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)
Mace
Blur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm on my way to make a call
I've tried to touch you
Through the double glazing
But the curtains were drawn & the family out the away
You used to know but now you don't (Repeat: x 3]
No one can see when they've got mist in their eyes
They're papering the wall and the windows
No logic here in or out
The heatings on and I'm feeling drowsy
I fall asleep and dream of burning down the house
You used to know but now you don't [Repeat: x 3]
No one can see when they've got mist in their eyes
I'm pedaling on my bicycle
I'm on my way to make a call
The sun is out and I'm feeling drowsy
I fall asleep and dream of burning down the house
You used to know but now you don't [Repeat: x 6]
No one can see when they've got mist in the eyes
The lyrics of Blur's song "Mace" appear to describe a sense of disconnection and isolation from a loved one. The singer is pedaling on their bicycle, likely towards the home of the person they wish to connect with, but they are unable to reach them due to the curtains being drawn and the family being out of the way. The repeated line "You used to know but now you don't" suggests that there was once a connection between these two people, but it has since been lost. The line "No one can see when they've got mist in their eyes" seems to acknowledge the difficulty of perceiving things clearly when one is emotionally clouded or overwhelmed.
The second half of the song introduces imagery of papering walls and windows, with "no logic here in or out." This could represent a sense of confusion or lack of direction in the singer's life. The mention of feeling drowsy and dreaming of burning down the house paints a picture of restlessness and frustration. The final verse repeats the earlier verses, suggesting a cyclical nature to the singer's attempts to reach their loved one.
Overall, "Mace" seems to be a song about the difficulty of connecting with others and the sense of hopelessness that can accompany that struggle. The lyrics use vivid imagery and repetition to convey a sense of frustration and disorientation.
Line by Line Meaning
Pedaling on a bicycle
Traveling on a bicycle
I'm on my way to make a call
Heading to make a phone call
I've tried to touch you
Attempted to connect with you
Through the double glazing
Despite the barrier of double glazed windows
But the curtains were drawn & the family out the away
Unable to make contact as the family was not home
You used to know but now you don't (Repeat: x 3]
You once had knowledge but currently lack understanding
No one can see when they've got mist in their eyes
When one is unclear, they cannot perceive what is in front of them
They're papering the wall and the windows
Covering surfaces with paper in a nonsensical way
No logic here in or out
There is a lack of reason within the situation
The heatings on and I'm feeling drowsy
The temperature is high and causing drowsiness
I fall asleep and dream of burning down the house
In a state of unconsciousness, there is a dream of setting the building aflame
You used to know but now you don't [Repeat: x 3]
Once had knowledge, now lack understanding
No one can see when they've got mist in their eyes
Unclear and unable to perceive
I'm pedaling on my bicycle
Moving on a bicycle
I'm on my way to make a call
Heading to make a phone call
The sun is out and I'm feeling drowsy
With the sun shining down, there is a feeling of fatigue
I fall asleep and dream of burning down the house
Being in a state of unconsciousness and having a dream of setting the building ablaze
You used to know but now you don't [Repeat: x 6]
There was once knowledge but it has been forgotten
No one can see when they've got mist in the eyes
When one is unclear, they cannot perceive their surroundings
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEVEN ALEXANDER JAMES, DAVID ROWNTREE, DAMON ALBARN, GRAHAM COXON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind