"Animate" itself is a pun on the Jungian concepts of anima / animus; the subconscious manifestations of the masculine and feminine. Western culture likes to create dualisms, and gender is no different. As such, the western school of thought is to presume a man is to be fully masculine and a woman to be fully feminine (add into this the cultural distortions of gender thereupon, and you can get a good image of why this becomes problematic).
The idea expressed here is to recognize that we possess both masculine and feminine identities and characteristics, and integrate our two halves so that we may become more balanced, complete individuals.
"Counterparts" as an album is about seeking balance, internal and external: making peace with yourself and extending that harmony to those around you. It is a very personally mature body of work in this regard. It recognizes that we all have demons that we must embrace (Stick it Out), but also not to let our own problems drag others down and to view others with love and compassion no matter how different they are or what their situation (Nobody's Hero).
Very interesting. I always thought the lyrics spoke of a deepening relationship with someone who is opposite yet a counterpart. Thank you for the insight.
Very interesting. I always thought the lyrics spoke of a deepening relationship with someone who is opposite yet a counterpart. Thank you for the insight.
"Animate" itself is a pun on the Jungian concepts of anima / animus; the subconscious manifestations of the masculine and feminine. Western culture likes to create dualisms, and gender is no different. As such, the western school of thought is to presume a man is to be fully masculine and a woman to be fully feminine (add into this the cultural distortions of gender thereupon, and you can get a good image of why this becomes problematic).
The idea expressed here is to recognize that we possess both masculine and feminine identities and characteristics, and integrate our two halves so that we may become more balanced, complete individuals.
"Counterparts" as an album is about seeking balance, internal and external: making peace with yourself and extending that harmony to those around you. It is a very personally mature body of work in this regard. It recognizes that we all have demons that we must embrace (Stick it Out), but also not to let our own problems drag others down and to view others with love and compassion no matter how different they are or what their situation (Nobody's Hero).
Very interesting. I always thought the lyrics spoke of a deepening relationship with someone who is opposite yet a counterpart. Thank you for the insight.
Very interesting. I always thought the lyrics spoke of a deepening relationship with someone who is opposite yet a counterpart. Thank you for the insight.