Graham Marsh and Amber Renee met in August 2013 at a house party in East Atlanta. They were introduced by a mutual friend and formed CLAVVS (originally spelled CLAWS) at the end of 2013. They began working on their debut album in Marsh' home studio in 2014. Their first release was a cover and DIY video of fellow Atlanta duo Rae Sremmurd's "No Type" which garnered critical attention from international blogs. The duo changed their name to CLAVVS in 2015 to set themselves apart from other acts with the same moniker. Following the name change, they released their first single "Sit You Down" in September 2015.
The duo's sound combines elements of Atlanta hip hop with trip hop psychedelia and hypnotic alt-pop. Indietronica describes CLAVVS as "progressive, dark, hypnotic alt-pop driven by spacey synths and anthemic drums. All with the welcoming, but tenacious vocals from Amber." With subversive lyrics and otherworldly atmospherics, "CLAVVS' eerie pop soundscapes are fitting for soirees and séances alike." Another reviewer calls their sound "deeply entrancing and gossamer ethereal." Atwood Magazine's Mitch Mosk says CLAVVS' sound is "evocative and provocative...an engulfing, beautiful trip hop maze."
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Pledge Allegiance
CLAVVS Lyrics
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But I got a pretty soul
And I ain't got a lot of money
But I could give you what you want
You want freedom
With your hands in the air
Baby live it up
What they tell you
Or who they want you to be
And everybody knows
You gotta fight to be free
Hey yeah, yeah
Hey yeah, yeah
I ain't gonna pledge allegiance
To anything that holds me down
And I don't need a new religion
To tell me how I'm living right now
I want freedom
With my hands in the air
I'ma live it up
Cause I just don't care
What you tell me
Or who you want me to be
And everybody knows
You gotta fight to be free
Hey, yeah, yeah
Hey, yeah, yeah
And it's a free ride
So do what you like
It's a free ride
You fall or you fly
It's a free ride
So do what you like
It's a free ride
You fall or you fly
You want freedom
With your hands in the air
Baby live it up
Cause you just don't care
What they tell you
Or who they want you to be
And everybody knows
You gotta fight to be free
You want freedom
With your hands in the air
Baby live it up
Cause you just don't care
What they tell you
Or who they want you to be
And everybody knows
You gotta fight to be free
Hey, yeah, yeah
Hey, yeah, yeah
You gotta fight to be free
You gotta fight to be free
You gotta fight to be
The lyrics of "Pledge Allegiance" by CLAVVS encapsulate a powerful message embracing individualism, self-empowerment, and the pursuit of personal freedom. The opening lines, "I ain't got a perfect body / But I got a pretty soul / And I ain't got a lot of money / But I could give you what you want," set the tone for the song's themes. The singer acknowledges their imperfections but values their inner qualities and their ability to provide what matters.
The chorus emphasizes the desire for freedom, with a rebellious and carefree attitude towards societal expectations. The repeated refrain of "You want freedom / With your hands in the air / Baby live it up / Cause you just don't care" reflects a defiance against conformity and an insistence on living life on one's own terms. The song calls for embracing individuality and resisting the pressures to conform to prescribed norms or expectations.
The refusal to pledge allegiance to anything that holds one down resonates with a rejection of oppressive systems or beliefs that limit personal growth or freedom. The rejection of a new religion dictating how one should live highlights a desire for autonomy and self-determination in defining one's beliefs and lifestyle. The lyrics advocate for questioning authority and challenging societal structures that impose restrictions on individual liberty.
The repeated assertion that "you gotta fight to be free" underscores the idea that true freedom often requires a struggle or resistance against constraints. The notion of falling or flying on this free ride symbolizes the risks and uncertainties inherent in pursuing liberation and the need to embrace both challenges and opportunities. Ultimately, "Pledge Allegiance" celebrates the journey towards self-discovery, authenticity, and emancipation as individuals navigate the complexities of finding and asserting their own path towards freedom.
Lyrics © TERRORBIRD PUBLISHING LLC
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