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.
Kites
Amber Run Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Barefoot and careless
Eyes that seem stained by yourself
Sure that you blameless
Truth is your helpless
The worse part is you can't see you are floored
Oh and i was sure that you were made for so much more
Oh brother
Where are you now?
And is this really what you wanted?
I hope that you know this
It was you who chose this
And there nothing your eyes that has forced this world on you
Oh and i was sure that you were made for so much more
So brother,
Where are you now?
And this really what you wanted?
'Cause seem to be
A bird without wings
A cat without strings
So brother,
Where are you now?
And this really what you wanted?
'Cause you seem to be
A bird without wings.
A cat without strings.
The opening lines of Amber Run's song "Kites" depict a person who is momentarily exhilarated after an intense shower. They feel liberated and uninhibited, barefoot with no care in the world. However, they are staring at their reflection in the mirror, realizing they are painting themselves in negative shades that are becoming their undoing. They blame others for their situation, but in reality, they are helpless and cannot see the damage they are doing to themselves. The singer seems to observe this person and feels that they have been made for so much more than their current situation.
The refrain in the song "Oh Brother, where are you now?" is a cry for help or a probing question, and the singer asks if this is what they wanted. By this point, the person has become akin to a bird without wings or a cat without strings – i.e., they are without autonomy and freedom to pursue their dreams. The song's meaning is about people's attempts to live life on their terms and the limitations that constrain them. The song hints at the challenges of one's own identity and perception and the limitations that hinder them.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm showered and breathless.
Feeling refreshed and exhilarated, yet still catching my breath.
Barefoot and careless
Free-spirited and unconcerned about societal norms or expectations.
Eyes that seem stained by yourself
The reflection in your own eyes often bears the consequences of your actions and emotions.
Sure that you blameless
Confident that you are not at fault for any negative outcomes, despite your actions playing a role.
Truth is your helpless
Acknowledging that the truth is often sidelined or ignored when personal biases and desires take over.
The worse part is you can't see you are floored
Not realizing that you are stuck or defeated, even though the signs are evident to others.
Oh and i was sure that you were made for so much more
Believing that you have the potential to achieve great things, beyond what you are currently doing.
Oh brother
Where are you now?
And is this really what you wanted?
Questioning where you are in life and whether it aligns with your goals and desires.
I hope that you know this
It was you who chose this
And there nothing your eyes that has forced this world on you
Reminding you that your actions and choices have led you to this point, and no external forces are to blame.
So brother,
Where are you now?
And this really what you wanted?
'Cause seem to be
A bird without wings
A cat without strings
Repeating the questioning of your current path, while also likening your state to a bird unable to fly and a cat without control or direction.
Contributed by Alyssa J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.