The band was formed by Jack Steadman (vocals, guitar, bass), Jamie MacColl (bass, guitar, banjo, vocals), Suren De Saram (drums) under the name of The Canals when they were 15. Ed Nash (bass, keyboard, mandolin) later joined the trio as they switched between various aliases before picking Bombay Bicycle Club. The band took their name from a chain of curry houses in the London Area and have released four studio albums, "I Had the Blues But I Shook Them Loose" (2009), "Flaws" (2010), "A Different Kind Of Fix" (2011) and "So long, See You tomorrow" (2014).
After winning the opening slot at V Festival 2006 ('Road to V' competition) and also played Reading / Leeds Festival for the three years running, in Febuary 2007 they released their début EP The Boy I Used To Be. This was followed up in October with the release of their second EP How We Are. In mid-July of 2009 they released their first album I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose consisting of 12 tracks. The album peaked at number 46 on the UK Official Album Charts.
In Summer 2010 they released their second album, Flaws . A UK tour co-incided with the release of the album which - surprisingly - is an acoustic recording. Venues on the tour reflected this new acoustic orientation, which gained them a number 8 on the album charts.
The lead single from their third album, A Different Kind Of Fix was released on June 23, 2011 and peaked at #40 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart in the United States, the band's first chart appearance in the country. The album reached the number 6 position on the UK album charts.
The band added Amber Wilson to their live party as an additional keyboardist and background vocalist. Singer/songwriter Lucy Rose also joined the live performances on vocals, after featuring on several songs from the albums "Flaws" and "A Different Kind of Fix".
On November 5th, 2013 "Carry me" was released as an advance of their fourth studio album through Island Records. "Luna" was the second single to be extracted from the album "So long, see you tomorrow" which coveted the band their first UK number 1.
After a long 6-year hiatus, the band made a comeback in 2020 with "Everything Else Has Gone Wrong", their fifth record. The album was released on January 16th via Mmm... Records, with eleven tracks.
"We’re thrilled to say that our 5th album, Everything Else Has Gone Wrong, is out now.
When we started discussing the possibility of making another record after our a few years away as a band, we said we’d only release an album if we were confident that it stood up to our previous work. We’ve ended up with an album we’re really proud of, and we hope you agree that it’s been worth the 6-year wait.
Recording this one was definitely one of the most enjoyable recording processes we’ve had as a band. Working with John Congleton, we had an initial session in London in early Spring last year at Konk studio, where we’d done our first and fourth albums. We then went to LA in late Summer to record the majority of it with John. Spending 3 weeks in LA was an unforgettable experience for the four of us. It was the first extended period of time we’d spent together in a long while and reinforced what we’d been missing during these few years. We hope that positive energy that was there during those 3 weeks has translated onto the record.
We’ve touched previously on how the album is about the comfort that music can provide in times of need. Hopefully, this record can give you that escape should you ever need it.
We want to get to as many places as possible to play these new songs for you. Wherever you are in the world, fingers crossed we’ll see you soon.
Lots of love
Bombay x."
Many Ways
Bombay Bicycle Club Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now we're clearing the embers away
There are many ways this way
So I tell you like you're meant to
And you're quick to guess my choice
Was it my trembling hand or my voice?
She said you're stirring
Just like you were in the night
I am sure your choice is right
I've always been a coward
Been a coward to this day
There are many ways this way
And your fortune taken from you
By men that always say
There are many ways this way
The lyrics of "Many Ways" by Bombay Bicycle Club are open to interpretation and can be interpreted in various ways. The song seems to be about decision-making and the uncertainty of making the right choice. The opening lines "One spur in the fire, burning, now we're clearing the embers away" could represent the intense desire or motivation to make a decision, but it could also describe the process of sorting through thoughts and weighing pros and cons before making a choice.
The line "There are many ways this way" seems to suggest that there are multiple paths one could take, which may lead to various outcomes. The uncertainty of the best choice can lead to anxiety and indecisiveness, as reflected in the lines, "I've always been a coward, been a coward to this day." The singer seems to doubt their ability to make the right decision and is seeking reassurance from another person.
The lines "And your fortune taken from you, by men that always say, there are many ways this way" could have a political or societal connotation, suggesting that those in power often dictate that there are multiple options, but those options may not always lead to the best outcomes for everyone.
Line by Line Meaning
One spur in the fire, burning
Starting with just one small flame, burning strong
Now we're clearing the embers away
We're putting out the fire and getting rid of the remaining embers
There are many ways this way
There are many options for us to choose from
So I tell you like you're meant to
I'm giving you advice as I'm supposed to do
And you're quick to guess my choice
You can anticipate the decision I'll make
Was it my trembling hand or my voice?
Did you pick up on my uncertainty by the way I spoke or the way my hand shook?
She said you're stirring
She observed that you're restless
Tossing, turning
Moving around a lot, unable to find comfort
Just like you were in the night
This same behavior is something you do at night as well
I am sure your choice is right
Despite your uncertainty, I trust that you've made the right decision
I've always been a coward
I've always been fearful and hesitant
Been a coward to this day
My fears are still holding me back
There are many ways this way
Despite my lack of courage, there are still alternative options for me to choose from
And your fortune taken from you
Your wealth and resources have been stolen from you
By men that always say
These thefts are often caused by people who justify their actions to themselves and others
There are many ways this way
Despite their justifications, there are other ways to achieve success without resorting to theft
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: JACK STEADMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ana Vega Reyes
Wonderful song, makes so happy and sad at the same time.
Ainhoa González Moreno
I feel the same : )
Neil O'Connor
This is such a simple song but it's so capturing and beautiful. The drums are great!
Alex S
Just started listening to this band after a recommendation from a girl I know..... Was gonna ask if she wanted to see them live next week for her birthday but they are SOLD OUT!! And I'm not surprised, they are bloody brilliant!!!
andyt5303
the best part of this song is when the drums first enter. I must have listened to this song 1000 times and I love it as much as the first.
Rob Hawkins
This makes me want to just chill in a field and watch the world go by
Lakshmi Kashyap
Beautiful song !! I discovered it so late
Very pleasant 💓
Kelsey Waterman
Oh gosh I love this song. This band is just way too amazing
Ellie Rose
I freakin love this song!!
sophie4k
Dont hate me but I just randomly find this band omg IM IN LOVE :)