Arkells are a Canadian rock band, formed in Hamilton, Ontario. They have re… Read Full Bio ↴Arkells are a Canadian rock band, formed in Hamilton, Ontario. They have released five albums, two EPs and a number of singles that have charted in Canada. The band has won multiple Juno Awards, including one for their album High Noon in 2015.

The band is currently made up of: Max Kerman (vocals, guitar), Mike DeAngelis (vocals, guitar), Nick Dika (bass), Tim Oxford (drums), and Anthony Carone (vocals, keyboard, guitar)

Originally called Charlemagne, the band changed their name when another band of the same name threatened to sue them. The band is named after Arkell Street in the Westdale neighbourhood of Hamilton, ON, near McMaster University, where they lived and would practice their music. All five original band members attended McMaster where lead singer Max Kerman graduated with an honours BA in Political Science. Kerman met guitarist Mike DeAngelis at a McMaster Welcome Week event where the two discovered they had an identical taste in music.

In 2006, they signed with Dine Alone Records, and have since signed with Universal Records Canada and Last Gang Records.

Arkells' debut album Jackson Square was released 28 October 2008 on Dine Alone Records. In late 2008, Arkells toured Canada as opening act for Matt Mays & El Torpedo.

In April 2010, Arkells won the Juno Award for New Group of the Year, and on May 15, 2010, were picked to open for Them Crooked Vultures at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. They made headlines while playing a set at Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto after the 2010 Much Music Video Awards, when rapper Shad and pop singer Kesha joined them onstage to freestyle and sing along during a cover of Ms. Jackson by Outkast.

In 2011, the band wrote and recorded their second album Michigan Left, which was released on October 18 of that year. On 6 October 2011 it was announced that Dan Griffin would be leaving the band to go back to school. He was replaced by Anthony Carone.

In 2012, Arkells won the 2012 Juno Award for Group of the Year.

On May 13, 2014, the band released the single "Come to Light", and confirmed the title of the record would be High Noon. The record was released on Dine Alone/Universal Records, August 5, 2014. The band would go on to with the Juno Award for Group of the Year and the Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year at the 2015 Juno Awards. High Noon was also long listed for the Polaris prize in 2015.

On October 23, 2015, the band released a new EP, "Study Music", which they self-produced and released on Universal Music Canada/Dine Alone Records.

Arkells began teasing new material from their forthcoming album on tour in the spring of 2016. The fourth album, Morning Report, was released on August 5, 2016.

At the Juno Awards of 2017, Arkells were nominated for Juno Award for Group of the Year and the Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year. They performed their viral hit "Drake's Dad" live on the television broadcast

The Arkells released their fifth studio album, Rally Cry, on October 19, 2018, accompanied by a Canadian tour featuring Lord Huron as the opening act. The tour featured the Arkells' largest arena show at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on February 16, 2019.

On February 25, 2020 the band released the new single and video "Years in the Making". Later that year, on July 30, they released the single "Quitting You", and announced the release of Campfire Chords, a full-length album featuring acoustic versions of earlier songs, on August 20. Each member recorded his part at home during the COVID-19 quarantine and sent it to Carone, who then edited, mixed and produced the pieces into complete songs.

On March 25, 2021 the band released the new single and video "You Can Get It", featuring guest vocals by K.Flay.

Liberation
Arkells Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You were looking for answers
Something to set you free
We flew over Los Angeles
In a sky full of dreams
You were fighting that cancer
But it doesn't fight clean
You said just take me dancing, oh
I said let's move our feet

I think we're looking for the same thing, baby
I could use a little company
I think we're looking for same thing baby
Something that could set us free, huh

Liberation
Liberation
Liberation
(Looking for, looking for, looking for)
Liberation
(Looking for, looking for, looking for)

Oh, your beautiful daughter
She didn't want any prayers
We drove to Santa Barbara
Felt the wind in our hair
Found our way to the water
Like nothing you've ever seen
Don't wanna talk to no doctor, no
Just want you here with me

I think we're looking for the same thing, baby
I could use a little company
I think we're looking for the same thing baby
Something that could set us free, huh

Liberation
(Looking for, looking for, looking for)
Liberation
(Looking for, looking for, looking for)
Liberation
(Looking for, looking for, looking for)
Liberation
(Looking for, looking for, looking for)

All the things I want to say
Came out with the crashing waves
I told you this won't be in vain
Let the weight just float away
Be with me in every way
Every day will be today
Every day will be today

Liberation
(Looking for, looking for, looking for)
Liberation
(Looking for, looking for)
Liberation
(Looking for, looking for, looking for)
Liberation
(Looking for, looking for)
Liberation
(Looking for, looking for, looking for)
Liberation
(Looking for, looking for, looking for)
Liberation
(Looking for, looking for, looking for)
Liberation

(Looking for, looking for, looking for)
Liberation

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Arkells's song "Liberation" depict a poignant and emotional journey of seeking freedom and solace in the midst of struggles. The opening lines capture a sense of desiring liberation from hardships, with the imagery of flying over Los Angeles in a sky full of dreams. The reference to fighting cancer conveys a brutal and relentless battle, with the plea to "just take me dancing" showing a desire to find joy and escape from pain. The invitation to "move our feet" hints at finding catharsis through movement and connection.

The chorus emphasizes the universal search for freedom and companionship, suggesting a shared pursuit of emotional release and comfort. The repetition of the word "liberation" conveys the yearning for a release from burdens and constraints. The longing for company and a sense of shared purpose highlights the importance of human connection in finding solace and empowerment.

The lyrics shift focus to a touching moment with a loved one, possibly a daughter, who resists traditional forms of solace like prayers. The journey to Santa Barbara and feeling the wind in their hair symbolize a fleeting sense of freedom and escape. The desire to be present in the moment and avoid discussions with doctors underscores a need for intimate connection and support during challenging times.

The final verse conveys a sense of resolution and acceptance, with the crashing waves representing the release of pent-up emotions. The vow that "this won't be in vain" suggests a determination to find meaning and purpose in struggles. The repetition of "every day will be today" indicates a commitment to living in the present and finding liberation in everyday moments. Overall, the song captures the essence of seeking liberation through shared experiences, human connection, and finding moments of joy and solace amidst adversity.

Line by Line Meaning

You were looking for answers
You were seeking clarity and resolution

Something to set you free
Seeking something that can liberate you

We flew over Los Angeles
We soared above the city of Los Angeles

In a sky full of dreams
Surrounded by countless aspirations and hopes

You were fighting that cancer
You were battling against that disease

But it doesn't fight clean
The fight is not straightforward or fair

You said just take me dancing, oh
You expressed a desire to dance and enjoy yourself

I said let's move our feet
I suggested that we dance together

I think we're looking for the same thing, baby
I believe we both seek the same thing, my love

I could use a little company
I could benefit from having someone by my side

Something that could set us free, huh
Searching for something that can liberate us, right?

Oh, your beautiful daughter
Referring to a loved one, likely a child

She didn't want any prayers
She did not desire prayers or solemn rituals

We drove to Santa Barbara
We traveled to the city of Santa Barbara

Felt the wind in our hair
Enjoyed the sensation of the wind blowing through our hair

Found our way to the water
Reached a body of water, possibly the ocean

Like nothing you've ever seen
Unlike anything you have witnessed before

Don't wanna talk to no doctor, no
Do not wish to speak with any medical professionals

Just want you here with me
Simply desire your presence by my side

All the things I want to say
All the thoughts and emotions I wish to express

Came out with the crashing waves
Were revealed along with the waves crashing in

I told you this won't be in vain
Assured you that this will not be without purpose

Let the weight just float away
Allow the burdens to dissipate and disappear

Be with me in every way
Accompany me in all aspects of life

Every day will be today
Live in the present moment each day

Lyrics © REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Anthony Carone, Max Kerman, Michael John Deangelis, Nicholas Dika, Ryan A Spraker, Timothy Oxford, Tom Peyton

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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