Blur's self-titled fifth album (1997) saw another stylistic shift, influenced by the lo-fi styles of American indie rock groups, and became their third UK chart-topping album. Its single "Song 2" brought the band mainstream success in the US for the first time. Their next album, 13 (1999) saw the band experimenting with electronic and gospel music, and featured more personal lyrics from Albarn. Their seventh album, Think Tank (2003), continued their experimentation with electronic sounds and was also shaped by Albarn's growing interest in hip hop and world music, featuring more minimal guitar work. Coxon left the band during early recording sessions for Think Tank, and Blur disbanded for several years after the end of the album's associated tour, with the members engaged in other projects.
In 2009, Blur reunited with Coxon back in the band and embarked on a European reunion tour. In the following years, they released several singles and compilations and toured internationally. In 2012, they received a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. Their eighth album, The Magic Whip (2015), was the sixth consecutive Blur studio album to top the British chart. The group have largely been on hiatus since the Magic Whip tour, but have announced plans to reunite in 2023 for various live dates.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blur_(band)
Studio albums
Leisure (1991)
Modern Life Is Rubbish (1993)
Parklife (1994)
The Great Escape (1995)
Blur (1997)
13 (1999)
Think Tank (2003)
The Magic Whip (2015)
The Ballad of Darren (2023)
Get Out of Cities
Blur Lyrics
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I got dirty knees
I've been swinging in trees
A paid up member
I've been eating fleas
Running naked in the breeze
Catatonia itch
Catalonia stitch
I start to tingle from my head to my toes
Oh, tomorrow it's a taint on the nose
Hetty hetty hetty hetty oh it's a taint on the nose
Get out of cities, return to the trees, yeah yeah get out of cities, return to the trees, yeah yeah
Get out of cities, return to the trees, yeah yeah
Get out of cities, return to the trees
She's in a sort of a capital freeze
Cos the petrol's done a whole lot for me
Catatonia itch
Catalonia stitch
Pray tomorrow is it-chy itchy itch
Go to yourself on your map
Get out of cities, return to the trees, yeah yeah get out of cities, return to the trees, yeah yeah
Get out of cities, return to the trees, yeah yeah
Get out of cities, return to the trees
Get out of cities, return to the trees, yeah yeah
Get out of cities, return to the trees, yeah yeah
Get out of cities, return to the trees, yeah yeah
Get out of cities, and return to the trees
Get out of cities, return to the trees, yeah yeah
Get out of cities, return to the trees, yeah yeah
Get out of cities, return to the trees, yeah yeah
Get out of cities, and return to the trees
The lyrics of Blur's song "Get Out of Cities" convey a desire to escape the confines of urban life and return to a more natural way of living. The singer describes their wild experiences: swinging in trees, eating fleas, and running naked in the breeze. They have a "catatonia itch" and "Catalonia stitch," which could be interpreted as a longing for something they can't quite grasp or understand. The repetition of "get out of cities, return to the trees" serves as a chant or mantra, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with nature.
The line about "petrol" doing a whole lot for the singer suggests that they are aware of the negative effects of modern industrial society. They long for a simpler existence and seem to find solace in the idea of living among trees. The repetition of "itch" and "itchy" further emphasizes the singers' desire to escape and feels unbridled in nature.
Overall, the song presents a critique of urbanization and industrialization, suggesting that we have lost touch with our more primal instincts and need to return to nature.
Line by Line Meaning
I got the licence
I am free to do what I want
I got dirty knees
I have been active and exploring
I've been swinging in trees
I have been enjoying nature
A paid up member
I am fully invested in this lifestyle
I've been eating fleas
I am willing to do what it takes to survive
Running naked in the breeze
I am free and unburdened
Catatonia itch
I am restless and seeking change
Catalonia stitch
I am longing for a new home
Oh, I've been running for miles
I have been searching for a better way of life
I start to tingle from my head to my toes
I feel alive and excited
Oh, tomorrow it's a taint on the nose
But I know the reality of the world will hit me soon
Hetty hetty hetty hetty oh it's a taint on the nose
The harsh reality is always lurking around the corner
She's in a sort of a capital freeze
The current societal structure is limiting her
Cos the petrol's done a whole lot for me
We have become too dependent on modern technologies
Pray tomorrow is it-chy itchy itch
Hope for a chance to break free and start anew
Go to yourself on your map
Look within yourself to find your true calling
Get out of cities, return to the trees, yeah yeah
Escape the confines of modern society and live in nature
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEVEN ALEXANDER JAMES, DAVID ROWNTREE, DAMON ALBARN, GRAHAM COXON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind