Calla was formed in New York City in 1993 by Aurelio Valle (guitar, vocals)… Read Full Bio ↴Calla was formed in New York City in 1993 by Aurelio Valle (guitar, vocals), Sean Donovan (bass, keyboards, programming), and Wayne B. Magruder (percussion, programming), adding Peter Gannon in 2003 and Sean Donovan departing in 2004. However, the band's origins can be traced to Texas in 1993, where Valle, Magruder and Gannon began performing together in the Denton band, The Factory Press. The Factory Press relocated to New York in 1995, recording The Smoky Ends of a Burnt out Day with producers Kid Congo Powers and Matt Verta-Ray. The group split in 1997 and the album was not released until early 1998, by which time Valle and Magruder were pursuing new musical ventures. Most notably, Magruder worked with Bowery Electric and Windsor for the Derby. A four-track demo was completed in 1998, generating interest from the Brussels label Sub Rosa, which released the band's first album to critical acclaim in 1999. Calla's self-titled debut prised apart traditional song structures and reconfigured the components into subtly apocalyptic, cinematic pieces, at times evoking electronically processed Ennio Morricone soundscapes. Calla subsequently made the transition to performance, a process that gave Valle, Magruder, and Donovan their first taste of playing together outside a studio environment. Playing live had a significant impact on the band's sound and direction. Having been excited by the debut album, Michael Gira was particularly impressed by the way Calla's music had been changed by live performance and signed the group to his label, Young God Records. The band's first album on Young God, SCAVENGERS (January 2001), marked a subtle change in orientation. SCAVENGERS was less reliant on studio processing and although it displayed a familiar atmospheric minimalist sensibility, its textures coalesced into more conventional song formats. Understanding the mixture of indie rock and high concept art that their music represented, TELEVISE (January 2003) solidifed their jagged indie pop sound. Calla entered the studio in late Summer 2004 with members Aurelio Valle, Wayne Magruder, and Peter Gannon to record their fourth full length with producer Chris Zane (Televised) and additional mixing by Victor Van Vught (Nick Cave, PJ Harvey). This album, "COLLISIONS" was released on Beggars Banquet late 2005 to critical acclaim. 2006 saw Calla playing shows across Europe, Greece, and Russia where new songs were written and rehearsed. Inspired by their travels and combining all aspects of their previous albums, Calla recorded their fifth album in NYC and Austin, TX. "STRENGTH IN NUMBERS" will be released Feb 20 in the US.

Stumble
Calla Lyrics

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Look at me, when i talk to you
Act as if i'm not standing next to you
Can't you see, it's not you
You dont have to think what they say is true
It seems like we've been here

Hold me close and don't let me go
Don't get up unless I say so

Hold me close and don't let me go
Don't get up unless I say

Cover me, over you
Digging up the dirt that has buried you
Are you done, or you through
Let me know the second they spit on you
It seems like I've been here

Hold me close and don't let me go
Don't get up unless I say so
Hold me close and don't let me go
Don't get up unless I say

(Instrumental)

Hold me close and don't let me go
Don't get up unless I say so
Hold me close and don't let me go
Don't get up unless I say

I thought you wouldn't let go, for all I know, you're slipping away (2x)

Overall Meaning

In “Stumble,” Calla sings about the struggle of feeling alone and unheard in a relationship, as well as the need for comfort and protection from the toxic opinions of others. She implores her partner to pay attention to her, to cover her and protect her, and to hold her close without letting go. The line “Act as if I’m not standing next to you, can’t you see it’s not you” highlights the feeling of being ignored and ghosted by someone you care about. Calla is pleading with her partner to stop blindly believing in what others say and to trust her instead.

The repetition of “Hold me close and don’t let me go” in the chorus is reminiscent of the fear of abandonment and the constant need for reassurance in a relationship. Calla is desperate for her partner to stay with her, to not walk away or leave her behind. The instrumental interlude, devoid of Calla’s vocals, sets a somber and desolate tone, emphasizing the loneliness and emptiness that can come with feeling unheard and unprotected.

Overall, “Stumble” is a poignant and heartfelt song that speaks to the insecurity and fragility that can accompany love and relationships. It’s a cry for help and a plea for comfort, a reminder that sometimes all we need is someone to hold onto and to protect us from the negativity of the world.

Line by Line Meaning

Look at me, when i talk to you
Pay attention to me and give me your undivided attention when I speak to you

Act as if i'm not standing next to you
Ignore my presence and treat me as if I'm invisible

Can't you see, it's not you
Realize that the problem lies with yourself and not with me

You dont have to think what they say is true
Don't believe and follow what others say without making your own judgement

It seems like we've been here
It feels like we've been through this situation before

Hold me close and don't let me go
Embrace me tightly and provide me with the security and comfort I need

Don't get up unless I say so
Stay with me and don't leave my side without my permission

Cover me, over you
Protect me and shield me from any harm or danger that may come our way

Digging up the dirt that has buried you
Facing the past and confronting the problems that have been weighing you down

Are you done, or you through
Have you finished dealing with your issues or are you still struggling to overcome them

Let me know the second they spit on you
Inform me immediately if anyone tries to insult or disrespect you

Hold me close and don't let me go
Reaffirming the need for security and comfort in a tumultuous world

I thought you wouldn't let go, for all I know, you're slipping away (2x)
Expressing the fear and uncertainty of losing someone you rely on for support and comfort

Contributed by Dominic G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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