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.
Islands
Arab Strap Lyrics
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The lyrics of Arab Strap's "Islands" talk about the singer's conflicted feelings about love and their relationship with their partner. They start by lying in bed, staring at the moon and wondering if they were supposed to be in love. This line indicates doubt and uncertainty, and it's unclear whether the singer is experiencing these emotions for the first time or if they are questioning the validity of their current relationship.
The next line, "But we couldn't quite decide if the moon was full," highlights the disconnect and lack of agreement between the two partners. It's like they're trying to read the signs and figure out where their relationship stands, but can't quite agree on what they're seeing. However, the singer decides that the moon is "full enough" for tonight, indicating a willingness to embrace the moment and enjoy the present without overthinking it.
In the following lines, the singer talks about sniffing their fingers on the way back home and feeling like a little boy. This suggests a sense of innocence and vulnerability, as if they're discovering a new world of sensations and emotions. Finally, the singer acknowledges that they've been "on these open seas far too long" and invites their partner to take a breath and hold their hand, signaling a desire to anchor themselves to something stable and secure.
Overall, "Islands" is a poetic and introspective look at the dynamics of love and relationships, with a touch of melancholy and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
We were lying in bed, staring at the moon and I was wondering if I was supposed to be in love.
As we lay in bed, gazing at the moon, I couldn't help but question if what I feel is indeed love.
But we couldn't quite decide if the moon was full.
Despite our pondering, we couldn't quite tell if the moon was fully illuminated or not.
But I thought, well, tonight it's full enough.
Despite the uncertainty, I decided that for tonight, the appearance of the moon was sufficient as it is.
And this morning I was casually trying to sniff my fingers on the way back home.
The next day, I found myself subconsciously smelling my fingers as I walked home.
I could smell you and I felt like a little boy.
The scent of you lingered on my fingers, conjuring up a sense of innocent youthfulness within me.
And we've been on these open seas far too long
Our journey on these boundless oceans has gone on for far too extended of a duration.
So take a breath, take my hand, there's land ahoy.
Take a deep breath and hold my hand - the sight of land in the distance is upon us.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Aidan Moffat, Malcolm Middleton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind