchy songs on RP. Another great one.
7 to 8, with potential. It grows on me... 
8————————————->9
jpdribbler wrote:
Glad you like "my" song
- really didn't expect this one to be added right away. Thanks Bill & Rebecca!
Sadly, I feel that Lucky is a rather weak record overall with See These Bones being the best track by far. Has a Let Go feel to me, which I'd call their opus magnum.
Pretty evocative lyrics, too - here's some info on the background (from Nada Surf's myspace bio):
"See These Bones" was inspired by a visit Caws made a few years back to the Crypt of the Capuchin Monks in Rome, who created a macabre but stirring environmental sculpture from the bones of their departed brethren. (Caws says, "It's a chilling place. Seeing all those old bones up close really drives home that this is it - and you better make the most of your life. Ultimately, it's uplifting. I left there in a bizarrely good mood.")
Thanks for this. The practice of individual burials is very much a recent thing, in archaeological timespans. This reminds me of neolithic chambered cairns I saw on Shetland and Orkney, which were communal interment chambers where the bodies of all the community were stored. The tombs in their age were open and very likely the community would regularly come and commune with their ancestors, and would have a very clear idea of the inevitability of death. I can see why such places would be "uplifting" rather than morbid. The close presence of death can act as a spur to live life while you've got it.
Glad you like "my" song
- really didn't expect this one to be added right away. Thanks Bill & Rebecca!Sadly, I feel that Lucky is a rather weak record overall with See These Bones being the best track by far. Has a Let Go feel to me, which I'd call their opus magnum.
Pretty evocative lyrics, too - here's some info on the background (from Nada Surf's myspace bio):
"See These Bones" was inspired by a visit Caws made a few years back to the Crypt of the Capuchin Monks in Rome, who created a macabre but stirring environmental sculpture from the bones of their departed brethren. (Caws says, "It's a chilling place. Seeing all those old bones up close really drives home that this is it - and you better make the most of your life. Ultimately, it's uplifting. I left there in a bizarrely good mood.")
Thanks for this. The practice of individual burials is very much a recent thing, in archaeological timespans. This reminds me of neolithic chambered cairns I saw on Shetland and Orkney, which were communal interment chambers where the bodies of all the community were stored. The tombs in their age were open and very likely the community would regularly come and commune with their ancestors, and would have a very clear idea of the inevitability of death. I can see why such places would be "uplifting" rather than morbid. The close presence of death can act as a spur to live life while you've got it.
bseib wrote:
That was what was written in Latin over the bone sculpture made by the Capuchin monks in Rome, mentioned in the post below. It had a profound effect on Caws.
An okay tune... Nice line: "What you are now, we were once..."
That was what was written in Latin over the bone sculpture made by the Capuchin monks in Rome, mentioned in the post below. It had a profound effect on Caws.
My kind of comment - Cynaera wrote:
My first time hearing this song. I love Nada Surf. I might have to invest in this CD....
Loved this song from first listening. For some reason I've only just started listening to the rest of the album - the most beautiful soundtrack for a sunny summer day. Strongly recommend adding 'Beautiful Beat' to the playlist!
thefoodoflove wrote:
Congrats on your nada-defloration! No need for burglary, though - here's a perfectly legal download link!
I was a nada virgin until now I think I love this song must have it even if by burglary!
Congrats on your nada-defloration! No need for burglary, though - here's a perfectly legal download link!
I was a nada virgin until now I think I love this song must have it even if by burglary!
Cynaera wrote:
Glad you like "my" song - really didn't expect this one to be added right away. Thanks Bill & Rebecca!
Sadly, I feel that Lucky is a rather weak record overall with See These Bones being the best track by far. Has a Let Go feel to me, which I'd call their opus magnum.
Pretty evocative lyrics, too - here's some info on the background (from Nada Surf's myspace bio):
"See These Bones" was inspired by a visit Caws made a few years back to the Crypt of the Capuchin Monks in Rome, who created a macabre but stirring environmental sculpture from the bones of their departed brethren. (Caws says, "It's a chilling place. Seeing all those old bones up close really drives home that this is it - and you better make the most of your life. Ultimately, it's uplifting. I left there in a bizarrely good mood.")
My first time hearing this song. I love Nada Surf. I might have to invest in this CD....
Glad you like "my" song
- really didn't expect this one to be added right away. Thanks Bill & Rebecca!Sadly, I feel that Lucky is a rather weak record overall with See These Bones being the best track by far. Has a Let Go feel to me, which I'd call their opus magnum.
Pretty evocative lyrics, too - here's some info on the background (from Nada Surf's myspace bio):
"See These Bones" was inspired by a visit Caws made a few years back to the Crypt of the Capuchin Monks in Rome, who created a macabre but stirring environmental sculpture from the bones of their departed brethren. (Caws says, "It's a chilling place. Seeing all those old bones up close really drives home that this is it - and you better make the most of your life. Ultimately, it's uplifting. I left there in a bizarrely good mood.")
My first time hearing this song. I love Nada Surf. I might have to invest in this CD....
An okay tune... Nice line: "What you are now, we were once..."
makes me think of: Dads, the original hipsters
makes me think of: Dads, the original hipsters