In late 2010 the band's bandcamp account featured their single ‘Ffunny Ffrends’, a sort of alien beatnik pop music that echoed 60s psychedelia and krautrock minimalism with just a hint of gentle weirdness that suggested its roots might equally lie in the verdant indie of the equally distant New Zealand scene.
Ruban Nielson is a New Zealand native who transplanted to Portland, Oregon, USA with his band The Mint Chicks. UMO was a project conceived as Ruban’s escape hatch to a new musical dimension where his vision of junkshop record collector pop could be realised in a sound that recalled Captain Beefheart, Sly Stone and RZA jamming on some kids TV theme too dark to ever be broadcast.
The eponymous UMO debut album was released in 2011 on Fat Possum Records, followed by II (2013), Multi-Love (2015), Sex & Food (2018), IC-01 Hanoi (2018) and V (2023).
So Good at Being in Trouble
Unknown Mortal Orchestra Lyrics
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It's been a long, lonely time
It's a long, sad, lonely time
Rollin' along
I'm in a strange state of mind
It's a strange old state of mind
Memories, they mess with my mind
Who am I to deny?
She was so good at being in trouble
So good at being in trouble
So good at being in trouble
So good at being in trouble
So good at being in trouble
So good at being in trouble
So good at being in trouble
So bad at being in love
Now that you're gone
It's been a long, lonely time
It's a long, sad, lonely time
Rollin' along
I'm in a strange state of mind
It's a strange old state of mind
Memories, they mess with my mind
Who am I to deny?
She was so good at being in trouble
So good at being in trouble
So good at being in trouble
So good at being in trouble
So good at being in trouble
So good at being in trouble
So good at being in trouble
So bad at being in love
The lyrics of Unknown Mortal Orchestra's "So Good at Being in Trouble" paint a picture of someone who has been left behind by a partner who was "so good at being in trouble." The singer is experiencing a long, sad, and lonely time, and finds themselves in a strange state of mind. Memories are messing with their mind, a reflection of the way their former partner's actions and behaviors impacted their own psyche. However, despite the negative feelings associated with the breakup, the singer acknowledges that their partner was skilled at navigating difficult situations, even if they were not successful in love.
On the surface, the lyrics can be interpreted as a simple breakup song, with the singer reflecting on the qualities of their ex-partner that drew them in, but ultimately led to the relationship's demise. However, there are also deeper themes at play that suggest a longing for the unique aspects of a tumultuous relationship. The repetition of the phrase "so good at being in trouble" suggests that the singer may have been attracted to their partner's wild nature and ability to navigate risky situations. The contrast between being "so good at being in trouble" and "so bad at being in love" speaks to the complexity of relationships, where an individual can be adept at one aspect while struggling with another. In this way, the lyrics capture the multifaceted nature of love and its ability to bring both joy and pain.
Overall, "So Good at Being in Trouble" is a powerful reflection on the aftermath of a difficult breakup, and the longing for the excitement and passion that often accompanies wild, tumultuous relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Now that you're gone
Since you left me, I have been deprived of your presence.
It's been a long, lonely time
I have been alone for a prolonged period, and loneliness has become my companion.
It's a long, sad, lonely time
The time that has elapsed since your departure has been extensive, filled with sorrow and isolation.
Rollin' along
I am continuing with life, despite its adversities, moving forward.
I'm in a strange state of mind
My mental state is peculiar, and my thoughts seem convoluted.
It's a strange old state of mind
My mental state is complex, and my thoughts are bewildering, making it difficult to comprehend and express them.
Memories, they mess with my mind
Reminiscences of you and our past are creating confusion and disturbance in my mind.
Who am I to deny?
Despite my struggles, I cannot reject or ignore these memories as they are an integral part of my life.
She was so good at being in trouble
You had a talent for getting into problematic situations and difficulties.
So good at being in trouble
You were exceptionally proficient at finding yourself in adverse situations.
So bad at being in love
However, you were not skilled at creating and maintaining romantic relationships.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Ruban Nielson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind