Future Islands — A Song for Our Grandfathers
Album: SinglesAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 3236
Length: 4:45
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Been a long time, in a low place
Surrounded by what I have made
Need to get away
Get away from what relates
And what was done...
Cuz it's all over now
Through the woods, I come running to loose leaf
And carve my name
In the lines, there's not a trace
I hear the ghost whisper, and those old eyes watching me
But I feel safe...
Grandfather looking over me
He said:
Don't make them wait
Gotta go a long way
Let's be brave
Don't make them wait
Nah, don't make them wait
I sat down, with a coffee on my bent knee
Looking out, at the burnt land, looking back at me
These used to be green crops
And high on a summer breeze
No it's fallow fields and clear-cut barren weeds
They said that if I stared
The abyss would stare back at me
So I did...
And I felt it slowly creep in me
Save for the smoke, that danced when I took a drag
It made me think about the way it all came to be...
Grandma watching over me
And she said:
Don't make them wait
Gotta go a long way
Let's be brave
Don't make them wait
Nah, don't make them wait
Don't make them wait, nah
Don't make them wait
I hear the ghost whisper
And those old eyes watching me
But I feel safe
I feel safe
Surrounded by what I have made
Need to get away
Get away from what relates
And what was done...
Cuz it's all over now
Through the woods, I come running to loose leaf
And carve my name
In the lines, there's not a trace
I hear the ghost whisper, and those old eyes watching me
But I feel safe...
Grandfather looking over me
He said:
Don't make them wait
Gotta go a long way
Let's be brave
Don't make them wait
Nah, don't make them wait
I sat down, with a coffee on my bent knee
Looking out, at the burnt land, looking back at me
These used to be green crops
And high on a summer breeze
No it's fallow fields and clear-cut barren weeds
They said that if I stared
The abyss would stare back at me
So I did...
And I felt it slowly creep in me
Save for the smoke, that danced when I took a drag
It made me think about the way it all came to be...
Grandma watching over me
And she said:
Don't make them wait
Gotta go a long way
Let's be brave
Don't make them wait
Nah, don't make them wait
Don't make them wait, nah
Don't make them wait
I hear the ghost whisper
And those old eyes watching me
But I feel safe
I feel safe
Comments (195)add comment
One of their finest... it has everything I love about this group.
Thank you RP for introducing me to them. Been to their shows the last 2 years now and it probably wouldn't have happened without RP.
Thank you RP for introducing me to them. Been to their shows the last 2 years now and it probably wouldn't have happened without RP.
I like it a lot ,gives me an '80s vibe
Discovered on RP and now one of my favorite bands -- have several of their albums. 
westslope wrote:
I see that you did not expressly list David Byrne! Like salmiakki is among licorice, Byrne is an acquired taste even among the "acquired taste" vocalists.
BillG is correct, the voice is an acquired taste.
Been acquiring tastes in vocals for a very long time: Bob Dylan, Jon Anderson, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Bjork, Tom Waits, etc.
I see that you did not expressly list David Byrne! Like salmiakki is among licorice, Byrne is an acquired taste even among the "acquired taste" vocalists.
From some future Weird Al album release:
Been a long time on this highway,
Rollin' in my big rig night and day.
Turn on the old CB radio
I hear the seasoned voices,
And old tales guiding me,
Granddad, the trucker, watching over me.
And he said: "Watch for the lot lizards,
They're sneakin' all around,
Keep an eye out for Smokey in town.
Don't you hesitate,
Keep that cargo rollin', don't be late,
No, don't you be late.
Been a long time on this highway,
Rollin' in my big rig night and day.
Turn on the old CB radio
I hear the seasoned voices,
And old tales guiding me,
Granddad, the trucker, watching over me.
And he said: "Watch for the lot lizards,
They're sneakin' all around,
Keep an eye out for Smokey in town.
Don't you hesitate,
Keep that cargo rollin', don't be late,
No, don't you be late.
westslope wrote:
Yes, I'm with you on all of the above artists, but I have to say I can't seem to "acquire a taste" for this guy's vocals. Alas.
BillG is correct, the voice is an acquired taste.
Been acquiring tastes in vocals for a very long time: Bob Dylan, Jon Anderson, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Bjork, Tom Waits, etc.
Yes, I'm with you on all of the above artists, but I have to say I can't seem to "acquire a taste" for this guy's vocals. Alas.
What a segue from In the Kingdom of Peace
johnybladex wrote:
Actually, it's pure 10.
wha?
maybe if you play it twice
Actually, it's pure 10.
wha?
maybe if you play it twice
Future Islands=California. LOL It must have been hard for Samuel T. Herring to sing this song since he is usually eating the mic.
I read the lyrics just now and started weeping. I miss all four grandparents a lot, even after they've been gone 10-20 years.
timmus wrote:
It's actually derived from Nietzsche, the passage usually translated as:
"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you."
Hearing a bit of Mr. Lahey's late night whisky philosophy there.
It's actually derived from Nietzsche, the passage usually translated as:
"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you."
Oh My God this song.
First time i listen to it, its amazing the vibe it transmit.
Gretins from Venezuela
First time i listen to it, its amazing the vibe it transmit.
Gretins from Venezuela
radiotoe wrote:
Them boys got tar on their heels...
you betta recognize...
The unique blend of great synth pop and an exceptional voice is what catched my attention right away some years ago on RP.
Just a few weeks ago I saw them live and it was excellent!
Thanks again, RP!!!!
Just a few weeks ago I saw them live and it was excellent!
Thanks again, RP!!!!
FI rules!
They said that if I stared
The abyss would stare back at me
The abyss would stare back at me
Hearing a bit of Mr. Lahey's late night whisky philosophy there.
Them boys got tar on their heels...
flyboy wrote:
Gouda?
"it shoulda be, i justa bought it!"
Gouda?
"it shoulda be, i justa bought it!"
westslope wrote:
Great voice - True artist.
And add Elvis Costello to that list.
BillG is correct, the voice is an acquired taste.
Been acquiring tastes in vocals for a very long time: Bob Dylan, Jon Anderson, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Bjork, Tom Waits, etc.
Great voice - True artist.
And add Elvis Costello to that list.
As a grandfather of 5, this tears me up. Take care of your future ladies and gentlemen. You'll be doing everyone a favor.
westslope wrote:
Interesting list and apropos. However ,Neil and Jon Anderson pulled me in at first listen!
Anderson seemed Angelic
&
Young seemed so angsty and vulnerable. Qualities that appealed to me in my youth! I suppose!!
I think as different individuals we are all wired to respond and be drawn to different tones!
BillG is correct, the voice is an acquired taste.
Been acquiring tastes in vocals for a very long time: Bob Dylan, Jon Anderson, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Bjork, Tom Waits, etc.
Been acquiring tastes in vocals for a very long time: Bob Dylan, Jon Anderson, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Bjork, Tom Waits, etc.
Interesting list and apropos. However ,Neil and Jon Anderson pulled me in at first listen!
Anderson seemed Angelic
&
Young seemed so angsty and vulnerable. Qualities that appealed to me in my youth! I suppose!!
I think as different individuals we are all wired to respond and be drawn to different tones!
Everyone comments on this guy's voice. The reason it's unique is because he destroyed his vocal cords. You can tell from the extreme raspiness in his singing. If you watch interviews with him, it's very apparent when he talks as well. You'll also notice that he doesn't sustain notes for long, which is also a function of the damage.
You can hear the same thing from later Tom Waits, later Bob Dylan, and Brian Johnson from AC/DC. If you listen to Tom Waits during a recent interview, he can barely talk. Stevie Ray Vaughn used to call it "hamburger throat." He sang with really bad technique and, if he had lived longer, would have eventually sounded like those guys too.
Personally, I hate this guy's voice. He makes me want to get a drink of water just listening to him.
You can hear the same thing from later Tom Waits, later Bob Dylan, and Brian Johnson from AC/DC. If you listen to Tom Waits during a recent interview, he can barely talk. Stevie Ray Vaughn used to call it "hamburger throat." He sang with really bad technique and, if he had lived longer, would have eventually sounded like those guys too.
Personally, I hate this guy's voice. He makes me want to get a drink of water just listening to him.
Segue wrote:
This vomit launch voice is still disgusting.
This has so grown on me
Ugh can't stand this poseur.
The War on Islands 
A very easy 8 from yo boyyee
A very easy 8 from yo boyyee
MORE FI, please!!!
Prius wrote:
Agreed. This is special. Quality at it's finest.
This is absolutely stunning - 10.
Agreed. This is special. Quality at it's finest.
This vomit launch voice is still disgusting.
I still remember the first time seeing future islands do that crazy dance on Letterman. The song was interesting enough to look at some of their other stuff. But this tune has over the past few years risen to the point where whenever it comes on its so distracting (in a good way, i'm probably just getting old..). So, i'm giving it a 10, and buying a copy...
Off topic, weirdly enough I have a couple computer that are all on different playlists despite "main RP mix", I had to sync this one to "browser tab" whatever that is, to get it to sync to "RP main mix" on another PC.
Off topic, weirdly enough I have a couple computer that are all on different playlists despite "main RP mix", I had to sync this one to "browser tab" whatever that is, to get it to sync to "RP main mix" on another PC.
It does grow on you 6>7.
Saw on another thread that someone described his voice as Tom Jones like. It is unusual. Pun intended.
wgsu_1978 wrote:
BillG wrote:
I prefer Sweet Leaf
"Through the woods, I come running to loose leaf"
I've always preferred spiral bound.
I've always preferred spiral bound.
BillG wrote:
I disagree. I find loose leaf much preferable to bagged tea. :-)
I prefer Sweet Leaf
arserocket wrote:
Just hoovered this bile up into one place and I'm now going to blow it into the ether forever, bye bye bad comments ...' This is unbelievably bad. 2>1, The vocals are appalling. Continued exposure fails to improve them one iota. These vocals are sickening. So is arsenic. I’ll pass. The Voice is the tone of a cat yowling before it vomits. Rush for the PSD'... 
Come, come ... don't beat about the bush ... tell us what you really think about this band.
Come, come ... don't beat about the bush ... tell us what you really think about this band.
Saw this band on a Glastonbury vid and thought they were bizarre...and yet... many times when listening to Radio Paradise I've thought 'Oh, this sounds interesting, I wonder who it is?' and of course it's Future Islandss. I feel an album purchase coming on ! These guys must have the slowest burning appeal I've ever experienced . Have to say I love the guy's voice. This station is so cool...
Just hoovered this bile up into one place and I'm now going to blow it into the ether forever, bye bye bad comments ...' This is unbelievably bad. 2>1, The vocals are appalling. Continued exposure fails to improve them one iota. These vocals are sickening. So is arsenic. I’ll pass. The Voice is the tone of a cat yowling before it vomits. Rush for the PSD'...
Indeed a distinctive voice. Reminds me of some of the best bits of Talk Talk.
Segue wrote:
Interesting, I myself just bought it through the RP link to amazon mp3
The Voice is the tone of a cat yowling before it vomits. Rush for the PSD.
Interesting, I myself just bought it through the RP link to amazon mp3
The Voice is the tone of a cat yowling before it vomits. Rush for the PSD.
This is absolutely stunning - 10.
So it's a voice they wouldn't turn their chairs for in The Voice.
THAT'S A GOOD THING.
So it's a face and a dance that similarly wouldn't appease bland mass appeal.
THAT'S A GOOD THING TOO.
THAT'S A GOOD THING.
So it's a face and a dance that similarly wouldn't appease bland mass appeal.
THAT'S A GOOD THING TOO.
I find it hilarious, people getting upset about his voice. I sat through 12 minutes of Dylan a few songs ago, once again an acquired taste. What voice isn't different?
What sound that is made in any particular song, that does not attract or annoy individuals?
What sound that is made in any particular song, that does not attract or annoy individuals?
westslope wrote:
So is arsenic.
I'll pass.
BillG is correct, the voice is an acquired taste.
So is arsenic.
I'll pass.
westslope wrote:
Welcome to the club!
BillG is correct, the voice is an acquired taste.
Been acquiring tastes in vocals for a very long time: Bob Dylan, Jon Anderson, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Bjork, Tom Waits, etc.
Been acquiring tastes in vocals for a very long time: Bob Dylan, Jon Anderson, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Bjork, Tom Waits, etc.
Welcome to the club!
wgsu_1978 wrote:
I disagree. I find loose leaf much preferable to bagged tea. :-)
"Through the woods, I come running to loose leaf"
I've always preferred spiral bound.
I've always preferred spiral bound.
I disagree. I find loose leaf much preferable to bagged tea. :-)
I' ve always love "odd voices." Waits, Prine, Dylan, Cohen, etc. I've also always loved harmony. Hence I love 10CC and The Beach Boys. My first album was "Little Deuce Coupe."
1wolfy wrote:
Me too
. 10.
Always enjoyed this tune. In memory of the finest Opa and Oma watchin over me
Me too
. 10.Yes the singer has a 'different" voice, I must admit to liking for short periods I couldn't do a whole album. Still better than Tom Waits.
BillG is correct, the voice is an acquired taste.
Been acquiring tastes in vocals for a very long time: Bob Dylan, Jon Anderson, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Bjork, Tom Waits, etc.
Been acquiring tastes in vocals for a very long time: Bob Dylan, Jon Anderson, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Bjork, Tom Waits, etc.
I sometimes wonder if Bill chooses songs based on the weird cover art.
"Through the woods, I come running to loose leaf"
I've always preferred spiral bound.
I've always preferred spiral bound.
Segue wrote:
I'm with BillG - I think the unique quality of his voice is pretty groovy and I've grown to like most/all of the Future Islands tracks he plays. LONG LIVE RP!!
These vocals are sickening.
I'm with BillG - I think the unique quality of his voice is pretty groovy and I've grown to like most/all of the Future Islands tracks he plays. LONG LIVE RP!!
These vocals are sickening.
aelfheld wrote:
The vocals are appalling. Continued exposure fails to improve them one iota.
I at least like your use of the word iota.
The vocals are appalling. Continued exposure fails to improve them one iota.
I at least like your use of the word iota.
Always enjoyed this tune. In memory of the finest Opa and Oma watchin over me
david@darluthier.com wrote:
Gouda?
Cheese, but good cheese!
Gouda?
Whoever Future Islands is, I really like them.
Cheese, but good cheese!
cmcisaac wrote:
The vocals are appalling. Continued exposure fails to improve them one iota.
The first time I heard this band I was turned off by the vocals but then the more I listened, the more I liked them. Naysayers should at least give them a fair chance!
The vocals are appalling. Continued exposure fails to improve them one iota.
the lyrics are quite nice too westslope wrote:Off with your heads you naysayers. The vocals are the best part! 
arserocket wrote:
Yes.... it is pure gold. You have to love this band
Well, you don't have to. But I do really like them.
Yes.... it is pure gold. You have to love this band
Well, you don't have to. But I do really like them.
Ten to ten
johnybladex wrote:
Actually, it's pure 10.
Yes.... it is pure gold. You have to love this band
Actually, it's pure 10.
Yes.... it is pure gold. You have to love this band
lasker98 wrote:
Actually, it's pure 10.
This is unbelievably bad. 2>1
Actually, it's pure 10.
This is unbelievably bad. 2>1
cmcisaac wrote:
Agreed. The more I listen the more I like.
The first time I heard this band I was turned off by the vocals but then the more I listened, the more I liked them. Naysayers should at least give them a fair chance!
Agreed. The more I listen the more I like.
The first time I heard this band I was turned off by the vocals but then the more I listened, the more I liked them. Naysayers should at least give them a fair chance!
Chumbawamba-1984 wrote:
Agree. Looks like he is warning up as a ice hockey goalie before the game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOGq85w0w1Y
Agree. Looks like he is warning up as a ice hockey goalie before the game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOGq85w0w1Y
Off with your heads you naysayers. The vocals are the best part!
jchrise wrote:
Agree. Looks like he is warning up as a ice hockey goalie before the game.
Regardless if you like these guys or not, DO NOT view them playing live. You won't be able to unsee Samuel T. Herring's dancing in your mind EVER. The dude's moves are inhumanly psychotic!
Agree. Looks like he is warning up as a ice hockey goalie before the game.
Segue wrote:
I think the term you were looking for is "unique".
I can appreciate someone who doesn't sound like everyone else. He's on pitch, just sings with an odd emphasis.
disgusting voice. not even singing.
I think the term you were looking for is "unique".
I can appreciate someone who doesn't sound like everyone else. He's on pitch, just sings with an odd emphasis.
disgusting voice. not even singing.
I now realise that the singer reminds me a lot of Daan, a Belgian artist. Those who like this singing style but want a slightly less extreme version of it, could check him out.
" 'Bridge', not badge." - That's all I recall of the story ~
Great vibe. Yet another North Carolina connection...
Regardless if you like these guys or not, DO NOT view them playing live. You won't be able to unsee Samuel T. Herring's dancing in your mind EVER. The dude's moves are inhumanly psychotic!
This only compelling for the vocals.
It's Ok taken in small doses. I listened to the whole album and his quirky voice was starting to grate on me by the end.
I love the vocals
Prius wrote:
10 for me. Getting better every time I hear it. Thanks Bill!
This is a 9. "Spirit" track is a 10 :)
I love the '80s sound of this band. The voice is very warm.
10 for me. Getting better every time I hear it. Thanks Bill!
This is a 9. "Spirit" track is a 10 :)
I love the '80s sound of this band. The voice is very warm.
Second that, it seems unaffected and just....him and them.
Just love this song
Excellent!
onelittlemoose wrote:
10 for me. Getting better every time I hear it. Thanks Bill!
Wow. What was I thinking? I had rated this a 6 when I last heard it. I bumped it up to a 7. And now 8. This. Is. So. Good.
10 for me. Getting better every time I hear it. Thanks Bill!
Wow. What was I thinking? I had rated this a 6 when I last heard it. I bumped it up to a 7. And now 8. This. Is. So. Good.
Super cool
Digging it!
Told ya so 
I never switch the music source. There is nothing better out there !
So sorry but Future Islands is wayyyyy overplayed. One of the very few bands on RP that make me switch the music source.
Great video of a live show: https://www.npr.org/event/music/306847305/future-islands-live-in-concert
jazzdevil wrote:
Crazy how opinions can be so different! I was just thinking: it's a shame the singer sounds like someone is repeatedly hitting him in the throat, 'cos the music's not so bad" lol!
But even if I like it a bit more, this song is played way too often on RP these days!
The good vocals save the song because the music is not so good. 4
Crazy how opinions can be so different! I was just thinking: it's a shame the singer sounds like someone is repeatedly hitting him in the throat, 'cos the music's not so bad" lol!
But even if I like it a bit more, this song is played way too often on RP these days!
zurcronium wrote:
"Pushing 50"? These guys met in college in the mid-2000s; they are probably no older than their early thirties, not that it matters when it comes to making music.
*edit - the singer was born in 1984
Come on, the lead singer has got to be pushing 50 or so. Of curse live is not as clean as produced voice.
"Pushing 50"? These guys met in college in the mid-2000s; they are probably no older than their early thirties, not that it matters when it comes to making music.
*edit - the singer was born in 1984
zurcronium wrote:
What's wrong with pushing 50....or even 60? (I am 60 and in a rock band.......still have things to do)
Come on, the lead singer has got to be pushing 50 or so. Of curse live is not as clean as produced voice.
What's wrong with pushing 50....or even 60? (I am 60 and in a rock band.......still have things to do)
The good vocals save the song because the music is not so good. 4
Ridiculous and amateur looking artwork. Detracts from the experience unfortunately. I like the music far more than the artwork. Ugh.
There's a future island in the Caribbean right now. It's an undersea volcano that's about to erupt. In case you care, the volcano's name is Kick 'em Jenny.
It's true.
It's true.
westslope wrote:
I love the unassuming every other guy look of the band members.
They look like major, serious highly disciplined drug dealers but so do guys who unpack boxes at the local grocery store.
.....
The music is terrific. Yet another great discovery on radio paradise.
✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿
I love the unassuming every other guy look of the band members.
They look like major, serious highly disciplined drug dealers but so do guys who unpack boxes at the local grocery store.
.....
The music is terrific. Yet another great discovery on radio paradise.
no_twits wrote:
I'm new to RP. Does it have a twit filter?
It IS a vomit voice, but the best one I've heard.
8 for me too - if he can dance like that in front of millions on tv then he gets my vote for sheer 'balls'. It's a great song anyhow
Relayer wrote:
All I can imagine is something like THIS:
another contrived and pretentious offering...
Caught these guys on the Later with Jools Holland show last week. Singer was full of surprises:
1: His distinctive voice is not that of a large black man (like I pictured), but a white guy who looks like he was plucked straight out of the suburbs.
2: He also has one hell of a stage presence with some funky dancing. Guys has some cool cred going on for sure.
1: His distinctive voice is not that of a large black man (like I pictured), but a white guy who looks like he was plucked straight out of the suburbs.
2: He also has one hell of a stage presence with some funky dancing. Guys has some cool cred going on for sure.
All I can imagine is something like THIS:
another contrived and pretentious offering...
8 from me..
Relayer wrote:
I love the unassuming every other guy look of the band members.
They look like major, serious highly disciplined drug dealers but so do guys who unpack boxes at the local grocery store.
.....
The music is terrific. Yet another great discovery on radio paradise.
Caught these guys on the Later with Jools Holland show last week. Singer was full of surprises:
1: His distinctive voice is not that of a large black man (like I pictured), but a white guy who looks like he was plucked straight out of the suburbs.
2: He also has one hell of a stage presence with some funky dancing. Guys has some cool cred going on for sure.
1: His distinctive voice is not that of a large black man (like I pictured), but a white guy who looks like he was plucked straight out of the suburbs.
2: He also has one hell of a stage presence with some funky dancing. Guys has some cool cred going on for sure.
I love the unassuming every other guy look of the band members.
They look like major, serious highly disciplined drug dealers but so do guys who unpack boxes at the local grocery store.
.....
The music is terrific. Yet another great discovery on radio paradise.
In reading these comments I can tell that they are from young people who's Grand Parents are still around.
For some of us our Grand parents are long gone and this song brings a smile to my face. Trust me someday
this song will bring a smile to your face as well. Besides it sounds great.
For some of us our Grand parents are long gone and this song brings a smile to my face. Trust me someday
this song will bring a smile to your face as well. Besides it sounds great.
Cool song man, imo, it is worth really listening to
Thank Goodness for Mozart (Thanks to PSD)!
Come on, the lead singer has got to be pushing 50 or so. Of curse live is not as clean as produced voice.
jules44 wrote:
Exactly!
It's been two days since this song was last played! This is why I hate it, So, so, soooooooooo sick of it!
thanks goodness for PSD!
thanks goodness for PSD!
Exactly!
It's been two days since this song was last played! This is why I hate it, So, so, soooooooooo sick of it!
thanks goodness for PSD!
thanks goodness for PSD!
not this song again!!!! Blah!
xtalman wrote:
I saw the same. You're dead-on.
Saw the end of their set on Austin City Limits the other night. Production sound is different on the vocals vs. live. Much cleaner on the recording, the lead vocals were much more garbled live. Plus the dude jumps around more then any body should while sing. I liked what I hear here was a bit disappointed by the live set.
I saw the same. You're dead-on.
no_twits wrote:
I'm new to RP. Does it have a twit filter?
It does, but no-one has ever fixed it. It seems to sound better without one.
I'm new to RP. Does it have a twit filter?
It does, but no-one has ever fixed it. It seems to sound better without one.
Segue wrote:
I'm new to RP. Does it have a twit filter?
vomit voice.
I'm new to RP. Does it have a twit filter?
The lyrics make the song for me but I also love the music; play this all the time. The negative comments sure show how people "hear" differently; things resonate differently.
Ugh can't stand this poseur.
I think he's authentic on the basis that if he was a poser I don't think this would be his pose.