“18th Floor Balcony” by Blue October

 

     A band’s “sound” is sometimes characterized by a specific instrument, such as the jangly 12-string guitar of early releases from The Byrds. Other times, the “sound” is based on a distinctive framework, such as the minimalist Bluesy Garage Rock of The White Stripes. For Blue October, their songs have wide-ranging musical styles and lyrical messaging, but the unifying energy lies in the charismatic, deeply emotional vocal deliveries.

 

Blue October at The Fillmore
in San Francisco 2017

     Blue October’s 2006 album “Foiled” exemplifies the diversity. In celebration of the twenty-year anniversary, the band is sharing videos of selected songs, releasing the first-ever vinyl of the album, and touring in Europe and then North America. Scheduled visits include San Francisco and Sacramento. The full schedule of the FOILED tour is available at https://www.blueoctober.com/tour-dates.
 
      “Hate Me” showcases the 2006 album. The song is an admission of drug addiction and depression, as well as an urging to “hate me so you can finally see what’s good for you.” The song begins with an actual voicemail from the mother of frontman Justin Furstenfeld. She expresses concern in her voicemail as to whether Justin has been taking his medications.
 

Blue October at Mountain 
Winery 2024

     Blue October recently shared a new video for “18th Floor Balcony,” which is also from the “Foiled” album. In contrast to “Hate Me,” the song is about vulnerability, trust, and that rare moment of finally feeling safe enough with someone to open up. Yet, the video is dark and open to interpretation, perhaps because fans of Blue October understand and embrace pain that is part of appreciating the emotional experiences relating to the band's music. The video shows Justin watching himself from afar while he creates, then investigates, and finally sanitizes and mourns a murder of a loved one – as if witnessing relationship destruction caused by your dependence on drugs.  
 
     In March, the band shared a new music video for "Congratulations" which kicked off the anniversary year. That video is also included in this post.

     “18th Floor Balcony” by Blue October

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Website: http://www.blueoctober.com/
 
Lyrics of “18th Floor Balcony” by Blue October
I close my eyes
And I smile, knowing that everything is alright
To the core, so close that door
Is this happening?
 
My breath is on your hair, I'm unaware
That you opened the blinds and let the city in
God, you held my hand
And we stand
Just taking in everything
 
And I knew it from the start
So my arms are open wide
Your head is on my stomach
And we're, we're trying so hard not to fall asleep
Here we are
On this 18th floor balcony
We're both, flying away
 
So we talked about mom's and dad's
About family pasts
Just getting to know where we came from
Our hearts were on display
For all to see
I can't believe this is happening to me
 
And I raised my hand as if to show you that I was yours
That I was so yours for the taking
I'm so yours for the taking
That's when I felt the wind pick up
I grabbed the rail while choking up
These words to say and then you kissed me
 
I knew it from the start
My arms are open wide
Your head is on my stomach
And we're, we're trying so hard not to fall asleep
Here we are
On this 18th floor balcony
We're both, flying away
 
And I'll try to sleep
To keep you in my dreams
'Til I can bring you home with me
I'll try to sleep
And when I do I'll keep you in my, dreams
 
I knew it from the start
So my arms are open wide
And your head is on my stomach
And we're, we're trying so hard not to fall asleep
So here we are
On this 18th floor balcony, yeah
 
I knew it from the start
So my arms are open wide
And your head is on my stomach
No, we're not going to sleep, sleep
 
Here we are
On this 18th floor balcony, we're both
Flying away
 

     “18th Floor Balcony” by Blue October