Vocalist Aidan Moffat and multi-instrumentalist Malcolm Middleton met in Falkirk, bonded over their mutual love for Drag City recording artists such as Smog and Will Oldham, and began a collaboration in 1995. The band is completed by violinist Jenny Reeve and cellist Stacey Sievewright. Arab Strap's marked characteristics include frank and forthright lyrics delivered in a Scottish brogue.
Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton confirmed the rumours about the end of Arab Strap on 8th September 2006. They celebrated their Ten Years of Tears with a tour through the UK and the rest of Europe. After UK/Europe, they made a short secret tour in Japan as the last of Arab Strap. In 2016, however, they have reunited a decade after their breakup and will be touring throughout the year 2017.
General Plea To A Girlfriend
Arab Strap Lyrics
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The workmanship is somewhat shoddy.
Sometimes I overwork my gob.
Can't buy you gifts, I've got no job.
I know you find my habits sickly.
I know sometimes I cum too quickly.
I don't mind jokes like "two-stoke wonder".
Just don't slash my trust asunder.
In Arab Strap's song General Plea To A Girlfriend, the singer is pleading with his girlfriend to overlook his apparent flaws and shortcomings. The opening lines, "I can't make boasts about my body. The workmanship is somewhat shoddy," suggest a physical insecurity, perhaps related to the singer's body image or sexual performance. He goes on to admit that he overuses his mouth (gob) and lacks the means to shower his girlfriend with expensive gifts due to his joblessness. Despite all of these flaws, the singer implores his girlfriend not to betray his trust, even though he may be the target of insulting jokes such as "two-stroke wonder."
The song captures a sense of vulnerability and desperation, with the singer laying bare his insecurities in an attempt to salvage the relationship. It touches on themes of self-worth, insecurity, and the fear of betrayal. The line "I don't mind jokes like 'two-stroke wonder,'" in particular, speaks to the singer's acceptance of his flaws and limitations, but also the pain that comes from having those flaws thrown in his face.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't make boasts about my body.
I am not confident about my physical appearance.
The workmanship is somewhat shoddy.
I am not well-built or toned.
Sometimes I overwork my gob.
I tend to talk a lot and say things I shouldn't.
Can't buy you gifts, I've got no job.
I currently don't have a job and can't afford to buy you gifts or take you out.
I know you find my habits sickly.
I am aware that my habits can be repulsive to you.
I know sometimes I cum too quickly.
I understand that I may not last long during sexual intercourse.
I don't mind jokes like 'two-stoke wonder'.
I am okay with lighthearted jokes about my sexual stamina.
Just don't slash my trust asunder.
Please don't betray my trust or break my heart.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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