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.
Victory Over The Sun
Biffy Clyro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh my God, no one knows that
We can barely stand each other
It's not right, no it's not fair
Cause I'd wait anywhere for you
Would you wait for me?
Bleeding tears is the least of our problems here
All we have's diseased organs
And I'd die anytime for you
Would you die for me?
Keep digging for the rest of your days
Say something please it's time to pay
Smoke crack for me, read jack for me,
At this time I'd let you spit in my face
I can only make you see the moon,
You can touch it but that's up to you
This is happening because of you
Stay special brother you stay true
We can change the world despite all our enemies
We're fighting on, listen to your heart and sing
Pray for love, it feels like a memory
If we hold on, there's a victory over the sun
Collapse in front of all of your peers
Stop bleeding, keep blocking your ears
Eating babies, drinking black brandy,
Squinting all night through your demonic haze
I can only make you see the moon,
You can touch it but that's up to you
This is happening because of you
Stay special brother you stay true
We can change the world despite all our enemies
We're fighting on, listen to your heart and sing
Pray for love, it feels like a memory
If we hold on, there's a victory over the sun
Victory over the sun
Victory over the sun
Victory over the sun
There's a victory over the sun
The lyrics to "Victory Over The Sun" by Biffy Clyro have a deeply introspective quality to them, reflecting on the issues of human relationships, mortality, and how we find meaning in a world that can often feel cold and detached. The opening lines, "Trees will speak before you listen, Oh my God, no one knows that," create a sense of foreboding and isolation, something reinforced by the following lines which speak of the difficulty of human connection and the sense of unfairness and unbalance that can sometimes accompany it.
As the song continues, the lyrics take on a more urgent and almost desperate quality, asking questions like "Would you wait for me?" and "Would you die for me?" which speak to the depth of human love and devotion. However, the imagery and language used here also suggest that the song is speaking to deeper existential themes of death and meaninglessness, asking whether these bonds of love and friendship can truly hold up in the face of the inevitable human fate.
Throughout the song, the lyrics paint a picture of a world in chaos, one where "All we have's diseased organs" and "Eating babies, drinking black brandy" is the norm. However, the song also holds out hope for change and transformation, concluding with the refrain of "We can change the world despite all our enemies" and "If we hold on, there's a victory over the sun." Ultimately, the song suggests that our ability to connect with others and love deeply may be our greatest weapon in the fight against the darkness that surrounds us.
Line by Line Meaning
Trees will speak before you listen
You're not taking the time to realize that nature is already speaking to you.
Oh my God, no one knows that
The uncertainty of not knowing something is causing an overwhelming feeling of frustration and helplessness.
We can barely stand each other
The relationship is in such a fragile state that even being in the other's presence is a struggle.
It's not right, no it's not fair
The circumstances are unjust and causing immense emotional distress.
Cause I'd wait anywhere for you
Despite the difficulties, the artist is willing to make sacrifices and wait for the other person.
Would you wait for me?
Questioning the other person's dedication and whether they would make similar sacrifices.
Bleeding tears is the least of our problems here
The emotional distress being experienced is only a small part of the larger issue at hand.
We can moan our family's gone, blistered feelings
The loss of family and emotional pain are adding to the already difficult situation.
All we have's diseased organs
Metaphorically, the inner turmoil is infecting and affecting every aspect of their being.
And I'd die anytime for you
Despite the severity of the situation, the artist is still willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the other person.
Would you die for me?
Asking the other person if they would make a similar sacrifice.
Keep digging for the rest of your days
The task at hand is overwhelming and will require a lot of effort for a long time.
Say something please it's time to pay
Acknowledging that there are consequences for actions and that it's time to accept those consequences and take responsibility.
Smoke crack for me, read jack for me,
Desperate requests for the other person to do anything to help the situation, even things considered taboo or undesirable.
At this time I'd let you spit in my face
The desperation for help is so great that even being insulted or degraded would be accepted if it meant progress was being made.
I can only make you see the moon,
The artist is limited in what they can do to help, but they can at least offer some guidance or perspective.
You can touch it but that's up to you
The other person has the power to take action and make choices that will lead to progress.
This is happening because of you
Taking responsibility for the situation and acknowledging that the other person played a significant role in getting to this point.
Stay special brother you stay true
Encouraging the other person to stay true to themselves and maintain their values and integrity even in difficult times.
We can change the world despite all our enemies
Even in the face of great adversity and opposition, there is still hope and potential for positive change.
We're fighting on, listen to your heart and sing
Despite the hardships, perseverance and hope are encouraged, as well as staying in touch with one's emotions and passions.
Pray for love, it feels like a memory
The emotional distress and struggles have made it difficult to remember what love and positive emotions feel like.
If we hold on, there's a victory over the sun
If we can persevere and work towards progress and positive change, there is a possibility of triumphing over the most overwhelming of obstacles.
Collapse in front of all of your peers
The hardships have reached a point where showing vulnerability and weakness may be unavoidable or necessary.
Stop bleeding, keep blocking your ears
Despite the emotional and physical pain, the urge to numb oneself or ignore the situation is strong.
Eating babies, drinking black brandy,
Hyperbole to emphasize the extremity of the situation and the lengths one may consider going to try and fix it.
Squinting all night through your demonic haze
The immense mental and emotional turmoil is causing physical symptoms and hallucinations.
Victory over the sun
The ultimate goal of triumphing over the darkness, obstacles, and hardships that feel insurmountable.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SIMON ALEXANDER NEIL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chinnawatkladkaew7206
Lyrics
Trees will speak before you listen
Oh my god, no-one knows that
We can barely stand each other
It's not right, no it's not fair
Cause I'd wait anywhere for you
Would you wait for me?
Bleeding tears is the least of our problems here
We can moan our family's gone, blistered feelings
All we have's diseased organs
And I'd die anytime for you
Would you die for me?
Keep digging for the rest of your days
Say something please it's time to pay
Smoke crack for me, read jack for me,
At this time I'd let you spit in my face
I can only make you see the moon,
You can touch it but that's up to you
This is happening because of you
Stay special brother you stay true
We can change the world despite all our enemies
We're fighting on, listen to your heart and sing
Pray for love, it feels like a memory
If we hold on, there's a victory over the sun
Collapse in front of all of your peers
Stop bleeding, keep blocking your ears
Eating babies, drinking black brandy,
Squinting all night through your demonic haze
I can only make you see the moon,
You can touch it but that's up to you
This is happening because of you
Stay special brother you stay true
We can change the world despite all our enemies
We're fighting on, listen to your heart and sing
Pray for love, it feels like a memory
If we hold on, there's a victory over the sun
Victory over the sun
Victory over the sun
Victory over the sun
There's a victory over the sun
@TheDetroitblack
I'm in this Video....It was an amazing time if my life,Acting and Having to listen to this song over and over....One of my favorite Groups!! Thanks for having me Guys!!🎙️🎵🎶🔥🔥 🔥
@russellpanken
#PBnJELZ!!!!!!❣
@156Adrian165
I have apparently been living under a rock my whole life.... How have I not heard of this band before now? They're amazing!
@rosslevere1601
Even better live! :P
@Undomiel92
Better late than never :)
@freehub7486
I first heard them on Slacker radio. The song was Black Chandelier and I was hooked.
@blueangeloftheseas
156Adrian165 I feel the same
@palcoscenico123456
156Adrian165 feels like 've never heard nothing before
@Leslie-zo3tj
Literally in tears. This song is so powerful, and helped me so much through the hard times. Biffy Clyro is and will remain the best band in this fucking world.
@NickShillitoMusic
I fucking love this song. Opposites is a beautiful album, it's like the perfect combination of their older, darker sound and their new, more refined sound