Released: 2009
Wolfmother’s “Sundial” is a lyrical journey that wraps itself in the mystique and grandiosity familiar to fans of the Australian rock band. At its core, the song contemplates the extraordinary found within the ordinary, a reflection on perceptions and the deeper realities that lie beneath the surface. It’s this interplay between what is seen and unseen, the evident and the hidden, which the lyrics explore through vivid imagery and a call to introspective exploration.
The opening lines, “In time, you will find / Many things found in the ordinary / Could it be, what you see / Many things are extraordinary,” serve as a mantra for the entire song. It encourages the listener to delve deeper, to look beyond initial perceptions. This is classic Wolfmother, inviting us on a trip not just of sound, but of thought, urging us to see the magic in the mundane. It’s all about revelations and the idea that a closer look can change everything.
As the song progresses, phrases like “Every time when I look at you / Well, I seem to find another thing behind the story” repeat the theme of discovery. This isn’t just about uncovering secrets; it’s about the realization that behind every glance, every person, and every moment, there’s a deeper layer, a “dream behind the glory.” It’s Wolfmother tapping into that rock essence of questioning and seeking, wrapped in a package of powerful vocals and driving instrumentals.
The motif of the sundial wonders punctuates the lyrics, acting as both a literal and figurative anchor. Sundials, ancient tools for measuring time by casting shadows, symbolize the passage of time and the quest for understanding in a transient world. “How could you see nothing at all? / The sundial wonders on,” sings frontman Andrew Stockdale, casting doubt on surface-level living and challenging the listener to find meaning in what might initially seem inconsequential or overlooked.
The verses paint scenarios – a walk in the park “after hour,” basking in the “light” that takes away “all your love and power” – moments that invite introspection. These aren’t just casual observations; they’re moments of transformation where the ordinary is peeled back to reveal the extraordinary. It’s a call to embrace the unknown and find the depth behind every experience.
The repeated lines towards the end, “And now it seems no time at all / The sundial wonders on,” speak to the timeless nature of these revelations. Wolfmother is suggesting that the real wonders and mysteries of life are ever-present, waiting just beneath the surface, if only we’re willing to look a little deeper. By using the sundial as a recurring symbol, the song emphasizes the continuous and perpetual quest for meaning amidst the seemingly mundane.
In essence, “Sundial” by Wolfmother beckons the listener to explore beyond the surface, to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. It’s a masterful blend of rock’s philosophical ponderings with the band’s signature sound, urging us to question, to look deeper, and to find the hidden stories and dreams that lie just beyond our sight. This track isn’t just music; it’s a philosophical journey set to the backdrop of hard-hitting rock and roll.
