Failing Upwards

by On the Water

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released September 1, 2018

Songs and artwork by Fletcher VanVliet
Music written and performed by On the Water

On the Water is Fletcher VanVliet; Voice, Guitars. Robin Carine; Guitars, Voice. Jesse Sparhawk; Harp. Lucas Carine; Drums, Voice. Evan McGonagill; Cello, Voice. Aubrey VanVliet; Bass Guitar, Voice. Maxwell Lysobey; Violin, Saw.

Recorded by James Ryskalchick & Dan Angel
Mastered by Ryan Schwabe

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On the Water Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Founded in 2008, On the Water is a strange and heavy "folk" band based in Philadelphia.

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Track Name: Forward Backwards
Ever faster we’re going nowhere. Into, out of doorways, up the stairs. We’re winding around and round, it’s overwhelming. My mind has always wandered, I go away… but I come back here, feels like always. I want to stay here now until I’m old. Watching us turn grey, down to dust we’ll go. Ever after, I won’t know you. Seems such pointless cruelty. Tell me, what’s the use in walking around and writing all this down? I am living my life but I am all turned out.



Open my eyes, count to ten and wait for it to begin again. Inside and outside, open wide. Pray that the water is gonna wash me clean. Again, I get up and out the door. World will get on whether you’re out in it or dead in your bed.


All out war... An all out war just outside my window.
It’s getting harder to ignore.
Track Name: Bird on a Wire
On a string, balancing. Oh dear, what will they think of me? Quickly the truth becomes clear. No one cares, no one even noticed that you're so far away from them. 

The wind is howling fiercely. Lord Death seems set against me. Precious few things certain as he. 

One more day on the wire, riding this nightmare. Life is the darkest dream of them all.

All the trees are dancing gaily. This storm is passing right over me. If I'm to fall, then fall I will.
Track Name: Lazarus Reflex
Couldn't help but wonder why. Everybody dies. Couldn't help but wonder why we are. Everybody dies and then? Couldn't help but wonder why we are alive. Everybody dies and then we are?

Some say they talked with god. They say that they've felt his touch. Some say that's not for us. Others say that that’s not for nothing. Just maybe there is something to it. The inner beauty deep within blackest void, hidden in the white noise, listen…

So many things thought lost so long ago come full circle. Where we have been and where we are to go... and pushing it further. We're pushing it, pushing it further. Thats why we are alive. We're pushing it, pushing it further… and then we are reborn. Mhmmm... and then we are?