Their sound is a mix of indie rock and electronic music, most recently integrating organic sounds into their music. Friends since the age of fourteen, Athlete have wide-ranging influences that include Grandaddy and Flaming Lips.
Loose Change
Athlete Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And a ticket for the next game
I'd take you but you don't talk much
Hiding behind your name
Wouldn't see you in a small crowd
Don't know what it is that I've found
You're bigger than I ever am
Some say that you are a future bride
I've seen for myself that they are right
Whenever you play those forty fives
Something comes alive
Caught a shadow at your window
Can't imagine you in stage clothes
And fairy lights singing like
The stars you seem to know
Can I listen in your bedroom
See the pictures that enchant you
In time alone you let go
It's just the way you choose
Some say that you are a future bride
I've seen for myself that they are right
Whenever you play those forty fives
Something comes alive
The lyrics to Athlete's song "Loose Change" appear to express the desire and fascination with another individual who seems to be more complex and intriguing than the singer initially thought. The opening line suggests that the singer has a pocket full of spare change and a ticket to a game, but they are unable to invite the person they desire to come along because they "don't talk much" and are "hiding behind [their] name." This shows that the singer is aware of some level of detachment within the other person and their desire to remain in the background or remain distant.
As the song progresses, the singer becomes more enamored with the other person's mysterious nature, stating that they would not be found in a small crowd, and that they are "bigger" than the singer ever thought. The lyrics allude to the idea that the other person may be reserved and unknown, but for some reason, the singer is drawn to their presence. The lyrics also imply that the other person may have a talent for music or at least an appreciation for it, as shown by the references to the "forty fives" and how something comes alive when this person plays them.
Line by Line Meaning
Got a pocket full of loose change
I have some extra money that I can spend.
And a ticket for the next game
I have a ticket for the next game I want to attend.
I'd take you but you don't talk much
I would take you with me, but you are quiet and reserved.
Hiding behind your name
You are not revealing your true self and are hiding behind a facade.
Wouldn't see you in a small crowd
You are someone who is not comfortable in an intimate or small group setting.
Don't know what it is that I've found
I am unsure of what I have discovered about you.
You're bigger than I ever am
You are more significant and have a stronger presence than me.
Funny how things turn out
It is amusing how unexpected events can unfold.
Some say that you are a future bride
Some people predict that you will get married soon.
I've seen for myself that they are right
From my observations, I believe that they are correct.
Whenever you play those forty fives
When you listen to vinyl records, something magical seems to happen.
Something comes alive
There is an energy and excitement that is awakened.
Caught a shadow at your window
I saw a glimpse of you through your window.
Can't imagine you in stage clothes
It is difficult for me to picture you performing on stage.
And fairy lights singing like
The lights and ambiance create a magical and romantic atmosphere.
The stars you seem to know
You possess knowledge and admiration for the stars.
Can I listen in your bedroom
Can I hear the music you play in your private space?
See the pictures that enchant you
Can I see the images that entrance and captivate you?
In time alone you let go
When you are by yourself, you allow yourself to relax and be vulnerable.
It's just the way you choose
This is the decision you have made for yourself and it should be respected.
Contributed by Brayden B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.