Julee Cruise I Float Alone (1989)
If an object’s density is less than or equal to that of a liquid, it will float on the liquid’s surface; otherwise, it will sink. This is the principle of buoyancy, where an object displaces a volume of liquid equal to its weight. A buoy, designed specifically to float on water, serves as a perfect example.
People can float too—in saltwater, for instance, or metaphorically. During deep relaxation, you might feel as though you’re “floating” as well as during moments of emotional detachment or stress. Such feelings can stem from a broken heart, as beautifully captured in Julee Cruise’s dream pop gem “I Float Alone,” which is today’s song.
Dig Deeper
Julee Cruise’s “I Float Alone” was written and produced by director David Lynch and composer Angelo Badalamenti. Lynch featured the song in Industrial Symphony No. 1: The Dream of the Broken Hearted, a concert performance he directed that starred Nicolas Cage, Laura Dern, Michael J. Anderson and Cruise herself. The avant-garde play was staged twice in 1989 as part of the New Music America Festival in New York. Footage from these performances was later compiled for a home video release in 1990, which is available on YouTube.
Start the conversation
Become a paid member of The Rest to gain access to the comments section.