The Meaning Behind The Song: Televators by The Mars Volta
The Mars Volta, a progressive rock band from El Paso, Texas, released their debut album “De-Loused in the Comatorium” in 2003. One of the most popular songs from this album is “Televators,” which has a unique sound and a deep meaning. In this article, we will explore the meaning of “Televators” and what inspired the band to create this song.
Table of Contents
The Lyrics and Story Behind The Song
“Televators” starts with a slow, haunting melody, and the vocals are soft and almost whisper-like. The song gradually builds up to a crescendo, with powerful guitar riffs and strong vocals. The lyrics are cryptic and abstract, and they tell a story that is open to interpretation. The song is about a man named Cerpin Taxt, who takes an overdose of morphine and enters a coma. The lyrics describe his journey through different phases of consciousness and his encounter with entities that represent his past, present, and future.
At the beginning of the song, Cerpin Taxt is in a dreamlike state where he sees a vision of his girlfriend, who is dead. The lyrics say, “She had a history but no past / When they take the mirrors down / She sees herself and whispers / ‘I will never be free'”. This passage suggests that Cerpin Taxt’s girlfriend had a troubled past, and she is still haunted by it even after death. The mirrors symbolize self-reflection, and Cerpin Taxt’s girlfriend realizes that she is trapped in her memories and cannot move on.
As the song progresses, Cerpin Taxt encounters different entities that try to guide him in his journey. The most prominent of these entities is the “Televator,” which is a machine that takes Cerpin Taxt to different levels of consciousness. The Televator represents both a physical and metaphysical journey. The lyrics say, “Televators / Eyelash / Roaming their face / Televators / Eyelash,” which suggests that Cerpin Taxt is traveling through space and time, guided by the Televator.
In the final part of the song, Cerpin Taxt meets a “glass-faced groom / Bleeding in a ballroom / Dancing through his beaded brow.” This entity represents Cerpin Taxt’s future and his ultimate fate. The lyrics say, “Deadbolted / Room 222 / Swallowing teeth / Filling abysmal /. . . We watch it all through our peephole,” which suggests that Cerpin Taxt’s journey is being observed by others, and that his fate is predetermined.
The Band’s Inspiration and Creative Process
The Mars Volta drew inspiration from different sources when they created “Televators.” Lead singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala has said that the song was inspired by the death of his friend, Julio Venegas, who died of an overdose. Bixler-Zavala said, “The song is a tribute to him, a tribute to all the loved ones who have passed and who we miss. It’s a way of coping with a loss.”
Bixler-Zavala and guitarist Omar Rodríguez-López are known for their elaborate creative process, which involves writing and recording music in long and intense sessions. Rodríguez-López has said that the band spent over a year creating “De-Loused in the Comatorium” and that they experimented with different sounds and themes. “Televators” was one of the last songs they recorded for the album, and it was written and recorded in a single day.
The Legacy of “Televators”
“Televators” has become one of The Mars Volta’s most iconic songs. It has been covered by different artists and has inspired many musicians in the progressive rock and post-hardcore genres. The song’s abstract lyrics and complex structure have made it a favorite among fans and critics alike.
The Mars Volta’s unique sound and style have influenced many bands in the years since “Televators” was released. The band’s members have continued to create music and collaborate with other artists, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
FAQs
What is the meaning of “Televators”?
“Televators” is a song about a man named Cerpin Taxt, who takes an overdose of morphine and enters a coma. The lyrics describe his journey through different phases of consciousness and his encounter with entities that represent his past, present, and future. The song is open to interpretation, and the lyrics are cryptic and abstract.
Who was Julio Venegas?
Julio Venegas was a friend of lead singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala, who died of an overdose. Bixler-Zavala has said that “Televators” was inspired by Venegas’s death and that it is a way of coping with loss.
What is the creative process of The Mars Volta?
The Mars Volta is known for their elaborate creative process, which involves writing and recording music in long and intense sessions. Lead guitarist Omar Rodríguez-López has said that the band spent over a year creating “De-Loused in the Comatorium” and that they experimented with different sounds and themes. “Televators” was one of the last songs they recorded for the album, and it was written and recorded in a single day.
What is the genre of “Televators”?
“Televators” is a progressive rock song with elements of post-hardcore and experimental music. The Mars Volta is known for their unique sound and style, which blends different genres and influences.
Who are some artists that have covered “Televators”?
“Televators” has been covered by different artists, including acoustic guitarist Andy McKee and Australian rock band Cog. The song’s abstract lyrics and complex structure have made it a favorite among musicians in the progressive rock and post-hardcore genres.
What is the significance of the glass-faced groom in “Televators”?
The glass-faced groom is an entity that represents Cerpin Taxt’s future and his ultimate fate. The lyrics say, “Deadbolted / Room 222 / Swallowing teeth / Filling abysmal /. . . We watch it all through our peephole,” which suggests that Cerpin Taxt’s journey is being observed by others, and that his fate is predetermined.
What is the meaning of the term “Televators”?
The term “Televators” is a portmanteau of “television” and “elevator.” The Televator in the song represents both a physical and metaphysical journey, and it takes Cerpin Taxt to different levels of consciousness.
Who are The Mars Volta?
The Mars Volta is a progressive rock band from El Paso, Texas, formed in 2001. The band’s members include lead singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala, guitarist Omar Rodríguez-López, and bassist Juan Alderete. The band has released six studio albums and is known for their unique sound and style.
What is the legacy of “Televators”?
“Televators” has become one of The Mars Volta’s most iconic songs. It has inspired many musicians in the progressive rock and post-hardcore genres and has influenced the band’s legacy. The song’s abstract lyrics and complex structure have made it a favorite among fans and critics alike.
What are some other popular songs by The Mars Volta?
Some other popular songs by The Mars Volta include “The Widow,” “L’Via L’Viaquez,” “Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt,” and “Inertiatic ESP.” The band’s unique sound and style have made them one of the most influential rock bands of the 21st century.
What is the meaning behind the album “De-Loused in the Comatorium”?
“De-Loused in the Comatorium” is a concept album that tells the story of Cerpin Taxt. The album’s lyrics and music describe his journey through different phases of consciousness and his encounter with entities that represent his past, present, and future. The album’s title refers to a comatose state that Cerpin Taxt enters after taking an overdose of morphine.
