Angles entered the Australian albums chart at #1, The Strokes' first time at the top spot within the country and the second time such a feat has occurred thus far in the band's career. Meanwhile, it reached #4 in the US with an entry sales week of 89,000 units, 1,000 more than that of its predecessor, First Impressions of Earth.
Inspired, in part, by bands like Arctic Monkeys, and Crystal Castles, The Strokes decided to experiment with various production techniques including MIDI electronic samples and Farfisa keyboards. They also overdubbed more guitars, and Casablancas toyed with vocal layers. Bassist Nikolai Fraiture revealed that the album would be "a return to the basics", suggesting the songs would be of similar style to their acclaimed 2001 debut record, Is This It. "Sonically, I feel it's the album which should have been made between Room on Fire and First Impressions of Earth," he stated.
Machu Picchu
The Strokes Lyrics
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I'm putting your body on the line for less
Didn't you know there was a choice?
It's never yours but someone else's voice
Sellin' your body to the street
Sending your girlfriends to the night for cheap
Wearing a jacket made of meat
Sealing a letter made with horse's feet
And now you've heard that
Waves turn to grey
Life in the shade
A violent crime
And that's the USA
Platinum's on the rise
Sleeping in the sky
I'm just tryin' to find
A mountain I can climb
I'm putting your patience to the test
I'm putting your body on the line, for less
Didn't you know there was a choice?
And it's never yours and someone else's voice
And now you've seen that
Blondes turn to grey
Life in the shade
A violent crime
And that's the USA
Porn's on the rise
Psychos in disguise
I'm just tryin' to find
A mountain I can climb
Darling, ain't nobody gonna tell us
They're gonna be oh-so jealous
We're gonna be oh-so silent
They're gonna be stoned in silence
I didn't want to ask you, baby
I didn't want to have to ask anybody, baby
Is anyone asking maybe?
Can anyone even hear me?
Alright
Why are you waiting beyond the door?
Life turns to dust
And rain turns to rust
Gossip is a truth
And money pays for the lies we trust
Your love is a surprise
Homeless saints are in disguise
I'm just tryin' to find
A nice place for you and I
The song "Machu Picchu" by The Strokes is a commentary on the decline of society and culture in the United States. The lyrics refer to many different things, including prostitution, materialism, and the loss of individuality. The line "I'm putting your patience to the test, I'm putting your body on the line for less" suggests that people are sacrificing their own well-being for the sake of others. The reference to "someone else's voice" indicates that people are not speaking out for themselves, but rather letting others speak for them.
The chorus, which includes the lines "waves turn to grey, life in the shade, a violent crime, and that's the USA," touches on the idea that the once vibrant culture of America is now becoming dull and lifeless. The reference to "platinum on the rise" and "playboys in the sky" suggests that materialism is becoming more and more prevalent, with people valuing their possessions over their relationships and experiences.
Overall, the song is a warning about the dangers of apathy and complacency in modern society.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm putting your patience to the test
I'm challenging your tolerance for my behavior
I'm putting your body on the line, for less
I'm asking you to risk yourself for less than what you deserve
Didn't you know there was a choice?
Were you aware that you had a say in how things happen?
It's never yours but someone else's voice
You're never in control of what happens, but someone else is
Sellin' your body to the street
Offering yourself to strangers for money
Sending your girlfriend's to the night, for cheap
Taking advantage of your girlfriend and selling her out for little in return
Wearing a jacket made of meat
Being flashy and over-the-top in your dressing
Sealing a letter made with horse's feet
Doing something strange or nonsensical
And now you've heard that Waves turn to grey
Life can turn dull and uneventful after thrilling moments
Life in the shade
A period of being unseen and inactive
A violent crime
An act of wrongdoing that is wicked and inhumane
And that's the USA
An indication of how things operate in America
Platinum's on the rise
The precious metal is becoming more valuable
Playboys in the sky
Rich men engaging in wanton behavior
I'm just tryin' to find a mountain I can climb
I'm looking for a meaningful endeavor to pursue
Blondes turn to grey
The world loses its shine over time
Porn's on the rise
The porn industry is thriving
Psychos in disguise
Dangerous people who look harmless on the outside
Darling, ain't nobody gonna tell us
No one has any authority over us
They're gonna be oh so jealous
They will envy us
We're gonna be oh so silent
We'll keep to ourselves
They're gonna be stoned in silence
They will be silenced and punished
I didn't want to ask you, baby
I didn't want to bother you
I didn't want to have to ask anybody, baby
I didn't want to rely on anyone for help
Is anyone asking maybe?
Is anyone inquiring about this?
Can anyone even hear me?
Is anyone paying attention to me?
Why are you waiting beyond the door
Why are you holding back from expressing yourself?
Life turns to dust
Life is fleeting
And rain turns to rust
Even the elements are subjected to decay
Gossip is a truth
Rumors can be based on reality
And money pays for the lies we trust
We rely on falsehoods when money is involved
Your love ain't a surprise
Your love is nothing new or unexpected
Homeless saints are in disguise
People who lack material possessions may have hidden virtues or qualities
I'm just tryin' to find a nice place for you and I
I'm seeking a comfortable and happy life for us.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Julian Casablancas, Nick Valensi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind