Dhobi Ghat - More Than A Review

After watching Dhobi Ghat today, I ventured onto the film's IMDB page. One of the questions on the discussion forums was "What change are you expecting in Bollywood after watching Dhobi Ghat?" After a sprinkle of answers saying that people are now switching from mindless comedies to serious films came an answer, by a user ‘colour-me-kubrick’, so short and so positively cynical.

"Nothing."

And that is exactly what I feel about the film too. Not that I'm saying it is bad. It is, indeed, a well-made film, and a montage of stories well-portrayed. But if you expect any major changes to take place among Bollywood producers or directors or in the viewing patterns of the general public, then we can only keep on hoping.

But to talk about the after-effects of such a film would be to take away from this film. Some films can bring about a change; a revolution too (case in point Aamir Khan's earlier Rang De Basanti) but Dhobi Ghat is not that film. It is a film that will affect you, more so if you are a Bombayite (Mumbaikar, if you prefer!) The characters in this film are believable, not like those just handpicked out of one's cloud of imagination and put onto the drawing board.

You believe that a character like Munna (played by Prateik) exists. You've probably heard the class-difference love story many times before, but you don't mind it again. Munna captivates you. You wonder how many boats this boy has got his legs into? Dhobi. Rat-killer. Guide. Wannabe actor. 'Extra services' free of cost. And yet he is likable because we too have so many different roles in our day-to-day lives. Roles taken up by the left hand that the right hand is not aware of.

Shai (played by Monica Dogra), the returning Indian from abroad. Why? To take some time off. To connect with her roots. We've seen such a character before and yet we don't mind it. She is looking for love, for friendship: a relationship. But she's confused. Aren't we?

The painter Arun (played by Aamir Khan) comes across as a rather stereotypical caricature of an artist. He doesn't want to be in serious relationships, has mood swings, says stuff like "Mumbai, my muse, my whore, my beloved city”, obsesses about a girl whom he doesn’t even know. We’ve seen such an artist before. And yet we know what it is to have a muse. To be obsessed with someone we know we will never meet.

Yasmeen (played by Kriti Malhotra) is the wife who has been married off against her wishes and brought to the city. She finds out that her husband’s business trips are actually dates with a mistress. She commits suicide. We’ve seen such a character before. And yet what she does differently is that she makes a video documentary of sorts capturing the different sights of Bombay which eventually becomes the crux of this film.

Bombay is the fifth character in the film. The torrential rain, the unending traffic noise, the relentless chugging-by of trains, the piercing silence in the subways or at night: all of this form our four earlier characters into what they eventually become. But Bombay remains unchanged.

The cinematography by Tushar Ray Kanti is terrific. The background score by Gustavo Santaolalla is not your typical Bollywood score. It provides support to the scenes, though I wish we had a little more of it. The acting is top-notch, except for Aamir Khan who doesn’t seem at ease at all in his role as the artist. Surprising.

Sometime ago, Aamir Khan said that Dhobi Ghat was an intelligent film; his exact words were, “I fear that masses may not like Dhobi Ghat because it is a very fine and delicate film. People who understand film, people who are sensitive - this film is for them. This is not a mainstream film.”

I agree that Dhobi Ghat is a fine film. I agree that it is delicate. But I think Aamir should have let the judgment of whether a film is good or not be left upon the public. Agreed that this is not a mainstream film, and that as ‘colour-me-kubrick’ mentioned, “Nothing” will change. But we can hope. Isn’t that what the films tells us as well?

The Divorce Choir

This is a story I wrote for my Creative Writing assignment. There is a second version of it too, which I will put up a few posts later. The second version was written to incorporate a few changes as well as the fact that divorces do not take place in Roman Catholic churches, which is the setting.


The names of the characters may bear resemblance to a few familiar people, but their characteristics are entirely coincidental.

What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. Matthew 19:6

“Should we stop, or should we not?”

Silence was all Arlene could hear. She expected it.

“I don’t think we should,” Valerie said, breaking the uneasiness in the room. “We haven’t come together for weddings, and it’s not our fault they always break up.”

“True, that,” Nigel nodded. “Couples divorcing are not our premise.”

“Surely it isn’t, Nigel, couples hooking up are our premise,” Arlene said, at which everyone burst out laughing. Everyone knew that the guitarist and Sylvia were going around since the past couple of months. All thanks to the choir.

“Ahem! We’re here to speak about the choir,” Sylvia said, thus getting the choir members to quieten down again.

Arlene winked at Sylvia and turning around to the rest said, “Okay, so let’s get things into perspective then…”

“Bravo! Spoken like a true management student!” Sullivan applauded, and everyone laughed again. Arlene, on the other hand, glared at Sullivan.

“Come on, Arlene. Why so serious?” Sullivan asked.

“Because these ‘accusations’ are becoming serious Sullivan, and I am worried,” Arlene gulped. The atmosphere was tense once again.

“We’ve sung at ten marriage masses so far. Of those nine, that’s ninety per cent, have divorced. That’s a terrible lot,” Arlene said, despair in her voice.

“But what is the problem here?” Sullivan asked. “As in, we are singing for the Lord, aren’t we? We can stop singing for wedding masses.”

“I agree,” Valerie said, “And it wouldn’t have been a problem had we been the only people who had noticed it. People are talking now. Many of them have already approached Fr. Neshwin to complain. And you know how he is. Always giving in to the parishioners. He spoke to Arlene about this. And that is why this meeting has been called.”

“And then,” Nigel added, “You also have to remember the money that comes in through these wedding masses.”

“Come on Nigel, you play for the money?” Valerie said. “You kidding me, right?”

“No, I’m not,” Nigel persisted. “Look at it my way dude. I’m not earning yet. It’s a better way of getting some cash than asking my pop all the time.”

Silence descended upon them again. Nigel picked up his guitar and started strumming a hymn. C Am F G. Set Me Like A Seal On Your Heart. The quintessential wedding hymn.

“I don’t want to stop singing. This is like being strangled,” Sylvia said.

C Am F G.

“But the parishioners want us out. They think we are jinxed,” Arlene said.

“I think we need a PR agent,” Sullivan smirked.

C Am F G.

“No, I think all the couples in our parish need to get divorced,” Nigel said, still strumming on his guitar. Everyone turned to look at him. Nigel looked up from his guitar.

“I mean, they should also understand what we are going through at this moment, right?” he smiled and continued fingering the strings again.

C Am F G.

“I think we should throw Nigel from the choir, he is the Jinx here,” Valerie said.

C Am F G.

“I think we should find out whether the other choir is facing a problem too,” Sullivan said.

“Clearly they are not,” Sylvia said. “In fact, Bonhoffer was one of the persons who complained to the priest.”

C Am F G.

“That curly-haired rascal, that stinker!” Nigel cried. “When he opens his mouth, bad breath escapes it more than his voice.”

“Legend has it that he loves onions and garlic,” Sylvia smirked.

“And if we keep going off the topic like that, we soon shall be legend,” Arlene said.

C Am F G.

Valerie stood up and said, “Let’s speak to Fr. Neshwin…”

C Am F Em.

“Nigel, that was way off,” Sylvia said.

“Well, can’t help it, can I?” Nigel said holding up his guitar. “Valerie just spoke the impossible.”

“Nigel, we have to try whatever we can,” Sullivan said. “And anyway, he’s one of the few hopes we have left now.”

“See, frankly, what I think,” Sylvia started, “is that we should stop singing for wedding masses. I mean that’s where the problem lies, right? So we’ll stop.”

“Ok, let’s consider what you say,” Valerie said, “What about the regular masses?”

“I think what Sylvia’s saying is right,” Arlene said. “No one can stop us from playing at regular masses…”

“Except God, if he hears our miserable voices and comes down and stops us,” Nigel interrupted.

“…so, I think,” Arlene continued, eyeing Nigel with the corner of her eyes, “we are in the right there. We just stop singing at the wedding masses.”

“But,” Nigel shrieked, “the money?”

“Shut up, Nigel,” Sylvia said. Nigel started tightening the strings on his guitar. “So how many people say that we should stop singing at wedding masses but continue for the regular ones?”

All hands went up except Nigel’s.

“How can you assure Father Neshwin’ll allow us to continue singing for the regular masses?” Nigel asked.

“Oh, come on,” Valerie said. “He’s not that bad. I’m sure he’ll allow us.”

“What days we have to see!” Nigel grumbled, now playing the chords to I Am The Bread Of Life, the funeral hymn. “At the most he’ll suggest that we start singing for funerals.”

G D Em C.

“No way,” Sullivan screamed. “People will start going to hell. Not that they’re not going otherwise. Perhaps we’ll just quicken the process.”

G D Em C.

Sylvia turned to Arlene and Valerie and said “Perhaps we should send Nigel and Sullivan to Father Neshwin’s room. We’ll kick them so that we quicken the process.”

G D Em C.

“Do I hear my name being proclaimed?” boomed a loud voice.

G C Em D.

“Totally off,” Sullivan said. “Either way.”

Sure enough, Fr. Neshwin entered through the sacristy doors. The first thing one noticed about him was his pot-belly thanks to the endless supply of beer in his refrigerator; that was if you hadn’t heard his voice till then.

“So who were you going to kick, Sylvia?” Fr. Neshwin asked her. He had good ears too.

“No one, Father,” Sylvia answered. “These boys were being mischievous.”

“Oh yes, I can understand Nigel being mischievous with you, my child. But Sullivan too? Now, now, naughty boy,” Fr. Neshwin said, giving the teasing look that he was well-known for.

Nigel whispered to Sullivan, “We need to open the files on this guy. Bet he had some flings in the past.”

Sullivan replied, “Him? You sure? Beer-guzzler! If I were a girl, I’d run away. Taking the beer along of course.”

“Did I hear beer?” Fr. Neshwin turned around to Sullivan.

“Yes, Father, we were talking about beer before you arrived. That is why the girls wanted to kick us,” Sullivan said. “Anyway, Father, we were coming to your room. Had to discuss about the choir.”

“Oh yes, I do remember. In fact, I came downstairs to speak with you people about that,” he said. Fr. Neshwin sat down on the seat meant for the keyboard player. Arlene’s eyes closed, concerned for her seat.

“Father, we are troubled by the suggestion that we have to stop singing,” Arlene started. “And why can’t we continue singing for the remaining masses?”

“Yes, Father,” Valerie added. “We won’t take marriage masses anymore.”

“Yes, Father,” Nigel said. “Or if you want, we’ll sing at those Vegas style marriages. Which break up immediately. We’ll get the cash that way too.”

“Nigel!” Valerie screamed. “Get some sense in that head of yours.”

“What!” Nigel leaped back. “Can’t a man get away with a few jokes?”

“Quiet, Nigel,” Sylvia said, her hand on his shoulder.

“So we see the display of love,” Fr. Neshwin joked. “See the manner in which Nigel is quiet now. Anyway, now that we don’t have any jibes running here, let us take a quick decision.”

“Yes, Father,” Arlene said. “Hope we can continue singing.”

“And gracing the church with our melodious voices,” Nigel teased.

“And divorcing couples due to their jinxed choices,” Fr. Neshwin said. “So, Arlene, as I was saying, we need to solve this problem immediately. And it looks like I have a solution,” his face beaming with pride.

“You do?” everyone jumped.

“What is it?” Sylvia asked.

“I’m telling you na,” Nigel said. “Father will allow us to sing for funerals.”

“Nigel, shut up,” Sullivan yelled. “Or Father will have to begin a funeral mass right now.”

“Thank you, Sullivan,” Fr. Neshwin said. “So, as I was saying, do you remember Mr. and Mrs. Santos?”

“Aaron and Jenell?” Valerie asked. “Yes, we do. They were the first couple we sang for.”

“And also the first to get divorced,” Nigel said.

“That’s the first sensible thing you’ve said in this conversation,” Fr. Neshwin said. “It’s a surprise you remember them. Usually your memory doesn’t go back to much more than three weeks.”

“How could I forget them, Father?” Nigel said. “They gave us three grands after we sang for them. People rarely give one grand, and we got three from them. I felt sorry for Aaron, he must’ve had to pay a lot of alimony.”

“Well, I don’t think that was needed,” he said.

“What?” Sullivan asked. “The alimony wasn’t needed? Why?”

“I’ll tell you why. They divorced two years ago, if I’m not mistaken.”

“Yes, Father,” Sylvia said. “But what do they have to do with all this?”

“Well, I have been the one counselling both of them…”

“You counsel people too?” Nigel asked. “I mean, after divorces?”

“Yes, I do, Nigel,” Fr. Neshwin responded. “In this case. Anyway, they realised a year ago that the divorce was a big mistake and that it shouldn’t have happened.”

“Very early,” Nigel said. “What about the harm caused to our reputation?”

“I shall now ignore him,” Fr. Neshwin said. “So they now want to get married. Again.”

“Wow!” Valerie exclaimed. “Now that is something we don’t get to see every day.”

“But what is the assurance that they won’t divorce again?” Arlene asked.

“I will assure that such a situation will not arise,” Fr. Neshwin said. “This marriage will last. And they want everything to be the same as the first time. Not a single different thing.”

“Which means,” Sullivan said, “Same church.”

“That it is,” Fr. Neshwin said. “Our Lady of Nazareth.”

“Same date?” Valerie asked.

“Definitely,” he confirmed. “December 27^th. That’s just a week away.”

“Same priest,” Arlene said.

“Surely,” he replied, “Father Neshwin Noel Almeida.”

“And the same choir,” Sylvia said, uttering what was on everyone’s minds.

“Yes,” he sniggered, “The Angels of Nazareth, or rather, the Divorce Choir?”

Everyone turned to Fr. Neshwin. He winked back at them. Everyone except Nigel.

“What happened, Nigel?” Fr. Neshwin asked.

Nigel looked up, smiled wryly and asked, “Same remuneration?”

2010 And All That Blah!

2010 comes to an end and all that blah! The last week of December doesn’t belong to December but becomes the property of the entire year gone by, good or bad. We have best of lists, worst of lists, historic moments lists, flops, hits, trends of the year, etc., etc., etc. Heck! Even I made two lists prior to this blog post. Ah! Yes. How could we forget the New Year Resolutions lists? These are invaluable.

I don’t see the fuss over a new year, frankly. Yes, it is fun to make these best of lists and see what the year was like. But for me that’s it. Luckily, till date, the new year has always been preceded by a week-long Christmas vacation so when I get back to college in the new year it does feel refreshing. Though I wonder how much new year is going to feel like a New Year once I start working, come April, and when I’m probably working my ass off on some year-end list on December 31st only to get back to create a list on January 1st about what to look forward to in the new year.

Well, call me cynical, but then the truth can be that way.

After all, what would New Year’s Day be if some wisecrack thousands of years ago who has found his name in the trivia books hadn’t made the Gregorian calendar. What would New Year’s Day be if that wisecrack hadn’t said that December would be the last month and after that would begin a new year? Would we have an all night party counting down to twelve o’clock (well, would we have a twelve o’clock at all? But that’s another issue!) if the Wisecrack hadn’t decided that January 1 follows December 31?

For all that matters, we wouldn’t even be celebrating our birthdays! (But that is not a good thing. I love birthdays. I’m too narcissistic to not love or celebrate birthdays).

So what is a New Year? Just a passage of time. Nothing more. And yet we wish for a “happier 2011” because “the previous year wasn’t good”. Well, a New Year is not going to change anything guys. Especially if you repeat the same things that you did the previous years. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m all for making mistakes. How else will you learn? But then don’t go and foolishly hang yourself off the fan just because you didn’t succeed the first time!

Your New Year will be a “happy and prosperous” one only if you want to make it one. Only if you act in a manner befitting one. Only if you don’t blame destiny and fate and God…

But sigh! Only if…! If only…!

Happy New Year anyway!

My Favourite Hindi Film Soundtracks - 2010

Two days ago I read this post about the best Hindi film soundtracks of 2010. I must say, I was disappointed with the article. Maybe my musical tastes do not match those of majority of the Indians and the site too, but missing out on a few really good soundtracks of the year after including Tees Maar Khan, Prince and Action Replayy is ridiculous, I feel. I was anyway about to write my post regarding my favourite Hindi film soundtracks of this year. Now I get an added reason to do so.

Not in any particular order, here we go.

1. Udaan (Composer: Amit Trivedi) - Can this guy ever get it wrong? After Aamir, Dev.D and Iktara in Wake Up Sid he came up with the soundtrack of perhaps the best Hindi film of 2010, Udaan. An untypical film demanded an untypical soundtrack, and that Amit Trivedi provided. My favourite from Udaan is Aazadiyan. The lyrics speak about freedom and liberation and that is exactly what the music feels like: liberation from the routine, monotonous music that composers in Hindi films had been providing. And although music in the rock genre may be his forte, he sure is adept at other genres too; fusion especially (more on this in the a little later.) Listen to Naav and Nadi Mein Talab Hain as well. The list mentioned above missed Udaan. Well, this list ensures that you shouldn't miss out on it like they did.

2. Aisha (Composer: Amit Trivedi) - And after Udaan, Trivedi followed it up with a commercial soundtrack in Aisha. But by 'commercial', he did not go to the ludicrous extents that other composers go to make their music commercial. Mixing various genres here (yes, that fusion I mentioned) he created a really eclectic soundtrack. From the rock of By the Way to the Punjabi folksy Gal Mitthi Mitthi Bol and from the acoustic Sham to the pop-ish title track, and how can one forget the soft-rock of Lehrein where he brought the piano and the violin together: absolutely melodious! This guy is here to stay.

3. Break Ke Baad (Composer: Vishal-Shekhar) - Vishal-Shekhar (VS) had composed music for I Hate Luv Storys (sic!) and Anjaana Anjaani before coming in to Break Ke Baad. All three films are romantic comedies and I didn't exactly like the music that the former two had. For Break Ke Baad, surprisingly though, VS went in for a more Western sound. The Indian feel was there too in Ajab Leher (where VS employed Neeraj Sridhar to sound amazingly different), but it was songs like Dhoop Ke Makaan, Dooriyan and Main Jiyoonga that had me swooning. It was probably the effect of working with a lyricist they had never worked before: Prasoon Joshi. But the results showed. And how!

4. Ishqiya (Composer: Vishal Bhardwaj) - Bhardwaj last composed music for his own film Kaminey last year and the music was a breakthrough hit. He composes again for debutant director Abhishek Chaubey and keeping with the rustic feel, yet thriller atmosphere of the film comes up with a suitable soundtrack. From the Spanish strumming of Dil Toh Bachcha Hain Jee to the electric guitar sounds on Ibn-E-Batuta, Bhardwaj really creates a fragrant blend. Badi Dheere Jali presents a classical tune in a slightly modern avatar. My favourite, though, remains Ab Mujhe Koi. A very soft track made even more soothing because of Rekha Bhardwaj's smooth voice. Enchanting.

Special Mention:

Peepli [Live] - The songs were not the typical Hindi film sound again. Indian Ocean collaborated on the soundtrack and provided an amazing track in Des Mera.

This was my list for 2010. Two songs that do not make my list, but I'm sure will make others' lists for Best Hindi song of 2010 will be Munni Badnaam Hui and Sheila Ki Jawani. Well, to each his own. But I really do not endorse the use of people's names in such a lyrical context. Freedom of expression, too, has its limits.

Looking ahead, 2011, I hope will be a good year for music too. Amit Trivedi has already started it on a bright note with the music for No One Killed Jessica. Watch out for him; this man knows no bounds. Next year, then.

My Favourite Songs - 2010

Since this is the end of the year, I feel obliged to create my own 'Best Of...' list as all others do. (It is a totally irreverent issue that no one reads my posts but that's a topic for another day). Today I will list out my favourite songs from this year. But before that a brief insight into my explorations into the music scene this year.

Ever since I got an internet connection last year, I visit sites like Billboard and Pitchfork often to search for new music. Being on Twitter also helps a lot while seeking new sounds to listen to. Besides, new friends at my Journalism course introduced me to lots of Indie music that I would've otherwise never listened to. At the same time, I also kept a ear out for the mainstream music that I like. So now, after I have given a short premise I list out my Favourite Songs of 2010, not in any particular order.

1. The Suburbs (Arcade Fire) - Not just the first single off their third album is worth listening to. I was introduced to Arcade Fire last year and Funeral (their first album) remains my all-time favourite album a year later too. With The Suburbs, they experiment further with their music, but not in entirely new directions; we had seen hints in Neon Bible (their second album). This third album is up for Grammys in the coming year. I do not know whether they will win or not but this much is sure that they do deserve the recognition they are getting. Their music is very cathartic and engrossing; music just got steroids in its veins.

2. Giving Up The Gun (Vampire Weekend) - Their music is chaotic and mad, yet it makes perfect sense. There is no other way I would love this band. Sure, Giving Up The Gun is not exactly in the same mode as their other songs (Oxford Comma, A-Punk) but Ezra Koenig's voice more than makes up for it. There's that same mischief inherent in their music that was visible in their first album (Vampire Weekend). With Contra, they just show that they are having a lot of fun (check out the video for Giving Up The Gun). Another good listen from this album would be White Sky.

3. When They Come For Me & The Catalyst (Linkin Park) - Linkin Park gave themselves a makeover, and how! 15 songs, all joined up with one theme: that of peace in violent times. Just like Arcade Fire's The Suburbs, it doesn't make sense to listen to songs in isolation in this album. But The Catalyst and When They Come For Me really stand out. Whereas The Catalyst still sounds typical Linkin Park to some extent, the latter explores new territory. Listen to the entire album; it is a very good listen.

4. Misery (Maroon 5) - Trust Maroon 5 to come up with good dance numbers. Misery and the MJ/Prince homage Give A Little More (also the first two songs in the album) will keep you tapping your feet. The rest of the album takes a little slower tempo but makes for good listening nonetheless. Stutter is typical Maroon 5, whereas the title track (Hands All Over) goes into an area which the band hadn't covered yet. Get hold of the deluxe edition. Their cover of Alicia Keys' If I Ain't Got You is plain lovely.

5. Becoming A Jackal (Villagers) - An Indie band that I found online, their first album (also Becoming A Jackal) is a poignant listen. Some very interesting lyrics thrown in with the uneasy yet reassuring voice of Conan O'Brien keep you on edge. This album hasn't received much publicity (it is up, though, for a Mercury Prize) but it can easily be one of the better albums this year. The title track pulls you in like no other off the album. Also pay attention to Set The Tigers Free: another good song.

6. The Flood (Take That) - I started listening to Take That after they regrouped four years ago. Shine from Beautiful World remains one of my all-time favourites. The Circus didn't impress me much. Now with Progress, Robbie Williams has returned bringing with him a new electronic sound previously unknown to Take That listeners. The Flood is the anthem-song for Take That, it has a 'reaching-out' feel to it. At the same time, it derides those who thought they would never be back together again. I am, yet, not a big fan of their music. But this song will remain on my playlist.

7. Tighten Up (The Black Keys) - Another band that I did not know much of. I downloaded this song only because it was number one on some Billboard list. I really loved the song, its Chinese influences and the video was funny. I didn't like their other songs, but in Tighten Up, I've got a nice earworm to deal with, although I don't mind.

8. Bad Bad World (Guster) - I downloaded Bad Bad World because they were giving it as a free download. I downloaded it, though, more so because I loved their song Ramona. (Thanks Ankita Kanwar) This is a very good band, I must admit, of which I just can't get enough. If Ramona (from 2003's Keep It Together) presents a love song like no other, Bad Bad World (from this year's Easy Wonderful) makes you want to believe that everything is alright with the world.

Over here, I'd like to mention one last artist that did not release an album in 2010. Their only album One EskimO was released 2009. The artist being talked about is One EskimO. With ambient electronic sounds mixed with guitar and piano beats and a voice that would make you believe that you are listening to James Blunt, One EskimO is surely an artist to look forward to. Listen to Chosen One and Kandi. Thanks Shubhra Rishi.

That's all for 2010. 2011 too promises to be a musical year. Here's a short list of a few of my favourite artists releasing albums in the next year. Will definitely be awaiting them.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Coldplay
Green Day (Live album)
Nelly Furtado
Kelly Clarkson
U2
The Ting Tings
Roxette
Blondie

Puddles of Water

I stare back at me, through the puddles of water.
I glare back at my misery, in these puddles of water.

Scattered, in grief, decadent over my life of a quarter.
Silent, these pools stare back at me, o'er these pools, I falter.


Puddles of water, endlessly reflecting the buildings, the skies, the flounderings.
Puddles of water, in silent despair, they hold on to share a moment of 'morrow.

The dead leaves, the grey skies, a crow crying.
Nature halts life, I too stop by.

I splash these puddles of mucky water.

From Light To Darkness

Because we descend into darkness today,
Allowing it to shroud us.

Slowly, unseen, stealthily,
we reached,
where no light could reach.

Dipped in  black, our eyes got new sight,
nothing was wrong, nothing was right.

Darkness had done its job, its palms taken off our eyes,
we settled back in this world, no truth,
no lies.