Art of Fighting is an indie rock band from Melbourne, Australia.

The… Read Full Bio ↴Art of Fighting is an indie rock band from Melbourne, Australia.

The band formed in 1995 as a duo, with Ollie Browne playing guitar and Peggy Frew on bass, with both taking turns on vocals. The couple were also in a romantic relationship at this time, though they were to split amicably later.

They were joined six months later by drummer Cameron Grant, and over the following two years released two demo tapes, the first self-titled and the second named The Angry Man. Two of the tracks from the latter, "The Chorus is Suffering" and 'You and Me on Mars" were included on the Wonder From A Quarter Acre compilation put out by Au Go Go in 1998.

In 1997, the trio began recording The Very Strange Year. During touring for this EP but before its release, Ollie Browne's brother, Miles Browne, joined the group playing guitar and trumpet. The Very Strange Year was released on Half a Cow at the end of 1998.

In the middle of 1999 the foursome began recording another EP for Half a Cow, Empty Nights, which was released in November of that year. Cameron Grant left the band in late 2000, being replaced on drums by Marty Brown (also of Sodastream).

Following a move to Trifekta Records, in 2001 the band recorded their debut full-length album, Wires. The album was successful and went on to win an ARIA award for Best Alternative Release, beating the more high-profile You Am I, Something for Kate and Magic Dirt. Not expecting to win, they were famously told of their prize while packing up after a gig in Germany, on their first European tour.

The success of the album not only locally but also internationally - with releases in the USA, Japan, Germany and Taiwan - led to a sustained period of touring. This successful time was followed by a turbulent 2003, when the long-term romantic relationship between Ollie Browne and Peggy Frew ended, amongst other variously momentous events.

Their second album, Second Storey, was released in 2004, once again engendering a burst of touring both local and international. In a coup for the band, Bella Union released the album in the UK and Europe.

At the end of 2006, the release of first single "Eastbound" preceded a forthcoming album titled Runaways released on March the 10th in Australia, on Remote Control In April 2007 the band played at All Tomorrow's Parties (curated by The Dirty Three) in Minehead UK, which was followed by two live shows in Tokyo.

In 2008 the band scored an original soundtrack for the Australian film Ten Empty. 2010 saw Ollie create a new group called Parallel Lions.

Moonlight
Art of Fighting Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

we didn’t have very long
while we chased down the sunlight
cornered and careless
corrupted
caught by the sun
well, wasn’t it fun
i guess that i was not the one
that you needed

now that the days pass like hours
and they come and they go just like nobody knows
i’m kicking and spinning in air
and getting nowhere
nowhere near the somewhere where you’re there
so now i have lost patience
did you ever know
just how hard i tried
to give you sunshine
but all i gave to you
was moonlight
so stay well
cause as far as i know
you’ll be no-one i know
for as long as i know and i know
that you’ll never care

because no-one ever cared
for free

Overall Meaning

The song "Moonlight" by Art of Fighting is a reflection of a failed relationship that has left the singer feeling disillusioned and alone. The opening line "we didn't have very long" suggests that the relationship was brief and intense. They "chased down the sunlight," trying to capture the joy and happiness of being in love, but ultimately failed as they became "cornered and careless." The relationship turned sour and "corrupted," leaving them feeling trapped.

The next few lines describe a moment of fun and levity, but it becomes clear that the singer was not the one their partner wanted. As time passes, they realize that their efforts to give their partner happiness were in vain. Instead of sunshine, they could only offer "moonlight." The moon is a symbol of uncertainty and darkness, representing the singer's feeling of inadequacy and inability to provide what their partner needed.

The song ends with a bitter farewell, the singer acknowledging that their partner will never care for them. The final line "because no-one ever cared for free" suggests that the singer gave too much of themselves in the relationship, with no reciprocation. Overall, "Moonlight" is a poignant reminder of how love can be fleeting and how our best efforts can sometimes be in vain.

Line by Line Meaning

we didn't have very long
Our time together was brief

while we chased down the sunlight
We were enjoying life and having fun

cornered and careless
We were reckless and didn't think about consequences

corrupted
Our behavior was morally wrong

caught by the sun
We were exposed and had to face the consequences of our actions

well, wasn't it fun
Despite everything, we had a good time

i guess that i was not the one that you needed
I realize that I wasn't the right person for you

now that the days pass like hours
Time seems to be moving quickly

and they come and they go just like nobody knows
Time seems unpredictable

i'm kicking and spinning in air
I feel lost and unsure of what to do

and getting nowhere
I'm not making any progress