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.
Pocket
Biffy Clyro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My hair tied up, I'm starting to crack my head
Against the wall and floor
The blood keeps coming and I just can't take anymore
I just can't take anymore
I'm just waiting for a change in your barriers
'Cause in my heart I hesitate with what I'm thinking of
I've been swimming for a hundred miles
My arms' getting sore but I'm not turning back
'Til I'm faster than a whale or a shark
Trust me now brother, time to win a new shark attack
Win another shark attack
I'm just waiting for a change in your barriers
'Cause in my heart I hesitate with what I'm thinking of
'Cause nobody loves a spaceman
And nobody loves their friends
You look at me like I'm crazy
But you'll get what you deserve
When suddenly the world stops
And you think I'm not around
Look down baby, I'm probably in your pocket now
I'm just waiting for a change in your barriers
'Cause in my heart I hesitate with what I'm thinking of
'Cause nobody loves a spaceman
And nobody loves their friends
You look at me like I'm crazy
But you'll get what you deserve
When suddenly the world stops
And you think I'm not around
Look down baby, I'm probably in your pocket now
I'm probably in your pocket now
I'm probably in your pocket now
The lyrics of Biffy Clyro's song Pocket depict the struggles of the singer against the challenges he faces. He describes carrying heavy bags on his back and cracking his head against the wall and floor while blood keeps coming out. The lyrics suggest the singer is close to giving up, but he keeps pushing himself forward, determined to swim a hundred miles without turning back. The lyrics become more abstract when the singer says he is waiting for a change in the barriers, suggesting he is waiting for something to change to alleviate his struggles. The song also talks about being judged for being different, as nobody loves a spaceman and people look at the singer like he's crazy. Despite this, the singer knows he'll eventually get what he deserves and insists he will always be around.
The song's lyrics are open to interpretation, but they seem to express the feeling of being weighed down by struggles, pushing oneself to keep going, and waiting for something to change. The imagery of carrying heavy bags and swimming a hundred miles suggests the physical and emotional toll of perseverance. The repeated phrase "nobody loves" can be interpreted as the singer feeling isolated and misunderstood, which creates a sense of irony when the singer promises to always be around.
Line by Line Meaning
I got a couple of bags on my back
I have some burdens and responsibilities that I carry with me everywhere I go.
My hair tied up, I'm starting to crack my head
I'm feeling the pressure and stress of life building up in my mind and it's causing me distress.
Against the wall and floor
I'm physically and emotionally trapped and hitting my head against the wall and floor in frustration.
The blood keeps coming and I just can't take anymore
I just can't take anymore
I'm feeling overwhelmed and like I'm at my breaking point, unable to handle any more stress or pressure.
I'm just waiting for a change in your barriers
'Cause in my heart I hesitate with what I'm thinking of
I'm anticipating and hoping for a shift in your perspective or attitude towards me, because I'm not sure how you'll react to what I want to say or do.
I've been swimming for a hundred miles
My arms' getting sore but I'm not turning back
'Til I'm faster than a whale or a shark
Trust me now brother, time to win a new shark attack
Win another shark attack
I'm working tirelessly towards a goal, even though it's hard and exhausting, because I want to achieve something great and prove myself to others. I'm determined to win this battle and overcome any obstacles in my path.
'Cause nobody loves a spaceman
And nobody loves their friends
You look at me like I'm crazy
But you'll get what you deserve
When suddenly the world stops
And you think I'm not around
Look down baby, I'm probably in your pocket now
I feel lonely and misunderstood, as though nobody truly cares about me or my feelings. You might judge me or think I'm crazy, but be careful how you treat me - it's a small world and I might end up having the last laugh. You might not realize it, but I'm always with you, watching and waiting for my chance to prove myself.
Lyrics Β© Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SIMON ALEXANDER NEIL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ari Wilde
I got a couple of bags on my back
My hair tied up, I'm starting to crack my head
Against the wall and floor
The blood keeps coming and I just can't take anymore
I just can't take anymore
I'm just waiting for a change in your barriers
'Cause in my heart I hesitate with what I'm thinking of
I've been swimming for a hundred miles
My arms' getting sore but I'm not turning back
'Til I'm faster than a whale or a shark
Trust me now brother, time to win a new shark attack
Win another shark attack
I'm just waiting for a change in your barriers
'Cause in my heart I hesitate with what I'm thinking of
'Cause nobody loves a spaceman
And nobody loves their friends
You look at me like I'm crazy
But you'll get what you deserve
When suddenly the world stops
And you think I'm not around
Look down baby, I'm probably in your pocket now
I'm just waiting for a change in your barriers
'Cause in my heart I hesitate with what I'm thinking of
'Cause nobody loves a spaceman
And nobody loves their friends
You look at me like I'm crazy
But you'll get what you deserve
When suddenly the world stops
And you think I'm not around
Look down baby, I'm probably in your pocket now
I'm probably in your pocket now
I'm probably in your pocket now
TKGriffiths
Surprised this didn't get more attention, it's one of their best songs. Don't think I've ever heard it on the radio.
Lupus Cairo
I don't think I've ever heard any Biffy Clyro song on the radio. I'm pretty sure no one know them.
Stephen Broadley
these guys have so much musical skill its scary.saw them at the leeds fest in 2013 and they were simply awesome.the set ended with stingin belle and a superb firework display and after taking my mates advice was glad i went.had to laugh when simon said 'eh up you lot down here in yorkshire'.if you havn't seen these lads in concert then go along you won't be disappointed.
Ari Wilde
I got a couple of bags on my back
My hair tied up, I'm starting to crack my head
Against the wall and floor
The blood keeps coming and I just can't take anymore
I just can't take anymore
I'm just waiting for a change in your barriers
'Cause in my heart I hesitate with what I'm thinking of
I've been swimming for a hundred miles
My arms' getting sore but I'm not turning back
'Til I'm faster than a whale or a shark
Trust me now brother, time to win a new shark attack
Win another shark attack
I'm just waiting for a change in your barriers
'Cause in my heart I hesitate with what I'm thinking of
'Cause nobody loves a spaceman
And nobody loves their friends
You look at me like I'm crazy
But you'll get what you deserve
When suddenly the world stops
And you think I'm not around
Look down baby, I'm probably in your pocket now
I'm just waiting for a change in your barriers
'Cause in my heart I hesitate with what I'm thinking of
'Cause nobody loves a spaceman
And nobody loves their friends
You look at me like I'm crazy
But you'll get what you deserve
When suddenly the world stops
And you think I'm not around
Look down baby, I'm probably in your pocket now
I'm probably in your pocket now
I'm probably in your pocket now
ThrashUnreal
This song is proof record labels are run by schmucks. They wanted to release a single disc butchered version of 'Opposites' and leave off amazing melodic songs like this and 'Woo Woo' that could've been great singles. I fucking love this song and this album, in it's uncut 2disc glory.
MrVidification
the last album seemed to leave two songs off it as an excuse to create a 'deluxe' edition, unless the missing songs were only left off the mp3 album
Samson N
agreed. Some of the best songs are the one's they didn't want on the single album
Jonathan R
SUCH AN AMAZING SONG!!
blueprint blue
Best song off Opposites.
jordan cole
so true.