Their songs are notable for their male/female vocal harmony, shifting rhythms, and quirky song structure- most tracks are composed of multiple distinct, almost disjointed movements. Both members sing with great intensity, often in the upper ranges of their voices, and often sing different (yet complementary) melodies simultaneously. Tempos are nearly always fast, with beats often resembling those found in electronic club or dance music.
The main instruments used by the band are drums and electric organ. Although both members started out playing the guitar, they found they ended up fooling around with the organ and drums in their practice space more often than with more traditional instruments.
The band recorded one album on Omnibus Records before moving to Polyvinyl Record Company for their second and third full-lengths. They have also released five 7-inch singles and two EPs. In December 2005, the band signed with Barsuk and since have released an album entitled Bring It Back. In May 2008, they released the album Re-Arrange Us.
Laura
Mates of State Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We used to be friends
Now when I run into you
I pretend I don't see you, I know that you hate me
I've tried to be tough
I've tried to be mean
I don't want to be like this
And I hope that you listen, all I'm trying to say is
Reach out and touch me, I'm right here
And I don't want to fight anymore
I really wanna be your friend forever
Friend until the end of it all
I know I've made mistakes
But I'm asking you give me a break
I really wanna be your friend forever
Friends forever
You've been a bitch
I've been an ass
I don't want to point the finger
I just know I don't like it, I don't wanna do this
What can I do?
Is it too late?
I just want to say I'm sorry
And I hope you listen, all I'm trying to say is
Reach out and touch me, I'm right here
And I don't want to fight anymore
I really wanna be your friend forever
Friend until the end of it all
I know I've made mistakes
But I'm asking you give me a break
I really wanna be your friend forever
Friends forever
Laura, baby, I'm right here
And I don't wanna fight anymore
I really wanna be your friend forever
Friend until the end of it all
I know I've made mistakes
But I'm asking you to give me a break
I really wanna be your friend forever
Friends forever
The Mates of State's song "Laura" is a dialogue between two former friends who have fallen out of touch due to past mistakes each has made. The song's lyrics convey a sense of remorse and desire for reconciliation. The singer expresses their willingness to forgive and forget and wants to be friends forever with the person they are addressing. However, it's clear from the lyrics that there is a sense of hurt on both sides.
The singer acknowledges that they have both made mistakes and asks to be given a break, hoping for a fresh start. They also express regret in the fact that they have avoided the other person in the past, pretending not to see them when they run into each other, fully aware of the hate felt toward them. The song's recurring refrain "Reach out and touch me, I'm right here, and I don't want to fight anymore" signifies an understanding of the need for communication, a bridge to be built between the two erstwhile friends.
Overall, "Laura" is a heartfelt plea for another chance, an opportunity for a renewed friendship. It's a song that speaks to anyone who's ever lost touch with someone they once called their friend, and the hope of reconciliation that they might still hold.
Line by Line Meaning
Where did it start?
How did all this animosity between us come about?
We used to be friends
We had a close and positive relationship in the past
Now when I run into you
I pretend I don't see you, I know that you hate me
My avoidance of you during chance encounters is indicative of your negative feelings towards me
I've tried to be tough
I've tried to be mean
I don't want to be like this
And I hope that you listen, all I'm trying to say is
I have acted defensively and offensively towards you, but I don't want to continue this way and plea for you to hear my message
Reach out and touch me, I'm right here
And I don't want to fight anymore
I really wanna be your friend forever
Friend until the end of it all
I am within reach and am willing to reconcile and end our conflict with a long-lasting friendship
I know I've made mistakes
But I'm asking you give me a break
I really wanna be your friend forever
Friends forever
I acknowledge my errors and ask for your forgiveness in order to establish an everlasting friendship
You've been a bitch
I've been an ass
I don't want to point the finger
I just know I don't like it, I don't wanna do this
We have both been unpleasant in our actions towards each other and I don't want to lay blame, but I want to avoid this conflict
What can I do?
Is it too late?
I just want to say I'm sorry
And I hope you listen, all I'm trying to say is
I am unsure if I can make things right, but I apologize and please hear me out
Laura, baby, I'm right here
And I don't wanna fight anymore
I really wanna be your friend forever
Friend until the end of it all
I address you directly and express my desire to end this fighting with a sincere and lasting friendship
I know I've made mistakes
But I'm asking you to give me a break
I really wanna be your friend forever
Friends forever
I take responsibility for my actions and ask for your mercy as I earnestly seek a lifetime of friendship
Contributed by Eliana E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.