The band met at the University of Nottingham and within their first year together self-released their debut 'Noah' EP, performing at Reading & Leeds Festival. Their first album ‘5AM’, produced by Mike Crossey (Arctic Monkeys, The 1975, Foals, Two Door Cinema Club), broke through in 2015 spawning the US platinum single ‘I Found’.
They returned in 2017 with second album ‘For A Moment, I Was Lost’; soundtracking Meghan Markle’s final appearance in the US drama ‘Suits’ with their track ‘Fickle Game’, before following up with ‘The Assembly’ EP in 2018 and ‘Philophobia’ in 2019, with shows including London’s iconic Roundhouse and New York’s Music Hall of Williamsburg.
Hide & Seek
Amber Run Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And what the hell is going on?
The dust has only just begun to fall
Crop circles in the carpet, sinking, feeling
Spin me ′round again and rub my eyes
This can't be happening
When busy streets amass with people who stop to hold
Hide and seek
Old trains and sewing machines
Oily marks appear on walls
Where pleasure moments hung before
The takeover, the sweeping insensitivity of this
Still life
Hide and seek
Old trains and sewing machines
And blood and tears
Oh, they were here first
What you say?
Mm, that you only meant well? Well, of course you did
Mmm, what you say?
Mm, that is all for the best? Because it is
Mmm, what you say?
Mm, that it′s just what we need? And you decided this
Mm, what you say?
Mmm, what did you say?
Ransom notes keep falling out your mouth
Mid-sweet talk, newspaper word cut-outs
Speak no fear, no irony
You don't care a bit, you don't care a little bit
Ransom notes keep falling out your mouth
Mid-sweet talk, newspaper word cut-outs
Speak no fear, no irony
You don′t care a bit, you don′t care a little bit
Ransom notes keep falling out your mouth
Mid-sweet talk, newspaper word cut-outs
Speak no fear, no irony
You don't care a bit, you don′t care a little bit
Ransom notes keep falling out your mouth
Mid-sweet talk, newspaper word cut-outs
Speak no fear, no irony
You don't care a bit, you don′t care a little bit
Amber Run's "Hide & Seek" is a haunting track that portrays a sense of confusion and disorientation. In the opening verse, the singer seems to be lost and unsure of their surroundings, wondering what is happening around them. The metaphor of "crop circles in the carpet" adds to the sense of disorientation and adds to the eerie atmosphere of the song. The peculiar imagery continues in the second verse as the singer describes the appearance of oily marks on walls, seemingly replacing pleasure moments that once occupied those spaces. The verses showcase how the singer is struggling with a situation that they do not understand, feeling as if things are being taken away from them.
The chorus, "Hide and seek, old trains and sewing machines" adds to the cryptic nature of the song as it hints at a game, but not one that we can necessarily grasp. The use of the nostalgic yet archaic imagery of old trains and sewing machines adds to the eerie mood and unsettling ambiance.
The bridge of the song features a sample from Imogen Heap's 2005 song "Hide and Seek" with the repetition of the line "what you say?" The repetition conveys a growing sense of desperation and highlights the song's theme of confusion and disorientation. The song concludes on verse and chorus repetition, hammering in the overall sense of unease and confusion.
Line by Line Meaning
Where are we?
The singer is expressing confusion about their current surroundings or situation.
And what the hell is going on?
The singer is acknowledging that they are completely lost and have no idea what's happening.
The dust has only just begun to fall
The singer is realizing that something big has just happened, and they are seeing the aftermath of it.
Crop circles in the carpet, sinking feeling
The singer is starting to see small signs of what has happened and is feeling overwhelmed.
Spin me ‘round again and rub my eyes
The singer is metaphorically asking someone to help them understand the situation and make sense of what's going on.
This can’t be happening
The singer is in disbelief and doesn't want to accept the reality of the situation.
When busy streets amass with people who stop to hold their heads heavy
The singer is noticing that other people are feeling the same sense of confusion and overwhelm as they are.
Hide and seek
The singer is using a game of hide and seek as a metaphor for the situation they are in - it feels like there are hidden things they can't quite grasp.
Old trains and sewing machines
The singer is referencing things from the past that feel familiar and comforting as they are trying to make sense of what's happening.
Oily marks appear on walls where pleasure moments hung before
The singer is seeing the evidence of destruction or loss in the places where happy memories used to live.
The takeover, the sweeping insensitivity of this still life
The singer is acknowledging that something has taken over and caused a kind of numbness or unfeelingness.
And blood and tears, they were here first
The singer is saying that violence and sadness have always been a part of the world and it seems like they will never truly go away.
What you say?
The singer is questioning the words that someone else has spoken to them, seeking clarity or explanation.
Mm, that you only meant well? Well, of course you did
The singer is being sarcastic, implying that the other person's actions have not had the intended positive outcome.
Mmm, what you say?
The singer is asking the other person to really explain themselves and their intentions.
Mm, that is all for the best? Because it is
The singer is again being sarcastic, implying that the other person is trying to justify their actions when they really should not be able to.
Mmm, what you say?
The singer is seeking clarity or sincerity in the words of the other person.
Mm, that it’s just what we need? And you decided this
The singer is calling out the other person for feeling like they have the right to make decisions for everyone else without considering the consequences.
Mmm, what you say?
The singer is demanding honesty and genuine explanation from the other person.
Ransom notes keep falling out your mouth
The singer is saying that the other person's words are like a threat, and they are not to be trusted.
Mid-sweet talk, newspaper word cut-outs
The singer is saying that the other person's words are insincere and manipulative.
Speak no fear, no irony
The singer is saying that the other person is not being genuine, and is perhaps hiding their true intentions or feelings.
You don’t care a bit, you don’t care a little bit
The singer is accusing the other person of being completely indifferent to the impact that their words and actions have on others.
Writer(s): Imogen Jennifer Heap
Contributed by Elliot P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@nevermindvarun
Where are we?
And what the hell is going on?
The dust has only just begun to fall
Crop circles in the carpet, sinking, feeling
Spin me 'round again and rub my eyes
This can't be happening
When busy streets amass with people
Would stop to hold their heads heavy
[Chorus]
Hide and seek
Trains and sewing machines
[Verse 2]
Oily marks appear on walls
Where pleasure moments hung before
The takeover, the sweeping insensitivity of this still life
[Chorus]
Hide and seek
Trains and sewing machines
[Bridge]
Blood and tears
They were here first
Mmm, what you say?
Mm, that you only meant well? Well, of course you did
Mmm, what you say?
Mm, that it's all for the best? Because it is
Mmm, what you say?
Mm, that it's just what we need? And you decided this
Mm, What you say?
Mmm, what did you say?
[Chorus 2] - x4
Ransom notes keep falling out your mouth
Mid-sweet talk, newspaper word cut-outs
Speak no fear, no I don't believe
You don't care a bit. You don't care a little bit (enjoy it ☺️)
@caffeinatednation8885
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Where are we?
And what the hell is going on?
The dust has only just begun to fall
Crop circles in the carpet, sinking, feeling
Spin me 'round again and rub my eyes
This can't be happening
When busy streets amass with people
Would stop to hold their heads heavy
[Chorus]
Hide and seek
Trains and sewing machines
[Verse 2]
Oily marks appear on walls
Where pleasure moments hung before
The takeover, the sweeping insensitivity of this still life
[Chorus]
Hide and seek
Trains and sewing machines
[Bridge]
Blood and tears
They were here first
[Verse 4]
Mmm, what you say?
Mm, that you only meant well? Well, of course you did
Mmm, what you say?
Mm, that it's all for the best? Because it is
Mmm, what you say?
Mm, that it's just what we need? And you decided this
Mm, What you say?
Mmm, what did you say?
[Chorus 2] - x4
Ransom notes keep falling out your mouth
Mid-sweet talk, newspaper word cut-outs
Speak no fear, no I don't believe
You don't care a bit. You don't care a little bit
@judith1343
Where are we?
And what the hell is going on?
The dust has only just begun to fall
Crop circles in the carpet, sinking, feeling
Spin me 'round again and rub my eyes
This can't be happening
When busy streets amass with people who stop to hold
Their heads heavy
Hide and seek
Old trains and sewing machines
Oily marks appear on walls
Where pleasure moments hung before
The takeover, the sweeping insensitivity of this
Still life
Hide and seek
Old trains and sewing machines
And blood and tears
Oh, they were here first
What you say?
Mm, that you only meant well? Well, of course you did
Mmm, what you say?
Mm, that is all for the best? Because it is
Mmm, what you say?
Mm, that it's just what we need? And you decided this
Mm, what you say?
Mmm, what did you say?
Ransom notes keep falling out your mouth
Mid-sweet talk, newspaper word cut-outs
Speak no fear, no irony
You don't care a bit, you don't care a little bit
Ransom notes keep falling out your mouth
Mid-sweet talk, newspaper word cut-outs
Speak no fear, no irony
You don't care a bit, you don't care a little bit
Ransom notes keep falling out your mouth
Mid-sweet talk, newspaper word cut-outs
Speak no fear, no irony
You don't care a bit, you don't care a little bit
Ransom notes keep falling out your mouth
Mid-sweet talk, newspaper word cut-outs
Speak no fear, no irony
You don't care a bit, you don't care a little bit
@moro3168
I'm so amazed by how beautifully remastered this is!! I discovered them about 5 years ago from their original cover and I am so amazed by how they continue to grow as musicians!!!! Insanely proud to call them my fave band
@nevermindvarun
Where are we?
And what the hell is going on?
The dust has only just begun to fall
Crop circles in the carpet, sinking, feeling
Spin me 'round again and rub my eyes
This can't be happening
When busy streets amass with people
Would stop to hold their heads heavy
[Chorus]
Hide and seek
Trains and sewing machines
[Verse 2]
Oily marks appear on walls
Where pleasure moments hung before
The takeover, the sweeping insensitivity of this still life
[Chorus]
Hide and seek
Trains and sewing machines
[Bridge]
Blood and tears
They were here first
Mmm, what you say?
Mm, that you only meant well? Well, of course you did
Mmm, what you say?
Mm, that it's all for the best? Because it is
Mmm, what you say?
Mm, that it's just what we need? And you decided this
Mm, What you say?
Mmm, what did you say?
[Chorus 2] - x4
Ransom notes keep falling out your mouth
Mid-sweet talk, newspaper word cut-outs
Speak no fear, no I don't believe
You don't care a bit. You don't care a little bit (enjoy it ☺️)
@ithinuel
is it just me or Jason Derulo pumped he's intro from those lyrics in : Jason Derulo - Whatcha Say
EDIT: That seems to be the case : https://genius.com/1682382
@mariachirokova120
For people who don’t know this is a Imogen Heap cover that was released over 3 years ago
@sheremydandelion7249
I knew it ! I watched O.C.....
But i have to admit that this is the best cover i ever heard!
@Hecateofcrossroads
Yes both are amazing
@michaelcorrigan6577
Duh!
@LilyShimizu
Gorgeous cover!! I never knew there were covers if this song from other artists.
@amazinghannure6440
the most underrated song ever
@danekschierl2296
I love this rendition. Refreshing, enjoyable, beautiful. I truly appreciate the alternative notes used in the melody. The higher notes in the original melody by Imogen may be out of his reach (in this particular key), but I would have loved to hear the "blood and tears" bit reach a climax...or other higher melodic phrases pertaining to the original. I was waiting for the high notes! Beautiful cover, regardless.