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.
Pro-Life
Arab Strap Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I never hear you say aborted
You just have to accept mistakes happen
And sometimes they have to be sorted.
You know I'd love it, a little us would be sweet
But don't take that from your pro-life pal
It's as simple as this: the time's not right
You need a new job and some sleep tonight
The lyrics of Arab Strap's song Pro-Life hint at a conversation between two individuals regarding a pregnancy. One person is using the term terminated instead of the word aborted, which could imply a sense of detachment from the situation. The other person seems to be weighing the pros and cons of having a child at the current moment in time, and the decision ultimately comes down to practicality. While they express a desire for having a child, they understand that it may not be the right time in their lives to do so. The phrase "pro-life pal" at the end of the first verse is interesting because it juxtaposes the pro-life movement with a person who is considering abortion but also has the capacity to value life.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of mistakes and how they impact our lives. Despite the reality of mistakes, it's important to manage them promptly and effectively. It's also interesting to note that the song does not take a hard-line stance on abortion, but rather presents the topic in a complex and nuanced way, acknowledging the various factors that contribute to a person's decision.
Line by Line Meaning
Now you always say terminated
You constantly use the word 'terminated' when referring to the procedure, expressing a sense of distance and detachment.
I never hear you say aborted
You never use the word 'aborted', suggesting that the connotations of the word make you uncomfortable or that you feel societal pressure to use a more politically-correct term.
You just have to accept mistakes happen
You need to acknowledge that accidents can and do happen, and that it's important to be ready to adapt and move forward.
And sometimes they have to be sorted.
Certain situations require resolution, and although it may be a tough call, it's crucial to take action when necessary.
You know I'd love it, a little us would be sweet
I'm open to having a child with you, and I believe it would bring us closer as a couple.
But don't take that from your pro-life pal
However, I don't want you to feel pressured to have a child simply to align with your belief system.
She doesn't even eat meat
It's worth noting that your pro-life stance is so strong that you've extended it to abstain from meat consumption.
It's as simple as this: the time's not right
The situation is straightforward, in that we're not currently in the right place in our lives to have a child.
You need a new job and some sleep tonight
Before we consider expanding our family, there are practical factors we need to address, such as finding a better job to support us and prioritizing our own wellbeing by getting enough rest.
Contributed by Arianna J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
blacksmith3560
arab strap .... bloody awesome band..one of my favourite