Helpless Child, like many songs from this period of Swans, is about Michael Gira's own personal life experiences. His parents separated when he was young and he mostly grew up with his mother. However, she was an alcoholic and didn't really parent him at all, so he was on his own a lot of the time and got into trouble with the law in his youth. Eventually, Gira developed his own dependency on alcohol, which was at its peak around the time he was making Soundtracks for the Blind.
You should listen to all of Soundtracks for the Blind. Most Swans fans, myself included, consider it they’re best album. It’s not quite like anything else in they’re discography.
his voice and the harsh and very dark lyrics cut so fucking deep. swans will always be one of my favorite bands because of this, no other band can do it like they can.
@@chillsmoke7093 I love parts of it, but the second "sound section" is completely fucked like quality wise, with the rest sounding amazing. But i agree the energy on the live version is amazing
This was a pleasant surprise. I hope you get a chance to hear the whole album, it's one of the best pieces of art I think I've ever consumed and it always hits me really hard emotionally. The songs hit even harder when you've heard the tracks surrounding them and it's hard not to relate to them in some way. I'm glad you mentioned David Sylvian. My favorite from him is The Secrets of Beehive, have you heard it?
Woah, awesome. I expected you to finish the Glowing Man before doing stuff like this, so this is unexpected. This is one of their most emotional songs.
I got a chance to see Swans a couple years ago during ‘The Glowing Man’ tour. Incredible band. They try to make it known to wear ear plugs because of how loud they are. I brought some but tried to see if I could handle it. I couldn’t last 20 seconds and I was up on the balcony. One of the best sets I’ve ever seen.
I relate to the lyrics a lot. Not my mom, but my dad who's been feeding me with gasoline. And he sure taught me... I can't really blame him... but I feel these lyrics.
I think the lyrics is about being an unborn child within a pregnant women who is a drug addict. Or at least as far as I remember. Great reaction! Edit: you have a new subscriber!
I love Swans. Jarboe did an amazing collaboration with Neurosis, entitled Neurosis & Jarboe, years ago that you might be into. Now let’s get a react of Get Hustle - Lost Cities of Gold. m.ua-cam.com/video/IsX-E02O63s/v-deo.html
@@justsomejusstsome8994 I really liked it when it came out. I haven’t listened to it in at least 10 years, though. I think any fan of Swans will like that album.
That album isn't even really an album in the traditional sense, neurosis just sent jarboe a bunch of leftovers from times of Grace and she laid vocals on top of them, it's probably the worst offering neurosis has put out, in my opinion..a better neurosis starting point might be, souls at zero , through silver in blood, times of Grace, or enemy of the sun..all excellent..
Dude, you don't have to pretend to be listening to Swans. So what song/band were you actually listen too? Seem like by your head movement, you were listening to something a little faster with more of a groove to it.
0:00 Intro
0:47 The song
15:36 after-song commentary
Helpless Child, like many songs from this period of Swans, is about Michael Gira's own personal life experiences. His parents separated when he was young and he mostly grew up with his mother. However, she was an alcoholic and didn't really parent him at all, so he was on his own a lot of the time and got into trouble with the law in his youth. Eventually, Gira developed his own dependency on alcohol, which was at its peak around the time he was making Soundtracks for the Blind.
new react just up- a 35 minute piece by Swans
Is this the reason for “Alcohol the seed”?
@@LucyGoosey4636might be. Documentary is an interesting watch
You should listen to all of Soundtracks for the Blind. Most Swans fans, myself included, consider it they’re best album. It’s not quite like anything else in they’re discography.
Swans are Dead has some awesome live recordings of these songs that maybe might be enjoyed even more.
The Glowing Man is my favorite album by them and it’s kind of like a sequel
@@spacefertilizer the version of the sound on swans are dead is probably the best...imo
@@user-fs1lc2cj5s no it definitely isn't a sequel, great album but it is it's own piece..imo
agreed, sftb is their greatest album... an absolute masterpiece. saw them on that tour... it was like a religious experience.
Michael Gira has such a haunting voice
his voice and the harsh and very dark lyrics cut so fucking deep. swans will always be one of my favorite bands because of this, no other band can do it like they can.
this song is mind blowing , I've been listening to this album since 2005 and love it everytime
Another just as great epic song from this album is "The Sound". I think you would love it
Swans are Dead version is the best one to feel Michael's energy
The sound might as well be my favorite song ever made
@@chillsmoke7093 I love parts of it, but the second "sound section" is completely fucked like quality wise, with the rest sounding amazing. But i agree the energy on the live version is amazing
My personal favorite swans song.
This was a pleasant surprise. I hope you get a chance to hear the whole album, it's one of the best pieces of art I think I've ever consumed and it always hits me really hard emotionally. The songs hit even harder when you've heard the tracks surrounding them and it's hard not to relate to them in some way.
I'm glad you mentioned David Sylvian. My favorite from him is The Secrets of Beehive, have you heard it?
Yes, had it on cassette
Woah, awesome. I expected you to finish the Glowing Man before doing stuff like this, so this is unexpected. This is one of their most emotional songs.
I got a chance to see Swans a couple years ago during ‘The Glowing Man’ tour. Incredible band. They try to make it known to wear ear plugs because of how loud they are. I brought some but tried to see if I could handle it. I couldn’t last 20 seconds and I was up on the balcony. One of the best sets I’ve ever seen.
Thanks for the continuous Swans reactions. Appreciated.
Eagerly anticipating your thoughts on the Glowing Man, but didn't expect this. Nice
Vocal is Ian Curtis worship all the way . Gira´s interpretation , obviously .
Heavy.
Such a good song, I really like the part that you explain with the guitar
Cool. I have another swan song lined up
I relate to the lyrics a lot. Not my mom, but my dad who's been feeding me with gasoline. And he sure taught me... I can't really blame him... but I feel these lyrics.
Just bought this vinyl . It was a must have lol
Did you catch one of the 4LP re-release? Unfortunately I wasnt abled to get a copy, but they will press another edition soon.
@@mccainenterprises3468 yes from young God records . Just came in the other day
Do the live version of blood promise its gorgeous
I think the lyrics is about being an unborn child within a pregnant women who is a drug addict. Or at least as far as I remember. Great reaction!
Edit: you have a new subscriber!
Welcome
Please please please please please do a reaction to The Manifold Curiosity by Kayo Dot! Similar sort of massive epic atmosphere but not as repetitive
noted
Kinda funny saying repetitive on helpless child since it's one of their least repetitive songs
I get what you're saying tho
wait what are those two chords you played at the end? I'm trying to figure this song out but I can't get it right.
looks like D and F#min.
When will you The Seer album reaction
... Please, I'm dying.
2 hour album reaction?? I dunno. We'll see...
❤️
I love Swans. Jarboe did an amazing collaboration with Neurosis, entitled Neurosis & Jarboe, years ago that you might be into. Now let’s get a react of Get Hustle - Lost Cities of Gold.
m.ua-cam.com/video/IsX-E02O63s/v-deo.html
That's actually their worst work imo. Don't introduce Dean to Neurosis like this lol
@@justsomejusstsome8994 I really liked it when it came out. I haven’t listened to it in at least 10 years, though. I think any fan of Swans will like that album.
That album isn't even really an album in the traditional sense, neurosis just sent jarboe a bunch of leftovers from times of Grace and she laid vocals on top of them, it's probably the worst offering neurosis has put out, in my opinion..a better neurosis starting point might be, souls at zero , through silver in blood, times of Grace, or enemy of the sun..all excellent..
Emerson, Lake and Palmer!
:)
Dude, you don't have to pretend to be listening to Swans. So what song/band were you actually listen too? Seem like by your head movement, you were listening to something a little faster with more of a groove to it.
Swans rule, my friend!
Ah c'mon... this is uncalled for. He was *obviously* reacting to Swans.
Haha, surely he was joking? I was actually listening to my grandmother snore. She has a beat .