Formed in 2007 by University of Salford and school friends Jonathan Higgs (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Jeremy Pritchard (bass, vocals), Michael Spearman (drums) and original guitarist Alex Niven, they released their debut single Suffragette Suffragette in 2008, followed by Photoshop Handsome and MY KZ, UR BF, all accompanied by their own self-made videos. In 2009 Niven left and was replaced by ex-Operahouse guitarist Alex Robertshaw.
The band went on to be nominated for the BBC Sound of 2010, and subsequently released their Mercury Prize nominated debut album Man Alive on August 30th, 2010 on Geffen UK. This was accompanied by re-released singles MY KZ, UR BF and Photoshop Handsome as well as Schoolin' and Final Form.
After a year of touring including two successful orchestral concerts at which the entirety of Man Alive was played, the band are back in 2012 with new single Cough Cough, receiving extensive airplay and debuting at #37 in the charts. The second single Kemosabe will be released in the new year, followed by the second album Arc, to be released on RCA Victor on January 14th, 2013.
The Stuart Price produced Distant Past was released in February 2015, as an advance of their third album 'Get To Heaven' (15th June 2015).
Distant Past
Everything Everything Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So happy just to crawl across the land
Soon I'll be the best around
I'm gonna keep my plunder underground
Hard flesh cold against the rain
Dust billowing around my brazen brain
Saw off all my stinking limbs
Blood dripping down my sunken money chin
Baby can you leave it in the (distant past)?
Baby can you leave it in the (distant past)?
Girl, I'm from the very very (distant past)
Girl, I'm from the very very (distant past)
Baby can you leave me in the (distant past)?
Baby can you leave me in the (distant past)?
Girl, I wanna take you to the (distant past)
Girl, I wanna take you to the (distant past)
Take me to the distant past, I want to go back
Save me from the distant past, I wanna survive
Take me to the distant past, I want to go back
Save me from the distant past, I wanna survive
Two thumbs across the Rubicon
Slack jaw but you'll never be passing it on
Plug hole, down the drain you go
Your body never made it past the snow
Canine fangs about my throat
You're bleeding over Eden like a goat
Tall blade dripping in every field
I'm blooming like a fuming human shield
Baby can you leave it in the (distant past)?
Baby can you leave it in the (distant past)?
Girl, I'm from the very very (distant past)
Girl, I'm from the very very (distant past)
Baby can you leave me in the (distant past)?
Baby can you leave me in the (distant past)?
Girl, I wanna take you to the (distant past)
Girl, I wanna take you to the (distant past)
Take me to the distant past, I want to go back
Save me from the distant past, I wanna survive
Take me to the distant past, I want to go back
Save me from the distant past, I wanna survive
Past, past, past, past, past, past
Take me to the distant past, I want to go back
Save me from the distant past, I wanna survive
"Distant Past" by Everything Everything is a song about wanting to go back in time and leave everything behind. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been through some difficult times and wants to forget them - to be taken back to a time before they happened. The verses paint vivid images of a rugged, post-apocalyptic world, where the singer is crawling through the desolate land, limbs falling off, bleeding from every inch of his body. The song's chorus repeatedly asks a woman to "leave it in the distant past" or take him "to the distant past" - possibly hinting at a failed relationship that the singer wants to move on from.
The song's imagery of a ravaged wasteland and the singer's desire to forget the past can be interpreted as a metaphor for trauma and the struggle to move on. The chorus can be seen as a plea for someone to help the singer move on, to let go of their painful memories and start anew. The song's driving beat mirrors the frantic energy of the singer's desire to escape the past and start over.
Line by Line Meaning
Drag my tongue across the sand
I am crawling on my stomach through the desert, my thirst and suffering growing with each passing moment.
So happy just to crawl across the land
Despite the physical pain, I am hopeful that eventually I will find the end of the journey and be rewarded with rest.
Soon I'll be the best around
Despite my current struggles, I have confidence in my abilities to succeed and become renowned.
I'm gonna keep my plunder underground
I will hide my riches deep beneath the earth to keep them safe from those who may seek to take them.
Hard flesh cold against the rain
I am enduring extreme discomfort as I stand exposed in the rain with no protection.
Dust billowing around my brazen brain
As I trudge forward through the dust, my mind is consumed with thoughts of my eventual success and the rewards it will bring.
Saw off all my stinking limbs
I will do whatever it takes to continue my journey, even if it means losing parts of myself along the way.
Blood dripping down my sunken money chin
My obsession with wealth has driven me to the brink of destruction, as evidenced by the blood on my face.
Baby can you leave it in the (distant past)?
I am asking my love to forget about the mistakes I have made and focus on the present and future instead.
Girl, I'm from the very very (distant past)
I come from a time and place that is vastly different from the world we know today.
Baby can you leave me in the (distant past)?
I want to escape the present and travel back to a simpler time when life was less complicated.
Girl, I wanna take you to the (distant past)
I want to share my love of the past with my partner and take her on a journey through time.
Take me to the distant past, I want to go back
I am desperate to escape the present and return to a time when life was less complicated and more pure.
Save me from the distant past, I wanna survive
While I long for the past, I recognize that the present is where I must survive and thrive in order to create a better future for myself.
Two thumbs across the Rubicon
I am crossing a metaphorical threshold and venturing into unknown territory.
Slack jaw but you'll never be passing it on
Despite your disbelief, I will prove you wrong and succeed in my endeavors.
Plug hole, down the drain you go
You are insignificant and will soon be forgotten, while I will continue on my journey and achieve greatness.
Your body never made it past the snow
You are weak and unable to survive the harsh realities of the world - unlike me, who is destined for greatness.
Canine fangs about my throat
I am in danger and being threatened by someone or something stronger than myself.
You're bleeding over Eden like a goat
Your lack of strength and fortitude are leading to your downfall, like a sacrificial goat in ancient times.
Tall blade dripping in every field
My presence is evoking fear and unease in those around me, as evidenced by the metaphorical image of a blade dripping with blood.
I'm blooming like a fuming human shield
Despite the danger and violence I face, I am growing stronger and more resilient, like a shield that can withstand any assault.
Past, past, past, past, past, past
I am fixated on the past and am unable to let go of my obsession with it.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ALEX ROBERTSHAW, JEREMY PRITCHARD, JONATHAN HIGGS, MICHAEL SPEARMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind