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.
Skylight
Biffy Clyro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But it's time to sing the saddest song
Looking alive with a broken mind,
Why don't you ever take my side
We can dream of all the mistakes that we've made
There's no reason, there's nothing left to take away
And it's time to sing a happy song
Feeling alive with a throbbing mind,
You're never gonna break my stand
We can dream of all the mistakes that we've made
There's no reason, we can't start at the end
We're users but at least we use each other friend
We'll choose our path and face the consequence
Some say love, I say fight
I hope I'm not wrong
A restless soul, a wicked mind
I'd rather kiss the ground than kiss a starless sky
The lyrics to Biffy Clyro's song Skylight are open to interpretation, but the overall theme seems to be about navigating relationships and finding a sense of purpose in life. The first verse suggests confusion and sadness, unsure of where to go next but resigned to singing a sad song. The second verse takes a more optimistic turn, with the singer realizing where they're headed and feeling alive with a determined spirit. The line "you're never gonna break my stand" implies a sense of empowerment and perhaps even defiance in the face of challenge.
The chorus emphasizes the idea of mistakes and starting anew, with the repetition of "we can dream of all the mistakes that we've made." The line "we're users but at least we use each other friend" is somewhat cryptic, but could be interpreted as a commentary on the ways in which people rely on each other, sometimes selfishly or in a way that may not be entirely healthy. The final line "I'd rather kiss the ground than kiss a starless sky" is a striking metaphor, conveying a preference for reality, however harsh, over false promises or illusions.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know where we're going from here
Uncertainty about the future
But it's time to sing the saddest song
Accepting that sadness is necessary
Looking alive with a broken mind,
Putting on a facade to hide internal struggles
Why don't you ever take my side
Feeling unsupported
We can dream of all the mistakes that we've made
Reflecting on past failures
There's no reason, there's nothing left to take away
Resigned to the current state of things
I now know where we're going from here
Clarity about the future
And it's time to sing a happy song
Recognizing the need for positivity
Feeling alive with a throbbing mind,
Embracing intensity of emotions
You're never gonna break my stand
Determined to stand firm in beliefs
There's no reason, we can't start at the end
Openness to new beginnings
We're users but at least we use each other friend
Acknowledging mutual benefits in relationships
We'll choose our path and face the consequence
Accepting responsibility for choices made
Some say love, I say fight
Preferring to approach challenges head-on
I hope I'm not wrong
Expressing uncertainty about choices made
A restless soul, a wicked mind
Feeling unsettled and conflicted internally
I'd rather kiss the ground than kiss a starless sky
Preferring something tangible over something intangible or uncertain
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: SIMON ALEXANDER NEIL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
tap out
I don't know where we're going from here
But it's time to sing the saddest song
Looking alive with a broken mind,
Why don't you ever take my side
We can dream of all the mistakes that we've made
There's no reason, there's nothing left to take away
I now know where we're going from here
And it's time to sing a happy song
Feeling alive with a throbbing mind,
You're never gonna break my stand
We can dream of all the mistakes that we've made
There's no reason, we can't start at the end
We're users but at least we use each other friend
We'll choose our path and face the consequence
Some say love, I say fight
I hope I'm not wrong
A restless soul, a wicked mind
I'd rather kiss the ground than kiss a starless sky
tap out
I don't know where we're going from here
But it's time to sing the saddest song
Looking alive with a broken mind,
Why don't you ever take my side
We can dream of all the mistakes that we've made
There's no reason, there's nothing left to take away
I now know where we're going from here
And it's time to sing a happy song
Feeling alive with a throbbing mind,
You're never gonna break my stand
We can dream of all the mistakes that we've made
There's no reason, we can't start at the end
We're users but at least we use each other friend
We'll choose our path and face the consequence
Some say love, I say fight
I hope I'm not wrong
A restless soul, a wicked mind
I'd rather kiss the ground than kiss a starless sky
TheGreatMerman
"I'd rather kiss the ground...than a starless sky." Damn, talk about a hell of a lyric. Wish I had this line a few years ago during a break up.
TheGreatMerman
@Russell Panken Nope, thankfully I haven't dated anyone so toxic since then to warrant this kind of response :)
Russell Panken
well didja git ur chance 2 use it yet?!?!😋
Kenshin Himura
This line is THE reason I listen to this song. So powerful.
Laetitia Pille
This line gives me gossebumps everytime...
Tereza G
Love this song so much! Feel that beating of heart <3
Trinity P
The most Beautiful, powerful and deep song ever. Lyrics are just 💗💗💗 the symbolism is so powerful.
Carlo Andrea Morante
Great, wonderful song!!! ❤
Guerrino Ferrari
The second part... Interstellar atmosphere ❤️