the body as a wonderland

Snow Patrol are one of those bands that do not fare well with the critics, but all the better with the masses. As for me, I side with the masses. I admit to loving Snow Patrol's sonic pathos and megalomania, but also singer Gary Lightbody's lyrical aptitude. The man is obsessed with the human body as a source of metaphor for emotions, relationships, and pretty much everything else you can think of (perhaps inspired by his own surname?). On some Snow Patrol records, references to body parts - particularly arms, hands and eyes - abound in almost every song. Over the years Lightbody has thus created his own lyrical cosmos, very imaginative yet very tangible. I especially enjoy how the pompousness of Snow Patrol's sound contrasts with an imagery made up of the most basic things we have and use every day.

~

My tongue still misbehaves, and it keeps digging my own grave.
("Hands Open")


Broken glass aside, my feelings stay the same
Covered head to toe in blood and fear and spite.
("Gleaming Auction")


I touch the place where I'd find your face
my fingers in creases of distant dark places.
("Set The Fire To The Third Bar")


You cool your bed-warm hands down on the broken radiator.
And as you lay them freezing on me, I mumble 'Can you wake me later'.
("Crack The Shutters")


I have been lost in your hair.
("Crack The Shutters")


If you were here beside me... If the curve of you was curved on me...
("New York")


I knew the beat cause it matched your own beat.
I still remember it from our chest-to-chest and feet-to-feet.
("If There's A Rocket Tie Me To It")


Under your skin feels like home.
("You're All I Have")


The curtains drawn, the winter sun makes patterns on your face
It looks like some kaleidoscopic breathing exercise.
("Same")