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.
Here We Go
Arab Strap Lyrics
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When you're at least fifty feet ahead?
'Cause you walked off in a huff
And I'm that pissed I can't remember what it was I said
And I don't doubt you wouldn't touch him now
But let's face it, you always used to go for that kind
And if you ever really wanted two men at once
Here we go, same time, same place
I don't like the way you kissed his face
It's not that there's no trust as such
I'd love to make up, but I've had too much
Now, you know fine well I'm staying
I've only ever carried out that threat once before
And even then I couldn't get far
And your mom came and called me back before I'd even made it to the door
Here we go, same time, same place
My embarrassment versus your damp face
We could talk down here or we could talk in bed
But I'm afraid that's all, as I've already said
In Arab Strap's song "Here We Go," the singer is struggling to navigate a precarious relationship. The first verse finds them behind their partner, unable to catch up, both physically and emotionally. They acknowledge that they said something hurtful, but in the heat of the moment, aren't sure what it was. The second verse is fraught with jealousy and insecurity, as the singer implies that their partner has a history of being attracted to men like the one they just saw her with. They want to believe that they're the only one she wants, but they can't shake the feeling that they might be wrong.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Here we go" like a resigned sigh, as if they've been through this cycle of conflict and resolution before. They don't like the way their partner kissed the other man's face, but they're quick to clarify that it's not a lack of trust that's the problem. It's something deeper, something that drinking away their inhibitions won't solve. In the final verse, the singer admits they're not going anywhere, despite their frustrations. They've threatened to leave before, but they know they're too attached to actually follow through. They accept that they might have to talk about their problems in bed, but they're not entirely sure that will solve anything either. Ultimately, the song is a bleak snapshot of a relationship that's strained to its breaking point, but still surviving for lack of other options.
Line by Line Meaning
How am I supposed to walk you home
I am incapable of catching up with you to escort you to your destination
When you're at least fifty feet ahead?
You have moved away from me and I cannot reach you
'Cause you walked off in a huff
You left in anger or annoyance
And I'm that pissed I can't remember what it was I said
I am too angry and can't recall my own words
And I don't doubt you wouldn't touch him now
I believe you wouldn't initiate contact with him anymore
But let's face it, you always used to go for that kind
It's true that you had a preference for people of that ilk
And if you ever really wanted two men at once
In case you are interested in a threesome
All I'm saying is I better be one of the guys you've got in mind
I hope I am on your mind in that case
Here we go, same time, same place
We are meeting again at the same location and time
I don't like the way you kissed his face
I am disapproving of the way you kissed him
It's not that there's no trust as such
I do have some trust in you
I'd love to make up, but I've had too much
I would like to reconcile, but I am too drunk
Now, you know fine well I'm staying
You are aware that I intend to stay
I've only ever carried out that threat once before
I have threatened to leave before, but have only done it once
And even then I couldn't get far
My attempt to leave was not successful
And your mom came and called me back before I'd even made it to the door
Your mother intervened and stopped me from leaving
My embarrassment versus your damp face
I am feeling embarrassed in contrast to your wet cheeks
We could talk down here or we could talk in bed
We can talk here or have a conversation in bed
But I'm afraid that's all, as I've already said
That concludes what I wanted to say
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANGIE STONE, JONATHAN D. RICHMOND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind