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Porcupine Tree — Halo
Album: Deadwing
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 4152









Released: 2005
Length: 4:37
Plays (last 30 days): 3
God is in my fingers
God is in my head
God is in the trigger
God is in the lead

God is freedom, God is truth
God is power and God is proof
God is fashion, God is fame
God gives meaning, God gives pain

You can be right like me
With God in the hole you're a righteous soul
I got a halo round me, I got a halo round me
I'm not the same as you
'Cos I've seen the light and I'm gaining in height now
I got a halo round me, I got a halo round me
I got a halo round my head

God is on the cellphone
God is on the net
God is in the warning
God is in the threat

God is freedom, God is truth
God is power and God is proof
God is fashion, God is fame
God gives meaning, God gives pain

You can be right like me
With God in the hole you're a righteous soul
I got a halo round me, I got a halo round me
I'm not the same as you
'Cos I've seen the light and I'm gaining in height now
I got a halo round me, I got a halo round me
('Cos I got a halo round my head)
I got a halo round my head

You can be right like me
With God in the hole you're a righteous soul
I got a halo round me, I got a halo round me
I'm not the same as you
'Cos I've seen the light and I'm gaining in height now
I got a halo round me, I got a halo round me
I got a halo round my head

'Cos I got a halo round my head
Comments (428)add comment
 bluebeag wrote:

Like the melody and instruments, I can do without the lyrics and the sarcasm.  Steven has a huge misperception of who and what God is, hence his choice to not believe. God is love and gave us all free will. We, humans are fallen. Jesus is our savior and leads us down the right path. Jesus is love. Now those are lyrics.
No debates, here, fans. Enjoy RP. ðŸ™‚



LOL... how naive. Rock 'n roll is all about debate. Because you choose to believe in a big spaghetti monster in the sky doesn't mean the rest of us have to. THAT'S what's called free will  
Most excellent!!!
Like the melody and instruments, I can do without the lyrics and the sarcasm.  Steven has a huge misperception of who and what God is, hence his choice to not believe. God is love and gave us all free will. We, humans are fallen. Jesus is our savior and leads us down the right path. Jesus is love. Now those are lyrics.
No debates, here, fans. Enjoy RP. ðŸ™‚
Great band.
 bam23 wrote:

Just saw Gavin Harrison last night with King Crimson and immediately realized that this is the propulsive drummer on this cut. If you have not seen him in action, I highly recommend the experience. He is working from an internal rhythm all his own, although it syncs with the other musicians. Astonishing to see!



The man is not human. Unbelievable. 
God is love.
I’m too lazy to google. Relation to Blind lMelon
Album cover looks like "Avalon" without the warrior theme.
GODLIKE!!
 zappa23 wrote:
Got tickets to see them in the Ziggo Dome
Closure Continuation.
Amsterdam, Netherlands. I'm a lucky guy 



You are a Lucky Duck!!  I wish I could be there too!!
Got tickets to see them in the Ziggo Dome
Closure Continuation.
Amsterdam, Netherlands. I'm a lucky guy 
 Oxen1morale wrote:

Got tickets to see them in DC sept 18th!!! LOVE THIS BAND!!!!



So jealous! I wish they would have come closer to the Charlotte, NC area.
That there 'skip' button brought me here!!! One of my faves... Thanks B&R
 pktinkler2984 wrote:
Ah, there is a God and his name is Gavin...and he used Vic Firth sticks with the coated 'blue' grip.  

Can you get those on Amazon? Because if not...
Glad to see so many comments complimenting Gavin Harrison‘s drumming. It‘s really what makes this song so great. Plus the eerieness of the verse and the contrasting chorus. Love it. A nine for me. 10 only goes to „Time Flies“ and „Drown With Me“.
Got tickets to see them in DC sept 18th!!! LOVE THIS BAND!!!!
 noe.architecte169 wrote:


Ah, there is a God and his name is Gavin...and he used Vic Firth sticks with the coated 'blue' grip.  
 skossow wrote:

This is a must watch - outrageous drumming! Thanks for posting.
 h_in_bristol wrote:

Got tickets to see PT in Berlin and in London in October 2022

Can't wait!



Did not know they were back together?! Hopefully come across the pond!
In absentia is my fav then comes Deadwing. Awsome band. They would take me to a wood full of secrets. 
 eileenomurphy wrote:

I was introduced to this band by RP! Thank You RP! And now, I like a lot of their tunes!




Same Here!!
I was introduced to this band by RP! Thank You RP! And now, I like a lot of their tunes!
Lots of comments on Gavin - who is truly awesome on percussion...

Bass-line in this song is also worthy of a 'hat's off' moment - pretty damn funky to these ears
OK. I'm doing this. I'm upping this to a 10, thanks to the drumming and the creative use of time signatures in the middle.
Got tickets to see PT in Berlin and in London in October 2022

Can't wait!
 keller1 wrote:

Steven Wilson's solo work is really good but I miss PT.



Porcupine Tree (Steven, Richard, Gavin) will be touring Europe in october 2022. Hopefully they'll be headed to the US in 2023.  While this band appeared to be "done" way back in 2010, i was not done wth them.  can't get enough PT.
I love how hearing this band can continue to astonish me and make me want to hear Collective Soul, Stone Temple Pilots, Rush, Kansas -- the inimitable Gavin Harrison reminds me a lot of Phil Ehart and Neil Peart and even flashes hints of Moonie; he is capable of going off on his own wild thing and still makes it back around to nail every quantum-beat for the band... This group is overflowing with talent, and implants inspirations that have multi-level reverberations in me.
You Porcupine Tree fans ARE aware aren't you that Porcupine Tree has reformed and created brand new tracks for a brand new album with a European tour in 2022?!? Hmmm? Yes! The lowdown is right here: https://porcupinetree.com/

And there's this to peruse as well: https://burningshed.com/store/...

Yes, you are correct that Steven Wilson previously stated Porcupine Tree is a thing of the past not to be reborn.

Well as they say, everything old is new again.

Perhaps Bill G. here can work his industry mojo to get the album and play us tracks sooner than later? 
Good tune! I never heard of them before hearing them on RP. Thanx RP!
"It is the duty of the faithful to purge the Heretic, beware the psyker and mutant, and abhor the alien."
Two killer Steven Wilson songs within a few hours of each other on RP.  Love it!  Oh, and check out Gavin Harrison's Anesthetize live on YouTube.  Mind blown.
 bam23 wrote:

The version of King Crimson that has been floating around for several years would not be even remotely as compelling without Gavin Harrison. He is listening to a different drummer, channeling a pulse from somewhere else. Watching him in concert is an astonishing experience.


Agree. There's a reason that - with three full drum kits fronting the band - he's the only one that gets a full solo turn. He deserves it. Check YouTube 21st Century Schizoid to see what I mean.
Any relationship to Blind Melon?
 bam23 wrote:

Just saw Gavin Harrison last night with King Crimson and immediately realized that this is the propulsive drummer on this cut. If you have not seen him in action, I highly recommend the experience. He is working from an internal rhythm all his own, although it syncs with the other musicians. Astonishing to see!



the best drummer in the world, right now.   anesthesia(live)
 Michaeljcovel wrote:
I would like to blow this song out of every religious person's ass and record their faces as it happens.  or their asses.{#Crashcomp}

@Fraqtop - - - FUCKING WORD!!



I'm not a fan of watching things blowing out of peoples' butts. I guess if that floats your boat (and they consent of course), go for it.
BTW, this is one rocking song. Go Gavin! GO!
 2Hawks wrote:
It's got a killer time signature. Anybody know what it is?
 
Most of the song is in 4/4 (or, if like me, you count eighth notes when listing to Gavin, 8/8) but the tricky part you are referring to is alternating measures of 9/8 and 8/8, so it comes across as something like 17/8.  Plus he accents it kind of off beat so its kind of hard to find the downbeat in there.  But if you count 9 followed by 8 you should be able to follow along.
Damn Bill you are killin' it for the last 6 songs.  My speakers are smokin'!
 garyalex wrote:
As usual, Gavin Harrison shows the way forward.  He amazes me with his skills.  Incredible.
 
The version of King Crimson that has been floating around for several years would not be even remotely as compelling without Gavin Harrison. He is listening to a different drummer, channeling a pulse from somewhere else. Watching him in concert is an astonishing experience.
Proof that Prog Rock is alive and  well....
Bill and Rebecca, you must have a lot of fun stringing these songs together.  Soul Sacrifice to Halo - Brilliant!
It's got a killer time signature. Anybody know what it is?
Sir Givin Harrison 

The surgeon of drums
I had tickets to see them twice in London in 1998 and 2001. They were supporting Thunder in 98 and then Dream Theater in 2001. However, as they were the support act (and I had a few too many in the bar) I sadly missed seeing them both times. A pity as I really like this guitar based prog rock  band.
Brachial.
Wow - This rocks so hard it gives me chills. LOVE it!
Thank you, RP for turning me on to this superb band.
Great bass playing. Nice groove.
 Northern_Lights wrote:
Does anyone else hear some Jane's Addiction in this?
 

Tricked me too.

This kid (me) is a huge Janes Addiction fan (please dont ask me to prove it) and I just had to look and see that this wasn't JA or at least Perry Farrell vocalizing. 
Reminds me of What God Wants part 1 of Roger Waters incredible album Amused to Death.
Bumped it from 8 to 9 because it is Outstanding.
 aspicer wrote:
SO regret I never saw them live....maybe a reunion tour some day?! Any recommended concert videos...?
 
The anesthetize DVD/BRD was recorded live in Tilburg, Netherlands, October 2008.   The lead songs are all from the Fear of a Blank Planet album.

Concert videos are not my thing but this one is pretty good.

I reckon the Steven Wilson solo concert is decent.  Porcupine Tree was tight.  Steven Wilson and band are even tighter.  

What do I regret not attending?   Porcupine Tree playing the Festival d'été de Québec in the 1990s.   
 aspicer wrote:
GOD how I wish I saw them live when I could have...
 
Hard same there! I didn't go last time they came through town and I've kicked myself ever since.
GOD how I wish I saw them live when I could have...
As usual, Gavin Harrison shows the way forward.  He amazes me with his skills.  Incredible.
Less cowbell. More Porcupine Tree.
 jahgirl8 wrote:
God is truth, God is power and God is proof.
 
Ummmmmmmm....nope. Not as stated by this band nor from you.
Steven Wilson can do no wrong.
Excellent! Tony Jory - London
"Gavin is power, Gavin is truth!"
SO regret I never saw them live....maybe a reunion tour some day?! Any recommended concert videos...?
 jahgirl8 wrote:
God is truth, God is power and God is proof.
 
Oh sweet irony!
God is truth, God is power and God is proof.
This is hypnotic! Love it.
Just saw Gavin Harrison last night with King Crimson and immediately realized that this is the propulsive drummer on this cut. If you have not seen him in action, I highly recommend the experience. He is working from an internal rhythm all his own, although it syncs with the other musicians. Astonishing to see!
Steven Wilson's solo work is really good but I miss PT.
What a tune. . .
This song KILLS live.
Rockin'!  The definition of Rockin'!
I've got an eagle around my head
As others have pointed out.  Adrian Belew is on the guitar in this song.  That in and of itself makes this song and the title song Deadwing special.
This song is great!
 Piranga wrote:
Steven Wilson is one of the most creative, talented, and prolific musicians going.
 
Understatement of the year.
A rare 10 from me... damn this rocks. Turned some friends on to this, and played while driving a big ol Sea Ray cabin cruiser down the Mississippi, big twin engines churning a huge wake, wind flying in our faces on a warm summer late afternoon, hi end audio system blasting it out, nice buzz going...  yea, it didn't suck.
Does anyone else hear some Jane's Addiction in this?
Brilliant song, brilliant album !!!

               
your new flac format rocks! this song proves it!!! Ta!
I would like to blow this song out of every religious person's ass and record their faces as it happens.  or their asses.{#Crashcomp}

@Fraqtop - - - FUCKING WORD!!
Amazing guitar solo in the middle of this song
          
 idiot_wind wrote:

Image result for wishbone ash argus album cover
 
OK? There is a slight similarity in covers, but WA isn't even a silhouette, just a dark red person against a bright (and slightly green) background. If they had mimicked the angle or the color scheme or the props, I could maybe see it, but there's not enough there there.
 Solanus wrote:

It's possible that Wishbone Ash was an influence for his music or the input of his bandmates (it's not specifically stated in Wikipedia, for whatever that is worth), but I'm pretty sure WA has no trademark on silhouettes on album covers.

 
Image result for wishbone ash argus album cover
 idiot_wind wrote:
Hey Porcupine, 

Wishbone Ash wants their  album cover back and their guitar rifts! ha! 
 
It's possible that Wishbone Ash was an influence for his music or the input of his bandmates (it's not specifically stated in Wikipedia, for whatever that is worth), but I'm pretty sure WA has no trademark on silhouettes on album covers.
Steven Wilson is one of the most creative, talented, and prolific musicians going.
Happy Solstice to all the Steven Wilson/Porcupine Tree/RP fans!
 
Try not to sacrifice any live animals.....

For those of us in the north, the days now start getting longer.
Hey Porcupine, 

Wishbone Ash wants their  album cover back and their guitar rifts! ha! 
 aspicer wrote:
Just saw Gavin Harrison with King Crimson last week - 3 full kit drummers (front of stage) including him.  WOW! Incredible show!  Any KC fans be sure to catch this tour!

 
You lucky b@stard! That sounds amazing!
 sleepinggypC wrote:

Boggles the mind dude. "revival?!?" This is about as GodHating as it gets.
Do. Not! Want.
 
Absolutely! This song takes more shots at piousness and the self-imposed higher religious moral standing than anything I've ever heard.
Just saw Gavin Harrison with King Crimson last week - 3 full kit drummers (front of stage) including him.  WOW! Incredible show!  Any KC fans be sure to catch this tour!
I note that Porcupine Tree sits at #10 on the RP artists lists in terms of popularity. This puts them ahead of such bums as Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young, The Who, Wilco, etc. Could be a weird artifact of math (i.e. not many low votes to drag down their average), but still a pretty impressive stat. 
 GeorgeMWoods wrote:
Hey, that;'s an interesting experiment,Bill, combining crappy metal with religious lyrics. Now drop the Christian revival and get back to more credible music.
 
Boggles the mind dude. "revival?!?" This is about as GodHating as it gets.
Do. Not! Want.
I like very much
 SquiddlyDiddly wrote:

Ouch. Thanks for posting this. I shall of course let everyone I know Mr Wilson's opinion on this matter. . . which of course means he is completely happy with the Zionists destroying the Palestine nation in plain sight. 

Who gives a shit? I do.  

 
Well, I would not immediately jump to that conclusion: "{Steven Wilson} is completely happy with the Zionists destroying the Palestine nation in plain sight."  

I get the impression that his close collaborator Aviv Geffen of Blackfield is not keen on the occupation.  He has called on tyrant Bibi Netanyahu to resign and has taken a number of risky public positions.  The kind of public criticism that earns death threats.

Ninet Tayeb who co-sings 'Don't Hate Me' on Wilson's 4 1/2 CD is somebody who sang to commemorate the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin and participates in Israeli-Palestinian music festivals.

Personally, I believe a boycott of Israeli intellectuals, poets and artists is a bad idea.  Boycott goods manufactured in the West Bank?  Yes.  Maybe.  

But then I am a big fan of 'constructive engagement', the policy advanced by the USA to push the apartheid Republic of South Africa towards a non-racial future.  

US policy in the Republic of South Africa was incredibly helpful in toppling the apartheid regime. US auto manufacturers created safe places for black trade unionists.  

The left and self-styled progressives should really avoid the trap of narcissistic position politics and focus more on simply getting the job done.  

That said, as an economist with some knowledge of international security matters, I view Israel as the single biggest threat to the security of rich western nations.  I also find it completely unforgivable that Israel currently has observer status at NATO.

 
 westslope wrote:
Meet Steven Wilson, the anti-Roger Waters
Pasted:

I’ve never had a one-on-one confrontation with one of those artists who boycotts Israel, but I would like to. It would be interesting, whether it’s Roger Waters, Annie Lenox or Brian Eno. It would really be curious to hear their side of the argument.

I think part of it must stem from their own inflated opinions of their own impact on the world. Because really, who gives a shit if Annie Lenox or Brian Eno boycotts Israel? The politicians don’t and the population at large doesn’t – that’s another sign that the influence of pop music is dissipated. People don’t have the kind of influence they used to. Nobody really cares if Roger Waters boycotts Israel.

 
Ouch. Thanks for posting this. I shall of course let everyone I know Mr Wilson's opinion on this matter. . . which of course means he is completely happy with the Zionists destroying the Palestine nation in plain sight. 

Who gives a shit? I do.  
 Hoosfoos wrote:
As bland as it gets.

 
You appear to be using that word incorrectly.
Argh!! Not good to drive by. Too much of this on the road already. :-/
Bill is on a roll! It's 8:00 am here in Dallas, I just got up to fix my coffee and fire up RP and Drive By Trucker's Sink Hole is followed by Led Zep's Immigrant Song and now this! What a great way to wake up!  Oh, and now that is followed by Robin Trower's Bridge of Sighs. Gotta turn the dial up to 11.
 Hoosfoos wrote:
As bland as it gets.

 
Not really. Perhaps not their best recorded song, but this song kills in concert. Trust me.
As bland as it gets.

Meet Steven Wilson, the anti-Roger Waters
Pasted:

I’ve never had a one-on-one confrontation with one of those artists who boycotts Israel, but I would like to. It would be interesting, whether it’s Roger Waters, Annie Lenox or Brian Eno. It would really be curious to hear their side of the argument.

I think part of it must stem from their own inflated opinions of their own impact on the world. Because really, who gives a shit if Annie Lenox or Brian Eno boycotts Israel? The politicians don’t and the population at large doesn’t – that’s another sign that the influence of pop music is dissipated. People don’t have the kind of influence they used to. Nobody really cares if Roger Waters boycotts Israel.


GODZILLA LIKE!
Please, play something with Josh Klinghoffer since today is his birthday please! Like Dot Hacker - Eye Opener. Please!!! 
Go to JAY-zuss you heathens!

(or not...)  {#Innocent}
I"m not the biggest fan of PT, but I've got to say this tune smokes!
Here endeth the lesson.
As if I didn't love Wilson enough, a song taking shots at the 'higher moral standing' of the theocratic. Love it!
{#Notworthy}  TY Porcupine 
 crogers wrote:

Hmm...  I think it actually goes much deeper than that.  The song itself, tongue-in-cheek as it is, seems to me to be nothing less than an outright condemnation of Western neo-evangelism and the ubiquitous, nearly cultist dedication to "spreading the Word of Christ" that open-minded, thinking people have to contend with and quietly tolerate here in the US, the UK and throughout the West.   Of course, such behavior may be found all over the globe, and Christianity is certainly not the only religion that has "evolved" to encourage such behavior by its followers.  When an artist or group like PT calls out hypocrisy, bigotry and delusions of grandeur for what they are, even when they hedge their bets as shown here, I can't help but applaud the effort.

 

I think the first lyrics about God being in the trigger and the lead (the bullet) add a very, very dark overtone to this song; God is on my side, I am right, and I have a halo around me as I kill the unrighteous, and the unbelievers.


That may be so.  I'm embarrassed to admit that to this date, I've invested too little time in learning about the plight of our world's indigenous peoples to form a truly considered opinion about such things.  Conversely, I am quite familiar with the tendency for otherwise well-meaning folks to overstep their knowledge and push for efforts that ultimately bite them (and the rest of us) in the ass.   Genetically Modified Organisms, anyone?

However, I'm not sure that there is a clear line to be drawn between (a) the current crop of Western evangelists driven by traditional religious zealotry and (b) present-day Western social activism.  One seems to say, "Do as you've been told by the ancient texts and subscribe to what the preachers say or bad things will happen to you and all that you love."  The other seems to say, "We have a terrible problem as a species on this planet and we need to work together to do something about it..  Let's roll!"   They're quite different angles from my perspective, but perhaps I'm misinterpreting your comment? 

In any event, I completely agree that it's a rare and valuable ability to bring important issues to the front burner without alienating those whom you're trying to enlighten.  If only our electable politicians had a bit more of that kind of skill and a bit less of the obfuscating flavor of pseudo-leadership that seems to be the norm now — perhaps we'd all feel more inclined to cooperate and work together in supporting policies that are more universally beneficial than universally bullshit.
 
westslope wrote:
crogers,

I believe artists and musicians are at their best when they raise issues and call attention to serious issues without being too specific, pedantic or condescending.  

Neil Young is another artist, who, in my opinion, gets it wrong on occasion and who comes across sounding like another greedy, righteous person playing narcissistic position politics.   

For an example outside the world of famous artists, self-styled liberals and progressives with all their apparent generosity typically have no idea how their policies have hurt Aboriginals over the years or contributed to polluted, deadly air and climate change.    

 

Halo and goodbye.
                                                   If you let me finger your halo
                                                     I'll let you to know the truth.
GREAT JAM!
crogers,

I believe artists and musicians are at their best when they raise issues and call attention to serious issues without being too specific, pedantic or condescending.  

Neil Young is another artist, who, in my opinion, gets it wrong on occasion and who comes across sounding like another greedy, righteous person playing narcissistic position politics.   

For an example outside the world of famous artists, self-styled liberals and progressives with all their apparent generosity typically have no idea how their policies have hurt Aboriginals over the years or contributed to polluted, deadly air and climate change.    
Thanks!  I hear you...

Not to get too far out there... but sometimes it seems that it's the roaring mouse that aligns the most sensitive minds.  

Some artists feel driven to bash you over the head with their ideas — which is fine, but when it comes to commenting on a prickly subject like the debatable validity of organized religion in the 21st century, it seems there are few who can do it with enough tact to allow those who are really paying attention to grasp it, relate to it and get behind it.  Every opinion deserves a voice and most of us don't have a microphone — even those with the really good, really considered ideas. I'm thankful that guys like Wilson have found a way to put rational thought into their art, to say what needs to be said (though it may still need to be partially couched in innuendo, even now!) to those with an appreciation for the bigger picture, carefully, succinctly and with both eyes squarely on the reality of the human condition and our future, or lack thereof...  


westslope wrote:
Good post crogers.

The other day I re-listened to Halo in light of your comments.   And you might be right.

That said, thank goodness that Wilson is not Bono or Roger Waters.  And I say that as a like-long 'shit-disturber'. 

 

 crogers wrote:

Hmm...  I think it actually goes much deeper than that.  The song itself, tongue-in-cheek as it is, seems to me to be nothing less than an outright condemnation of Western neo-evangelism and the ubiquitous, nearly cultist dedication to "spreading the Word of Christ" that open-minded, thinking people have to contend with and quietly tolerate here in the US, the UK and throughout the West.   Of course, such behavior may be found all over the globe, and Christianity is certainly not the only religion that has "evolved" to encourage such behavior by its followers.  When an artist or group like PT calls out hypocrisy, bigotry and delusions of grandeur for what they are, even when they hedge their bets as shown here, I can't help but applaud the effort.

 
Well put.
Good post crogers.

The other day I re-listened to Halo in light of your comments.   And you might be right.

That said, thank goodness that Wilson is not Bono or Roger Waters.  And I say that as a life-long 'shit-disturber'. 

Hmm...  I think it actually goes much deeper than that.  The song itself, tongue-in-cheek as it is, seems to me to be nothing less than an outright condemnation of Western neo-evangelism and the ubiquitous, nearly cultist dedication to "spreading the Word of Christ" that open-minded, thinking people have to contend with and quietly tolerate here in the US, the UK and throughout the West.   Of course, such behavior may be found all over the globe, and Christianity is certainly not the only religion that has "evolved" to encourage such behavior by its followers.  When an artist or group like PT calls out hypocrisy, bigotry and delusions of grandeur for what they are, even when they hedge their bets as shown here, I can't help but applaud the effort.


westslope wrote:
Hey Deadwing!  How goes?

Don't mind George.  He is showing his confirmatory bias or simply leaping to uninformed conclusions.

BTW, for all of you on all sides of the US cultural wars, this song is about a person and the way this person or type expresses his or her views, not about religion per se.