Biffy, as they are often referred to, utilise a quiet/loud dynamic, constructing songs that can range from a whisper-quiet pick on the guitar, to huge walls of noise with massive distortion and crashing drums. Their sound has simplified somewhat in recent times yet still occasionally contains complex time signatures and heavy riffs. While Simon Neil sings lead, all three members provide vocals. "'Mon the Biffy!" is a well known chant amongst Biffy fans; it is usually shouted in between songs at gigs, or before the band come on stage. Some fans have reacted poorly to the band's recent output.
The first incarnation of what would eventually become Biffy Clyro was formed in 1995 by fifteen-year-old Irvine-born, Ayr-raised guitarist Simon Neil, who recruited Kilmarnock-born Ben Johnston and someone known only as Barry on drums and bass respectively, calling themselves Screwfish. Barry was soon replaced by James Johnston, Ben's twin brother, and the three spent the next two years rehearsing, writing and covering songs. In 1997, they played their first gig as the support for a band called Pink Kross at a local youth centre. The trio then moved to Glasgow, where Neil went to the University of Glasgow and the Johnston twins went to Stow College, studying Electronics with Music and Audio Engineering respectively.They then progressed onto the bigger stage
After playing gigs around Glasgow and receiving positive and enthusiastic reactions from the audiences, the band were spotted by Dee Bahl, who soon became their manager. Bahl offered them a chance to release an independent single on Aereogramme's Babi Yaga record label. "Iname" was released on 28 June 1999, and led to the band being chosen by Stow College's Electric Honey record label to release a record. thekidswhopoptodaywillrocktomorrow... was released on 13 June 2000, and after hearing it, BBC Radio Scotland DJ Vic Galloway gave the band airplay. A few days prior to the release of thekidswho..., the band were spotted at the Unsigned Bands stage at T in the Park 2000 by a Beggars Banquet representative. Soon after, the band was signed to the independent Beggar's Banquet, and on 30 October 2000, they re-recorded and released the single, "27", which became Kerrang!'s Single Of The Week.
On 1 October 2001, one of the songs from thekidswho... was re-recorded and released as a single, "Justboy". This was repeated on 4 February 2002, when the song "57" was released. On 11 March, the band's debut album, Blackened Sky, was released to generally positive reviews. It was around this time that the band began touring extensively, including being the support for Weezer on 20 March at the Barrowlands in Glasgow. On 15 July, the fourth single from the album, "Joy.Discovery.Invention" was released as a double A-side with a newly recorded song, entitled "Toys, Toys, Toys, Choke, Toys, Toys, Toys", which later appeared on The Vertigo of Bliss.
In 2003, the band retreated to the Linford Manor recording studio in Great Linford, Milton Keynes, England to record the follow-up to Blackened Sky. On 24 March, a new single was released entitled, "The Ideal Height", followed by another new single entitled "Questions and Answers" on 28 May. The band's second album, The Vertigo of Bliss was released on 16 June, to positive reviews, which focused on the more experimental style of the album in comparison to Blackened Sky, as well as the introduction of string sections.
In 2004, after touring relentlessly for The Vertigo of Bliss, the band retreated to Monnow Valley Studios in Monmouth, Wales to record a follow-up. As with the previous album, two singles were released before the actual album; "Glitter and Trauma" and "My Recovery Injection" on 9 August and 20 September, respectively. A digital download was also released; "There's No Such Thing As A Jaggy Snake", on 31 May. On 4 October, the band's third album, Infinity Land was released, and on 14 February 2005, the last single from the album, "Only One Word Comes To Mind" was released. On 16 February, the band performed a cover of Franz Ferdinand's "Take Me Out" live from Maida Vale on Zane Lowe's BBC Radio 1 show. Simon Neil's side project, Marmaduke Duke, also released an album in 2005, The Magnificent Duke, and toured the UK, along with the Johnston twins accompanying on bass and drums, for it.
In 2006, Biffy Clyro left Beggars Banquet and signed a deal with 14th Floor, an offshoot of Warner Bros. In June, the band contributed a cover of Weezer's "Buddy Holly" to Kerrang!'s High Voltage!: A Brief History of Rock, which came free with Issue #1110 of the magazine. In September, the band moved temporarily to Canada to record their fourth album at The Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, and The Farm Studio in Gibsons, which they finished doing in November. The song "Semi-Mental" was released as a digital download on 25 December. In 2007, the song "Saturday Superhouse" was released on 14 May, where it reached #13 on the UK Singles Chart; the band's highest single chart position to date. On 14 May, the song "Living is a Problem Because Everything Dies" was released, reaching #19 on the UK Singles Charts. On 21 May, Biffy were confirmed for T in the Park 2007, as well as being announced as one of the support bands for the 17 June gig at the new Wembley Stadium for Muse. On 1 June, Biffy were confirmed for Glastonbury 2007. On 4 June, Puzzle was released to critical acclaim, and eventually helped the band to reach their highest UK Albums Chart position ever, reaching #2 in the first week of release. On 6 June it was announced that Biffy were to support The Who at Marlay Park in Ireland. On 12 June, it was announced that "Folding Stars" was released as a single on July 16. On the 23rd of August 2007, Biffy Clyro were announced as the support act for the Red Hot Chilli Peppers at Hampden Stadium in Glasgow, for the Stadium Arcadium tour.
Medicine
Biffy Clyro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I rolled up my medicine, to forget me
Tried not to disappoint you but I didn't achieve
'Cause I have a problem
And I need to get some
But I shouldn't waste my time
What was up's gone down
You take your road and I'll take mine
I don't want to talk about it unlike you
Your victimhood's your character, it defines you
And then you rearrange it caress it into view
You invent your problems
And then you sell them
So help me, why can't this be love?
Tell me why can't this be enough?
When is high ever high enough?
It's all I ever hoped for
But I shouldn't waste my time
Having you around
What was up's gone down
You take your road and I'll take mine
So swallow your problems
We belong to a new dawn
So swallow your problems
We belong to a new dawn
So swallow
If she asks should I tell her?
(Your problems)
If she asks should I let her know?
(We belong)
We'll never be together
(To a new dawn)
We'll never see each other grow
But I shouldn't waste my time
Having you around
What was up's gone down
You take your road and I'll take mine
I was done talking but I still couldn't sleep
The lyrics of "Medicine" by Biffy Clyro explore themes of frustration, self-destruction, and the desire to escape one's problems through substance abuse. The singer is at a point where they are exhausted from trying to communicate and seek understanding, as indicated by the line "I was done talking, but I still couldn't sleep." They turn to drugs as a form of self-medication to numb themselves and forget about their troubles, even though it ultimately doesn't provide a solution.
The song also touches on the idea of disappointing others and feeling pressured to meet expectations. The line "Tried not to disappoint you but I didn't achieve" suggests that regardless of their efforts, they are not able to fulfill the expectations placed upon them. There is a sense of resignation and acceptance of this fact.
The lyrics also criticize someone who thrives on playing the victim, constantly creating and exaggerating their own problems for attention. The singer sees through this behavior as they sing, "You invent your problems, and then you sell them." They are frustrated by the manipulation and the need for validation that this person seeks.
Overall, "Medicine" portrays a sense of helplessness and the realization that relying on temporary fixes, such as drugs or relying on others for validation, is not a sustainable solution to facing one's problems.
Line by Line Meaning
I was done talking, but I still couldn't sleep
Even though I stopped talking, my mind was still restless, and I couldn't find sleep
I rolled up my medicine, to forget me
I turned to drugs as a form of escape, using them to distance myself from who I am
Tried not to disappoint you but I didn't achieve
I made an effort not to let you down, but unfortunately, I couldn't succeed
'Cause I have a problem
I confess that I have an issue or struggle
And I need to get some
I have a strong urge or desire to find a solution or resolution
But I shouldn't waste my time
I should be cautious not to spend too much time
Having you around
Engaging or interacting with you
What was up's gone down
The positive or hopeful situation has now become negative or disappointing
You take your road and I'll take mine
We should each go our separate ways and follow our own paths
I don't want to talk about it unlike you
Unlike you, I have no desire to discuss or address the topic
Your victimhood's your character, it defines you
You have built your identity around being a victim, and it shapes who you are
And then you rearrange it caress it into view
You manipulate and carefully present your victimhood to others
You invent your problems
You fabricate or create your own issues
And then you sell them
You exploit or profit from these fabricated problems
So help me, why can't this be love?
I implore for assistance in understanding why this can't be a genuine and affectionate connection
Tell me why can't this be enough?
Please explain why our current state or situation is not sufficient
When is high ever high enough?
When will reaching a peak or a state of euphoria ever be enough?
It's all I ever hoped for
Attaining that high is everything I have ever wished or wished for
So swallow your problems
Accept and internalize your own issues
We belong to a new dawn
We are part of a fresh start or a new beginning
If she asks should I tell her?
If she inquires, should I disclose the truth?
If she asks should I let her know?
If she questions, should I provide her with the information she seeks?
We'll never be together
We will never have a unified or harmonious relationship
We'll never see each other grow
Our personal growth will never be witnessed by one another
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Simon Alexander Neil
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Przemysław Moszczyński
[Verse 1]
I was done talking, but I still couldn't sleep
I rolled out my medicine, to forget me
I tried not to disappoint you, but I didn't achieve
Cause I have a problem, and I need to get some
[Chorus]
I shouldn't waste my time
Having you around
What was up's gone down
You take your road, and I'll take mine
[Verse 2]
I don't want to talk about it unlike you
Your victim hid your character, it defines you
And then you rearrange it, caress it into view
You invent your problems, and then you sell them
Pre-Chorus]
So help me, why can't this be love?
Tell me, why can't this be enough?
When is high ever high enough?
It's all I've ever hoped for
[Chorus]
I shouldn't waste my time
Having you around
What was up's gone down
You take your road, and I'll take mine
[Bridge]
So swallow your problems
We belong to a new dawn
So swallow your problems
We belong to a new dawn
If she asks should I tell her?
If she asks should I let her know?
We'll never be together
We'll never see each other grow
(so swallow)
(your problems)
(we belong)
(to a new dawn)
[Chorus]
I shouldn't waste my time
Having you around
What was up's gone down
You take your road, and I'll take mine
[Outro]
I was done talking, but I still couldn't sleep
Przemysław Moszczyński
[Verse 1]
I was done talking, but I still couldn't sleep
I rolled out my medicine, to forget me
I tried not to disappoint you, but I didn't achieve
Cause I have a problem, and I need to get some
[Chorus]
I shouldn't waste my time
Having you around
What was up's gone down
You take your road, and I'll take mine
[Verse 2]
I don't want to talk about it unlike you
Your victim hid your character, it defines you
And then you rearrange it, caress it into view
You invent your problems, and then you sell them
Pre-Chorus]
So help me, why can't this be love?
Tell me, why can't this be enough?
When is high ever high enough?
It's all I've ever hoped for
[Chorus]
I shouldn't waste my time
Having you around
What was up's gone down
You take your road, and I'll take mine
[Bridge]
So swallow your problems
We belong to a new dawn
So swallow your problems
We belong to a new dawn
If she asks should I tell her?
If she asks should I let her know?
We'll never be together
We'll never see each other grow
(so swallow)
(your problems)
(we belong)
(to a new dawn)
[Chorus]
I shouldn't waste my time
Having you around
What was up's gone down
You take your road, and I'll take mine
[Outro]
I was done talking, but I still couldn't sleep
limitinfinity
I just discovered these guys and I'm hooked! Simon reminds me of Neil Young with his writing style and delivery.
Cerebraxis
Glad you found them. Awesome band.
bebaboom1
Masterpiece !!
Sita Breth
The band of my life ❤️
crghntr81
Just found this lately via spotify. Sends chills uo my spine. Great song!
Alf Uckem
I love you guys biffy clyro. If it wasn't for you guys, I'd never have picked up a guitar 10 years ago and become the guitarist I've become today. I will never forget the day I fell in love with biffy when I first heard some kind of wizard. Ever since I've been hooked and got every album you've ever released and its changed my life for the better. Thank you and keep it up!
Joe baggins
Alf Uckem Some Kind of wizard. What a tune! Shame not many people know it
c0pyrate
I was looking forward to seeing this one. It is a beautiful song wonderfully played.
Declan Neary
Beautiful, it's going to be magical in Dublin in September. Can't wait 🎶🎸🎵🎼