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.
The First Time You're Unfaithful
Arab Strap Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Won't be the worst time you're unfaithful
It will probably just be a kiss
With a stranger when you're on the piss
And the next time, if you might fuck him
Or even worse, you might suck him
I know, I said I'd want to know
How do you think we will adjust?
Now we've incorporated lust
And will you put my trust to test
If the shagging's not the best?
You said you know what I'm like
We were chatting with your sister
I was winding you up, you think I've missed her
She was fairly adamant
I'm nothing but a lying cunt
And the first time I'm unfaithful
Won't be the worst time I'm unfaithful
Once I've got a taste for it
I've everything to waste for it
So do you think I can adjust?
Now we've incorporated lust
Or will I put your trust to test
When my behavior's not its best?
You said you know what I'm like
The song "The First Time You're Unfaithful" by Arab Strap is a raw and honest portrayal of infidelity in a relationship. The lyrics suggest that the first instance of being unfaithful may not be the worst and may start with a small act like a kiss with a stranger while drunk. However, the lyrics also acknowledge that the subsequent acts may escalate to something worse, like having sex with the person. The singer expresses concern about their ability to handle the situation and how it will impact their relationship.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of mutual infidelity, with the singer acknowledging that they may also cheat and how it might lead to a downward spiral where they have everything to lose. The lines “Once I’ve got a taste for it, I’ve everything to waste for it” capture the fleeting pleasure of infidelity while highlighting the potential for self-destruction.
The song also touches on the issue of trust and how it could be tested if one partner cheats. The lines “And will you put my trust to the test, if the shagging’s not the best?” and “Or will I put your trust to the test, when my behavior’s not its best?” highlight the fragility of trust in a relationship and how cheating can cause irreparable damage.
In conclusion, the song "The First Time You’re Unfaithful" by Arab Strap is a brutally honest and straightforward commentary on infidelity and its consequences. It captures the fear, insecurity, and guilt that come with cheating, as well as the potential for self-destruction and loss of trust.
Line by Line Meaning
The first time you're unfaithful
Cheating on me is something you'll do eventually
Won't be the worst time you're unfaithful
It may get worse the next time you cheat
It will probably just be a kiss
Your first act of infidelity may be a simple kiss
With a stranger when you're on the piss
Perhaps you'll be drunk and with a stranger when you cheat for the first time
And the next time, if you might fuck him
If there is a next time, maybe it'll involve more physical intimacy
Or even worse, you might suck him
Perhaps it'll be a full-on sexual act the next time you cheat
I know, I said I'd want to know
I said I'd want to know if you cheat, but I'm not sure now
But that depends how far you go
How much you do with the other person will affect how I feel about it
How do you think we will adjust?
How will our relationship change after you cheat?
Now we've incorporated lust
Now that we've introduced desire into the relationship
And will you put my trust to test
Will you challenge my trust by cheating?
If the shagging's not the best?
What if the sex with me isn't satisfying enough for you?
You said you know what I'm like
You claimed to know how I'd react to your infidelity
We were chatting with your sister
We were talking to your sister together
I was winding you up, you think I've missed her
I was teasing you, but you believe I'm really interested in your sister
She was fairly adamant
Your sister was quite determined in her belief
I'm nothing but a lying cunt
She thinks I'm a dishonest person
And the first time I'm unfaithful
I may cheat on you at some point, too
Once I've got a taste for it
If I cheat once, I may develop the habit
I've everything to waste for it
I risk losing everything for a fleeting pleasure
So do you think I can adjust?
Can I handle incorporating lust into our relationship?
Or will I put your trust to test
Will I break your trust by cheating?
When my behavior's not its best?
What if I'm tempted and not on my best behavior?
You said you know what I'm like
You said you know me well enough to anticipate my actions
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Aidan Moffat, Malcolm Middleton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind