I just read an interview with Joshua where he said that this song was originally part of a planned concept album about Patrick Murphy, the real-life "Giant of Killowen" who lived in the early 19th century and was over 7 feet tall. He joined a circus where (perhaps fictionally) he fell in love with a female trapeze artist named Noa Mercier. Unfortunately, he passed away from smallpox at age 28, and this song represents his final farewell to Noa. Before I read the interview, I actually had a completely different interpretation of the lyrics. First of all, I assumed Noa Mercier was a guy, so I was like "cool, it's a song about a gay couple!" The references to fear of heights and fear of death, falling into flaming petroleum, and swimming in a black ocean made me think of offshore industrial disasters like the Piper Alpha oil rig fire. Essentially, I interpreted the song as being about two oil rig workers and secret (or not so secret) lovers who try to escape a fire and profess their love one more time before jumping 150 feet into the burning ocean together. Then again, I have a weird imagination. I thought Under the Concrete was about 9/11 at first.
A novel in a song.
I love how addictive and soul-warming this song is. Big Fan. Greetings from Germany
I don't normally comment on music but I have to say that this track is very good. Joshua music is what we need in these times.
I just read an interview with Joshua where he said that this song was originally part of a planned concept album about Patrick Murphy, the real-life "Giant of Killowen" who lived in the early 19th century and was over 7 feet tall. He joined a circus where (perhaps fictionally) he fell in love with a female trapeze artist named Noa Mercier. Unfortunately, he passed away from smallpox at age 28, and this song represents his final farewell to Noa.
Before I read the interview, I actually had a completely different interpretation of the lyrics. First of all, I assumed Noa Mercier was a guy, so I was like "cool, it's a song about a gay couple!" The references to fear of heights and fear of death, falling into flaming petroleum, and swimming in a black ocean made me think of offshore industrial disasters like the Piper Alpha oil rig fire. Essentially, I interpreted the song as being about two oil rig workers and secret (or not so secret) lovers who try to escape a fire and profess their love one more time before jumping 150 feet into the burning ocean together.
Then again, I have a weird imagination. I thought Under the Concrete was about 9/11 at first.
It's an excellent and beautiful song and I find it moving. Enjoyed so much your gig in Wexford.
genuinely incredible, fantastic mate
I love this track 👏🏼
Me too!
Seriously inspirational tune. If you have anything up anywhere that goes into the meaning of this one please let me know! cheers. Ronan
Wasnt it from a kind of opera JB was writing about a giant on a travelling freak show, and Noa was someone he loved?
Hi, what instrument is the intro played with? Is it a banjo?
tenor banjo yes, but tuned DGCF on this song