Relax My Eyes

"Relax My Eyes" is a multi-layered song that operates on two primary levels. On the surface, it's an ode to the communal and liberating experience of club culture. The lyrics, sung by Dutch vocalist Abel Balder, paint a vivid picture of a rave or a dancefloor, filled with 'flashing lights,' 'drums get high and the bass down low.' It captures the euphoric rush and the sense of togetherness that can be found in such spaces, where people from diverse backgrounds are united by music.

On a deeper level, the song is a call for escapism and a critique of societal pressures. The lines, "Let's take our minds off society's lies, back in control," suggest a conscious decision to reject mainstream narratives and find authenticity. The dancefloor becomes a sanctuary, a place for psychological liberation from the anxieties of the outside world. The phrase "We'll see the signs when the kingdom dies and we'll all be free" introduces a hopeful, almost prophetic, element, suggesting that true freedom is a collective endeavor that will come from the dismantling of oppressive systems. Thus, the song is not just about a night out, but about finding moments of clarity, connection, and freedom in a complex world.

The song begins with a direct address, an invitation to cease overthinking and simply be present in the moment. The narrator describes a scene of sensory immersion, likely a nightclub or a rave, indicated by the 'flashing lights.' There's an immediate sense of shared experience, a feeling of not being alone in this vibrant environment. A question is posed to a companion, a gentle check-in to ensure their well-being, followed by a reassuring affirmation of their closeness. This closeness transcends the physical, suggesting a deeper emotional or spiritual connection amidst the crowd.

The feeling of being alive is palpable, directly linked to the music – the rising intensity of the drums and the deep pulse of the bass. This sensory input fuels a desire to lose oneself in the experience, to dance throughout the night without end. The song then shifts to a more philosophical and critical perspective, proposing a conscious effort to disengage from the deceptions and pressures of society. It's a call to reclaim personal autonomy, to be 'back in control.' This sentiment of collective awakening is further reinforced by the image of a shared understanding in the eyes of others, a silent acknowledgment of their common purpose. The ultimate goal is liberation, a future where societal constructs – the 'kingdom' – crumble, leading to collective freedom. The recurring plea to 'relax my eyes' serves as a mantra, a constant reminder to return to the present moment, to the shared experience of the music and the lights, and to the profound connection with others on the dancefloor.

"Relax My Eyes" is a track from the Dutch duo ANOTR's (Jesse van der Heijden and Oguzhan Guney) debut album, "The Reset," released in 2022. The album was largely conceived and created during the COVID-19 pandemic. With clubs closed and their usual sources of inspiration unavailable, the duo turned inward, exploring the music they grew up with, including disco, funk, jazz, and indie. This period of introspection led to a more organic approach to their music, involving collaborations with vocalists and instrumentalists.

The song features the soulful vocals of their close friend, Dutch musician Abel Balder. The creation of "The Reset" was described as a 'labor of love' that allowed ANOTR to explore new musical directions, blending their signature house sound with a wider range of influences. The album, and "Relax My Eyes" as its closing track, represents a new beginning for the duo. The collaborative and exploratory nature of the album's creation is evident in the rich, layered sound of the song, which combines mesmerizing strings, lush keys, and irresistible basslines.

The lyrical structure of "Relax My Eyes" is relatively free-flowing, prioritizing a natural, conversational feel over a strict, traditional rhyme scheme. It employs a loose AABB-like structure in some verses (e.g., "I feel alive, hear the drums get high and the bass down low / Open your mind, we could dance all night, I don't wanna go"). However, the focus is less on perfect rhymes and more on creating a hypnotic and immersive lyrical flow that complements the song's rhythm.

The song's rhythm is a key element of its appeal. It features a steady, mid-tempo house beat with a prominent bassline that drives the track forward. The interplay between the driving rhythm of the music and the more fluid, soulful rhythm of the vocals creates a sense of both energy and emotional depth. The syncopation in the vocal melody adds to the song's groovy, danceable quality, while the steady pulse of the kick drum provides a grounding, hypnotic foundation.

Musically, "Relax My Eyes" employs several stylistic techniques to create its immersive and euphoric atmosphere. The track is built on a foundation of classic house music, characterized by a four-on-the-floor drum pattern and a prominent, groovy bassline. However, it incorporates elements of nu-disco and soul, evident in the use of mesmerizing strings, lush keyboard harmonies, and the soulful, melodic vocals of Abel Balder. The production has a warm, organic feel, a result of the duo's pandemic-era exploration of live instrumentation and different genres. The arrangement builds gradually, adding layers of instrumentation to create a sense of rising intensity that mirrors the lyrical themes of emotional release and connection.

Lyrically, the song utilizes repetition to create a hypnotic, mantra-like effect, particularly with the phrase "Relax my eyes." This repetition reinforces the central theme of being present in the moment. The lyrics are conversational and direct, creating a sense of intimacy and shared experience. The use of imagery, such as 'flashing lights' and 'the rise in the brother's eyes,' is evocative and contributes to the song's vivid storytelling.

"Relax My Eyes" became a significant track for ANOTR, marking a high point in their debut album "The Reset." The song gained considerable popularity on dancefloors and streaming platforms, resonating with a post-pandemic audience eager for the sense of community and release that the song champions. Its blend of soulful house with accessible, meaningful lyrics gave it a broad appeal. The track also achieved chart recognition, notably entering the UK Singles Chart in April 2023.

A notable moment of cultural impact occurred when the song was used to soundtrack the dressing room celebrations of Burnley F.C. after they won the EFL Championship title. This unexpected adoption of the track by a professional football team highlights its uplifting and celebratory qualities, extending its reach beyond the electronic music scene. The song is often cited by fans as a standout in ANOTR's discography and a modern house classic.

The lyrics of "Relax My Eyes" employ several key symbols and metaphors to convey its themes of escapism and connection:

• Flashing Lights: The most prominent image in the song, the 'flashing lights' are a symbol of the vibrant, immersive atmosphere of a nightclub or rave. Beyond the literal interpretation, they can also represent moments of clarity and heightened awareness that come from letting go of external pressures.
• The Other Side: The question, "Are you alright on the other side?" suggests a metaphorical space beyond the immediate physical reality. It hints at a spiritual or emotional connection that transcends the noise and chaos of the club, checking in on a companion's inner state.
• Society's Lies: This is a direct metaphor for the mainstream narratives, societal expectations, and pressures that the song encourages listeners to escape from. It frames societal norms as a form of deception that one needs to break free from to regain control.
• The Kingdom: The line, "We'll see the signs when the kingdom dies and we'll all be free," uses 'the kingdom' as a metaphor for oppressive societal structures and systems of control. Its prophesied death symbolizes a future of collective liberation and authentic living.

The most significant recurring phrase in the song is the title itself, "Relax my eyes." This phrase acts as a central mantra and a call to action, urging the listener to let go of anxiety and be fully present in the moment. Its repetition throughout the song reinforces the theme of finding peace and clarity amidst a potentially chaotic environment.

Another key recurring motif is the imagery of 'flashing lights.' This phrase is consistently paired with the line "and we're not alone," creating a powerful association between the sensory experience of the club and the feeling of community and shared humanity. This repetition emphasizes that the escape offered by the dancefloor is not a solitary one, but a collective experience.

The lines "I feel alive" and "I don't wanna go" also recur, highlighting the euphoric and immersive nature of the experience the song describes. These phrases underscore the desire to remain in this state of heightened sensation and connection, away from the pressures of the outside world.