Archive was formed by Londoners Darius Keeler and Danny Griffiths in 1994 and began as an electronica project. At the beginning, they mixed Bristol-style, Massive Attack, Portishead with Rap. The first album of the band, Londinium released in 1996 (with Roya Arab and Rosko John as guest vocalists). The second album, Take my Head, (which the band hates) was released in 1999 (with a new guest vocalist Suzanne Wooder), it is much more melodic than Londinium. The first song of the album, You Make Me Feel, illustrates this change in the Archive's music. After being dropped by their label and more changes in the lineup, the band seemed to hit its stride on the third album You All Look The Same To Me (2002), featuring singer Craig Walker (formerly of Power of Dreams), which took a decided turn toward more progressive music (with some Progressive Rock influences, notably Pink Floyd whose indelible influence is audible on tracks such as 'Finding it so Hard' and 'Again'), while still maintaining electronic elements. The band saw growing popularity and critical acclaim, especially in France, Greece, Germany and Poland. After recording two more artistically—but not too commercially—successful albums, Michel Vaillant (2003) and Noise (2004), Walker left the band for reasons the band and he will not talk about. The project continued on as a Collective, with new vocalists, Pollard Berrier and Dave Pen. In May 2006 they released the album Lights with Pollard Berrier on lead vocals, who is also a member/guest member of the innovative group, "Bauchklang" - a completely vocal beat-box (Vocal Groove) group based in Vienna, Austria. Archive released a live album, entitled,Live at Paris Zenith, in May, 2007 - which was recorded on January 20th, 2007 at the sold out Zentih Arena in Paris. Rolling Stone called it, "The best live album ever made." Archive continues to tour and is working on a number of forthcoming releases in the near future.
Archive are a Collective, not a band.
Meon
Archive Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Does anybody want to take me on
Does anybody want to hear the things I have to say
I fear today
Does anybody want to see me cry
If I'm the only one I'd rather die
Thoughtless baby
Does anybody want to see me smile
Does anybody want to open up and see what's vile
Sometimes it's like it's said
Sometimes it's throw away
Thoughtless baby
(Repeat)
Does anybody want to take me on
Does anybody want to see me die
When he cries, throws away
Thoughtless baby
Does anybody want to see me cry
If I'm the only one I'd rather die
Thoughtless baby (Repeat)
I'd rather die
Does anybody want to take me on
(Repeat)
The lyrics of Archive's song Meon reflect the feelings of isolation and loneliness that the singer is experiencing. The lyrics suggest that the singer is looking for someone who will listen to them, take them seriously, and care about them. They also express the intense emotional pain that the singer feels, as they say that they would rather die than be alone in their suffering.
The repeated phrase "thoughtless baby" could be interpreted in a few different ways. One possibility is that it is directed at the person the singer is addressing, suggesting that they are being insensitive to the singer's needs. Another interpretation is that the phrase is directed at the singer themself, as a way of expressing their self-doubt and feelings of worthlessness. The song as a whole suggests a deep sense of despair and hopelessness, underscored by the repeated refrain of "does anybody want to take me on?"
Overall, the lyrics of Meon paint a bleak picture of the singer's emotional state, but also suggest that there is a desire for connection and validation. The repetition of certain phrases and ideas creates a sense of cyclical, almost ritualistic despair, adding to the song's eerie, haunting quality.
Line by Line Meaning
Meon
The title of the song, potentially referencing the star or constellation of the same name
Does anybody want to take me on
The singer is asking if anyone is willing to challenge them or engage with them in some way
Does anybody want to hear the things I have to say
The singer is wondering if anyone will listen to their thoughts or ideas
I fear today
Possible reference to anxiety or dread about the present moment
Does anybody want to see me cry
The singer is questioning if anyone cares for them emotionally and would be affected by their sadness
If I'm the only one I'd rather die
The singer would rather not exist than feel completely alone
Thoughtless baby
Possible insult directed towards an individual or group who the singer feels isn't paying attention or showing empathy
Does anybody want to see me smile
The singer is wondering if anyone cares enough to make them happy
Does anybody want to open up and see what's vile
The singer wants someone to understand their darker thoughts or emotions
Sometimes it's like it's said
Unclear, possibly referencing others talking about the singer without their knowledge
Sometimes it's throw away
Unclear, could be a reference to feelings or thoughts being dismissed or ignored
When he cries, throws away
Unclear and ambiguous, could relate to being ostracized or rejected when expressing emotions
I'd rather die
The singer has a strong aversion to feeling alone, potentially leading to suicidal ideation
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CRAIG WALKER, DANIEL THOMAS GRIFFITHS, DARIUS KEELER, PETER BARRACLOUGH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind