1985

"1985" is a song by British progressive metal band Haken. It was is the third song from the band's 2016 album Affinity.

Basis

NOTE: Some of the following may fall into the realm of fan speculation. The band has left much of the song's meaning unclear.

The song's lyrics likely follow the the titular satellite's journey through space. As well as this, the lyrics may also allude to frameshift mutation.

Production

"1985" was one of the first songs written for Affinity. The initial demo by Charlie Griffiths inspired the band to continue further with the 1980's aesthetic of the album.

Lyrics

"1985" lyrics [Click here]
I stand, map in hand, direction misaligned
I play my role with the cast of a die
It spins through the air, bound by gravity
So why can't I feel momentum pulling me?

Their design, shifting frame by frame
Blur the lines, the cycle starts again

My first step was undertaken aimlessly
Yet I arrive as if I'm meant to be
Conceived by desire or compelled by certainty?
Did I decide or did the road choose me?

Their design, shifting frame by frame
Blur the lines, the cycle starts again

All I am: blood, flesh and bone
Hand in hand, love, trust and hope
Step by step, all roads lead home
Birth to death, Thy will be done
All I am: blood, flesh and bone
Hand in hand, love, trust and hope
Step by step, all roads lead home
Birth to death, Thy will be done

Break the code, find your soul
Cast the die, lose control
Break the code. find the formula
Lose control, in euphoria
Break the code. find the formula
Lose control, in euphoria

Their design, shifting frame by frame
Blur the lines, the cycle starts again
Their design, shifting frame by frame
Blur the lines, the cycle starts again

Personnel

Haken
  • Ross Jennings - vocals
  • Richard Henshall - guitars
  • Charlie Griffiths - guitars
  • Diego Tejeida - keyboards, sound design
  • Conner Green - bass
  • Raymond Hearne - drums

Quotes from the Band

"Charlie sent the first sketch of the song "1985" back then the songs all had different names and immediately the idea of having an album influenced by that 80s sound seemed like something really fun to do. Everything unfolded from there, really."

-Diego Tejeida

Trivia

  • The band have referenced the song's title multiple times, such as in the "Prosthetic" Guitar Playthrough.
  • 1985 is the most listened to song from Affinity.

Links
"1985"

"1985" Promotional Art
Song by Haken
Album Affinity
Genre Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock
Length 9:08
Live Plays 217 (#2)
Affinity
"Initiate" << "1985" >> "Lapse"

"Conceived by desire or compelled by certainty? Did I decide or did the road choose me?"

1985, from Affinity