Lyrical Unity

            Over Spring Break I got to see this band I enjoy called, From Indian Lakes at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, NY. They identify themselves as just an indie-rock band from California. I’ve been listening to their music for a while now, but for some reason, this time around when seeing them, I noticed the usage of the term “God” in their song called, “We Are Invincible.”

            “I pray to God like it’s the end of the world…
            Oh God, I’m a mess today…
            Oh God will I ever get this back…”

The lyrics including “God” have to do with praying to him when troubled. The second verse is asking God if things will get better. I guess one of the many questions that rose within me is that if it’s a relatable factor that people only go to God as a source of hope for help. Is it human to be afraid of going through hardship alone? Is it human to want to know if your future will be brighter? Is it selfish?

Going through things alone are of course difficult, but do people reach a point where they feel as if they have something within themselves telling them to go to God? Regardless of what the answer would be, From Indian Lakes brought a sense of unity in the room. Everyone was head nodding/head-banging at the same time, and regardless of religious belief, everyone was singing/shouting along to the song. To top it off, everyone at the show was incredibly friendly, talking to the people around them even if they didn’t know them previously.

Comparing this concert experience to Go Tell it on the Mountain by James Baldwin, John is tied to his sufferers.  He finds that he needs to have a sense of unity with people that are suffering. I guess in a sense, most people that listen to From Indian Lakes have relatable stories to the lyrics of their songs. The fans have a sense of understanding of what it means to pray to a higher power.  The lyrics in the song also state how the “light seems far away.” Being in a deep darkness being filled with questioning yourself brings you to questioning others and the existence of others.

The sense of solidarity came from the music that was playing in the room. This was much like John’s solidarity when his came from his group that are all there to hug and embrace him when he emerges. Everyone in that venue was there for each other, we were all enjoying our time together while watching/listening to something that brings us together.