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Porcupine Tree — Stop Swimming
Album: Stupid Dream
Avg rating:
6.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 558









Released: 1999
Length: 6:52
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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This song leaks out onto the pavement
It could be a joke, it could be a statement
The more that I fake it and pretend I don't care
The more you can read in to what isn't there

Maybe it's time to stop swimming
Maybe it's time to find out where I'm at
What I should do, where I should be
But no-one will give me a map

I'll leave now this can't continue
But I forget which door I came through
And I know that the lift can be painfully slow
So I think I'll leave by the window
Comments (113)add comment
I find this song a little boring, but in general I love Porcupine Tree.
For example - Sentimental.




Posted 10 years ago by RandomousJam    [ Reply ]
 Limpopoking wrote:

Calibre?

 
I just register to say this: I hate Procupine tree, such downers, so depressing, god, I hate them
Posted 10 years ago by giants11214    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:
Shoot me now. 

 
Calibre?
Posted 10 years ago by Limpopoking    [ Reply ]
 cohifi wrote:

funny, I was going to comment that it sounds kind of good.

 
sounds much better via the 192k ogg stream and better still from a cd.  I wonder if it ever came out on vinal.
<edit> https://goo.gl/auw07 </edit>
Posted 11 years ago by stunix    [ Reply ]
Not a big fan of the drumming in this band
Always playing the entire kit and too many hits. A splash there, some high toms there, ghost notes etc. Always playing something to break the silence between the notes

But the silence between the notes are gold!
Keep it simple stupid  {#Wink}
Posted 11 years ago by OHMish    [ Reply ]
Shoot me now. 
Posted 11 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
This is how smooth jazz was born- an abortion was indicated but instead we got Kenny G noodling in a mode, not bothering to write an actual song. Total rot =1
Posted 11 years ago by misterbearbaby    [ Reply ]
 stunix wrote:
love this and play it lots, shame the RP stream compresses it, its glorious!
 
funny, I was going to comment that it sounds kind of good.
Posted 11 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
 lordlab wrote:
They are like the new Monkeys.
 
Seriously?   Funny all the same.  The clientele is a little different with lots of 50, 60 and older groupies in the mix.
Posted 11 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
 catsailor wrote:

The frame of mind when listening is so key to letting the song reach in and connect emotionally.  I usually like more active tunes toward the slightly hyperactive.  Think Brand X as an example.  Tonight my mood is more calm, present in this moment, being with what is here, and thus I was more open to the emotional connection this offers.  This connects like never before and I raise my rating 3 points.  I hope to hear this song this same way again.  The "set" of the listener is as important as the music.



 

Well said. The "space" in this song is very important. As you stated, you have to let yourself hear it and connect to it.


Posted 11 years ago by paranoidfloyd    [ Reply ]
très cool pour la soirée ...
Posted 11 years ago by cousinhub    [ Reply ]
love this and play it lots, shame the RP stream compresses it, its glorious!
Posted 12 years ago by stunix    [ Reply ]
I would highly recommend the live version of this song from "Warzsawa"  it's brilliant.
Posted 12 years ago by TJS    [ Reply ]
 kramfarcus wrote:
Chris Maitland drummed for PT before Gain Harrison.

 

Chris Maitland was a good drummer and backup vocalist.


Posted 12 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
There's a nasty hum in that towards the end. I suppose it was intentional, but man, my little tube amp sounded like it had broken. I was about to run for my soldering iron! 
Posted 12 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
They are like the new Monkeys.
Posted 12 years ago by lordlab    [ Reply ]
 rtwingo wrote:
This song is a complete waste of good drumming.
 
What he said. This song goes into the category of songs with interesting, promising intros that go bland at the first verse. The instrumental bridge thing could have picked it up, but… maybe the outro will do something…?

Posted 13 years ago by lee_sf    [ Reply ]
Chris Maitland drummed for PT before Gain Harrison.
Posted 13 years ago by kramfarcus    [ Reply ]
I believe Chris Maitland played on this song/album.
Posted 13 years ago by kramfarcus    [ Reply ]
Gavin Harrison on drums.  Just amazing.

Posted 13 years ago by garyalex    [ Reply ]

The frame of mind when listening is so key to letting the song reach in and connect emotionally.  I usually like more active tunes toward the slightly hyperactive.  Think Brand X as an example.  Tonight my mood is more calm, present in this moment, being with what is here, and thus I was more open to the emotional connection this offers.  This connects like never before and I raise my rating 3 points.  I hope to hear this song this same way again.  The "set" of the listener is as important as the music.



Posted 13 years ago by catsailor    [ Reply ]
If you haven't already done so then go buy the Porcupine Tree live dvd/bluray "Anesthetize". Brilliant!
Posted 13 years ago by mirland    [ Reply ]
I gave it 7 because I didn't hear the whole song. But, what I heard is really good.  I love Porcupine Tree, so I'm betting it'll end up getting at least a 9 from me in the near future...
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Brilliant, if poignant, conclusion to a truly great album. This, Piano Lessons, Pure Narcotic and A Smart Kid are my favorites...
Posted 14 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
 SusieQ wrote:
is this stupid dream

over YET??? arrgggh!!!!
 
Stupid is as stupid trolls...{#Moon}

Posted 14 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
This song is best listened to with headphones and a dark room, a la Pink Floyd.  It has such subtle rythms and melodies that you really need to get your whole head around this one. Really some of PT's best work.
Posted 14 years ago by Rafter101    [ Reply ]
is this stupid dream

over YET??? arrgggh!!!!
Posted 14 years ago by SusieQ    [ Reply ]
painfully slow

ly killing me with mopiness
Posted 14 years ago by SusieQ    [ Reply ]
 1wolfy wrote:
 I'm finally going to see them live next month in Hollywood and SanDiego.  {#Cheers} Hello to you Miss Deadwing wrote:

I was at the Cleveland HOB show too   {#Mrgreen}     What a great night!

 
 
Have fun Wolfy!!! I saw them twice this last year and it was an incredible experience. The Incident song  cycle is really cool in concert. Pay attention to the graphics as well.

And of course, there is Mr. Harrison to wow us with his talents.

Enjoy.{#High-five}

Posted 14 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/414AEWP9NML._SL500_AA300_.jpg
Posted 14 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 I'm finally going to see them live next month in Hollywood and SanDiego.  {#Cheers} Hello to you Miss Deadwing wrote:

I was at the Cleveland HOB show too   {#Mrgreen}     What a great night!

 


Posted 14 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
 davin wrote:
Erk, I don't have this album yet
 
I believe they reissued it recently, with a 5.1 surround mix also.

Posted 14 years ago by RedGuitar    [ Reply ]
this band knows how to use drums = simply terrific
Posted 14 years ago by k_trout    [ Reply ]
A wonderfully sad song from my favorite PT album.   9!
Posted 14 years ago by Leatherpoker    [ Reply ]
I love PT for many things, including the incredible diversity of the music.

Posted 14 years ago by felix_the_man    [ Reply ]
 mtwebb wrote:
Thank You RP for exposing me to this band. Saw them recently in Cleveland.....WOW!!
 
I was at the Cleveland HOB show too   {#Mrgreen}     What a great night!

Posted 15 years ago by Deadwing    [ Reply ]
 TheFriendlyCat wrote:
Just began listening to this album. Previously In Absentia had been my favorite, but this one, at least the first half, is creeping up on a close second. 

 
Deadwing started out as my favorite.  Now it's hard to pick between this, In Absentia and Signify.  Oh hell, they're all good. And just when I think I've reached my PT quota, a different song comes on that I don't have yet; so naturally I have to buy that album as well.  Do you think I need some sort of 12 step program or something?


Posted 15 years ago by Imkirok    [ Reply ]
Thank You RP for exposing me to this band. Saw them recently in Cleveland.....WOW!!
Posted 15 years ago by mtwebb    [ Reply ]
What a great band, so prolific and so many great numbers.
Posted 15 years ago by kgish    [ Reply ]
This band has completely grown on me. {#Whistle}
Posted 15 years ago by sterlingy    [ Reply ]
This song is a complete waste of good drumming.
Posted 15 years ago by rtwingo    [ Reply ]
Erk, I don't have this album yet
Posted 15 years ago by davin    [ Reply ]
I'm a massive PT and Steve Wilson fan (thanks again RP for exposing me to them), but this IMO is one of our Steve's weaker numbers. Technically tricksy backbeat I'm sure, but the song itself fails to grab and sounds a bit limp. 5 from the Nottingham jury, a good 3 below the usual minimum for PT tracks.
Posted 15 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
"The lift can be painfully slow"

Much like a PT song... particularly this one.

I just don't get this band.
Posted 15 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
 jagdriver wrote:
PT is excellent.
 
Agree, even though this isn't one of their better tunes.

Posted 15 years ago by jjbix    [ Reply ]
{#Yes} jagdriver wrote:
PT is excellent.
 


Posted 15 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
PT is excellent.
Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Picking up where Talk Talk left off
Posted 15 years ago by firefly6    [ Reply ]
Just began listening to this album. Previously In Absentia had been my favorite, but this one, at least the first half, is creeping up on a close second. 

Posted 15 years ago by TheFriendlyCat    [ Reply ]
Between Heartattack in a Lay By a few days ago and this one, I'm finding PT to be absolutely lovely. Quite pleased.
Posted 15 years ago by notremotely    [ Reply ]
ToddBradley wrote:
The music sounds so much like Seal that I thought Trevor Horn must be producing.

First time hearing this, and must agree with this comment from three years ago. Although when it first started with just the drums/cymbals, I thought it was "Live Forever" by Oasis.

Posted 15 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
He says it is one of his favorite songs that he has ever written.
Posted 16 years ago by Deadwing    [ Reply ]
This album spent a lot of time in my car as the only CD present (sorry, I have a six pack cd). I got to know it very well and this track, while not as hard rocking as some of the others, really does transport you to another space and time.

And it's the last track on the album. So Steve has the ability to bring the listener back down to a somber level, reflective, introspective.
Posted 16 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
Most excellent drum work.
Posted 16 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
Geecheeboy, Yes I see err hear your point. LOL! With some 'better production values', Mitch Been could be a big star.
Posted 16 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
Sounds more like Radiohead with better instrumentation to me... And I like it.
Posted 16 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
westslope wrote:
ColdPlay? Hardly.
You miss the point. It doesn't sound like Coldplay. It sounds like the video that MOCKS Coldplay. Go look at the link, man, and see it you don't agree...
Posted 16 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]
ColdPlay? Hardly.
Posted 16 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
Wow. This sounds like "Everything Sounds Like Coldplay Now" by Mitch Benn. Found here.
Posted 16 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]
YES, leave by the window, and take this song with you!!!
Posted 17 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Photo-John wrote:
I love P Tree. But this doesn't kick my ass like a lot of their other stuff does. Still better than listening to the Dead, though
They rock out pretty hard in concert, but have that ability to float you on a cloud on a moments notice. They are a must see live.
Posted 17 years ago by leathepea    [ Reply ]
robco1 and westslope- it's so wierd but Genesis was also my favorite band back in the 70s. Everything between Trespass and Wind and Wuthering I just adore Moreso than Yes, Rush, or even Floyd. Maybe it's the amazing melodies that we love in PT.
Posted 17 years ago by Deadwing    [ Reply ]
1wolfy wrote:
I bought this CD and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. It gets better with every listen.
Posted 17 years ago by peyotecoyote    [ Reply ]
I bought this CD and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. It gets better with every listen.
Posted 17 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
Yes and early Genesis were always my prog favourites. Early Genesis was less showy and overdone than Yes with broader audience appeal. I hear bits of both in PT and am of the opinion that PT is better than both. So there. LOL! This song is a great end to a fabulous CD--Stupid Dream. Enjoy!
Posted 17 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
kaviksdad wrote:
Mid 70's Genesis was a bad imitation of early 70's Genesis... PT is definitely a cut above the former, and a shade below the latter -
Right on with the Genesis comment, though mid-70s was at least better than 80s Genesis (i.e. the Phil Collins pop hour). Back then Pete and co. were breaking a lot of new ground, and Steven Wilson is clearly a fan who has taken that influence and built on it. I'd say PT is as good as '69-'74 Genesis, and this coming from a guy whose nickname in high school was Genesis! It is all great stuff!
Posted 17 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
Photo-John wrote:
I love P Tree. But this doesn't kick my ass like a lot of their other stuff does. Still better than listening to the Dead, though
I like them both.
Posted 17 years ago by Al_Koholic    [ Reply ]
I love P Tree. But this doesn't kick my ass like a lot of their other stuff does. Still better than listening to the Dead, though
Posted 17 years ago by Photo-John    [ Reply ]
"Maybe it's time to stop swimming . . . . . . . . . . . " Must . . . resist. . . . . . don't say. . . . . anything. . . . .
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
what is wrong with you people? This is art! This is more subtle than Genesis. I love genesis, but I love this too. The melodic drums through the whole piece add a strange moody astinato (don't know how to spell). Very memorable.
Posted 17 years ago by MahlerTheMartyr    [ Reply ]
A PT song that I have not heard before... I like!! I was introduced to them in 2005 and have been to two of their concerts since. They are without peer today. I do like the harder edge they seem to be taking. Very intelligent music with cojones!! Me gusta!
Posted 17 years ago by felix_the_man    [ Reply ]
just wonderful, had to stop and see who it was........thanks bill
Posted 18 years ago by llano48    [ Reply ]
awesome.
Posted 18 years ago by davin    [ Reply ]
dango wrote:
Sounds like a bad immitation of Mid-70s Genesis.
Mid 70's Genesis was a bad imitation of early 70's Genesis... PT is definitely a cut above the former, and a shade below the latter -
Posted 18 years ago by kaviksdad    [ Reply ]
Sounds like a bad immitation of Mid-70s Genesis.
Posted 18 years ago by dango    [ Reply ]
There's NEVER too much Porcupine Tree. Even though this isn't one of my favorites . . .
Posted 18 years ago by wisemily    [ Reply ]
Definitely looking forward to the day when Porcupine Tree stops recording "music".
Posted 18 years ago by Kevstar    [ Reply ]
I personally dig PTree... and I like this song. It's got a bit of a Radiohead vibe going on, with lots of high-hat. But... I wish Bill had another metric on "How often would you like to hear this? Once every day, week, month, 2-3 months, longer?" I might rate this song a 10...but, don't play it more than once every 2-3 months. ;-) Timo
Posted 18 years ago by timcolson    [ Reply ]
My god! I can't think of another song where the lyrics more perfectly reflect the mood and sound of a song better than this.
Posted 18 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
Enough with the Porcupine Tree! For the love of God and all that is decent, give it a rest.
Posted 18 years ago by mbeatle    [ Reply ]
Desire wrote:
Talk about an awesome innovative band. I also get into Spock's Beard and Ozric Tentacles!
I think these guys listened to a lot of Tentacles....a good thing IMO.
Posted 18 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
willb wrote:
similarities to Radiohead are not bad, you know. But, I thought the same thing. I was listening without looking at the RP site and I thought "hey, this is something new from Radiohead", but no. It is interesting and pleasant, in a dreary sort of way.
I agree, now if only I was listening and it was pouring rain outside 112 today here.
Posted 18 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
similarities to Radiohead are not bad, you know. But, I thought the same thing. I was listening without looking at the RP site and I thought "hey, this is something new from Radiohead", but no. It is interesting and pleasant, in a dreary sort of way.
Posted 18 years ago by willb    [ Reply ]
Radiohead wanna-bee's?
Posted 18 years ago by Kite_Flyer    [ Reply ]
Striking sound and drum groove, but the song doesn't leave much of an impression, so far. But, who knows, it's only my first listen. Probably Mezzanine nailed it.
Posted 18 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by chmÀdchen    [ Reply ]
they should be scolded for an orgy of nothing.
Posted 18 years ago by ahoylola    [ Reply ]
"Painfully slow."
Posted 18 years ago by lester    [ Reply ]
Carly wrote:
ethereal
French for "endless." Okay. Joking. Sorry. But that is where Bill and Rebecca's musical taste most parts ways with mine--they are MUCH more tolerant of repetition (notice how I omitted any adjective, there? I'm trying to be more open-minded) than am I.
Posted 18 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
ethereal
Posted 18 years ago by Carly    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by The_Waker    [ Reply ]
I have a navel - therefore I gaze unto it. Eh?
Posted 18 years ago by Darrooon    [ Reply ]
Talk about an awesome innovative band. I also get into Spock's Beard and Ozric Tentacles!
Posted 18 years ago by Desire    [ Reply ]
physicsgenius wrote:
If you get near some music, let us know. (Tip: You might try ditching the ka-sha drum machine and pick up an actual instrument that makes notes.)
Actually that is a real drummer playing. Not as great as their new drummer, but no slouch. Thank you, RP for introducing me to this band.
Posted 18 years ago by chucklesalmon    [ Reply ]
zaknafein wrote:
(I realize this is a very old post, but just an update...) The 5.1 mix of SD is in the production phase right now. Best estimates I've heard are for the first part of 2006.
If you look at the "news" section of the PT website, there is a report that this will come out in a 2 disc version (available from the website only) in 2006 with a reissue of Lightbulb Sun to follow sometime in the future. Great news!
Posted 18 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
The lack of dynamics in this song is painful. I imagine the drummer played a bad ass drumbeat one day and the rest of the band tried to write a song around it.
Posted 19 years ago by mezzanine    [ Reply ]
physicsgenius wrote:
If you get near some music, let us know. (Tip: You might try ditching the ka-sha drum machine and pick up an actual instrument that makes notes.)
Zep wrote:
There's a line in "Men in Black" that comes to mind when I read your comments. When K is inducted as an agent, J says to him, "As of now, your accumulated knowledge means absolutely... DICK."
Or the great line from Will Smith's character in "I, Robot" when he encounters a scientist who refuses to see the obvious: "You're the stupidest smart person I've ever met."
Posted 19 years ago by mojoman    [ Reply ]
ToddBradley wrote:
The music sounds so much like Seal that I thought Trevor Horn must be producing.
That's the first thing that went to my mind, and I immediately checked the comments to see if anyone else heard that...
Posted 19 years ago by Rafter101    [ Reply ]
KevinM wrote:
"Supposedly" Lava will reissue Stupid Dream and Lightbulb Sun around the time of P-T's forthcoming release "Deadwing" due sometime around March/April 2005
(I realize this is a very old post, but just an update...) The 5.1 mix of SD is in the production phase right now. Best estimates I've heard are for the first part of 2006.
Posted 19 years ago by zaknafein    [ Reply ]
physicsgenius wrote:
If you get near some music, let us know. (Tip: You might try ditching the ka-sha drum machine and pick up an actual instrument that makes notes.)
There's a line in "Men in Black" that comes to mind when I read your comments. When K is inducted as an agent, J says to him, "As of now, your accumulated knowledge means absolutely... DICK."
Posted 19 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
Geez, when will this song end? There's talent and charachter here, but this song carries on a bit.
Posted 19 years ago by Cambot    [ Reply ]
I like this song...not their best, but still good in my book. Are any RP'ers going to see these guys at the Wilshire Theatre in LA on June 10? I'll be there -- my first concert of any type in several years. (A badly broken vertebrae a few years ago has, to a large extent, prevented me from attending anything where I'd need to sit for long periods of time. I'm in better shape now, so I figure it's about time to give a concert a try.)
Posted 19 years ago by tg3k    [ Reply ]
The music sounds so much like Seal that I thought Trevor Horn must be producing.
Posted 19 years ago by ToddBradley    [ Reply ]
PT IS AWESOME!!!!!
Posted 19 years ago by subgang    [ Reply ]
If you get near some music, let us know. (Tip: You might try ditching the ka-sha drum machine and pick up an actual instrument that makes notes.)
Posted 19 years ago by physicsgenius    [ Reply ]
I'm really starting to dig these guys
Posted 19 years ago by stickittotheman    [ Reply ]
Darlington wrote:
Definitely. I keep hearing/reading that Lava is going to go back and reissue a number of the older Porcupine Tree albums/discs. However, I have not seen any specifics of this so who knows.
"Supposedly" Lava will reissue Stupid Dream and Lightbulb Sun around the time of P-T's forthcoming release "Deadwing" due sometime around March/April 2005
Posted 19 years ago by KevinM    [ Reply ]
frankydee wrote:
Can these guys be better? WE NEED A NEW EDITION OF THIS ALBUM !!!!!
Definitely. I keep hearing/reading that Lava is going to go back and reissue a number of the older Porcupine Tree albums/discs. However, I have not seen any specifics of this so who knows.
Posted 19 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
Surreal. Pleasant. Need one experience more... onward and upward... Life expansion...continue...ahhhhhhhhh...
Posted 19 years ago by blue-ice    [ Reply ]
I dig PT, but this isn't one of their stellar productions.......
Posted 19 years ago by rulebritannia    [ Reply ]
Boring.
Posted 20 years ago by Bicky    [ Reply ]
Can these guys be better? WE NEED A NEW EDITION OF THIS ALBUM !!!!!
Posted 20 years ago by frankydee    [ Reply ]
"MMMMMMM,porcupine tea! Aurghhhhhhhh!
Posted 20 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]