Their debut album, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, recorded by Adam Lasus (Genius + Love = Yo La Tengo/the dirt of luck), was self-released in 2005, receiving attention from numerous MP3 blogs and a favorable review from Pitchfork Media, who gave the band a "Best New Music" commendation. The ensuing demand for the album was so great that the band were forced to re-press the CD, as the initial production run was too small. David Bowie and David Byrne were subsequently spotted at some of the band's shows, garnering them even more press. They also received praise from Rolling Stone as the 'Hot New Band' for 2005. On October 3, 2005, they were signed to Wichita Recordings in the UK.
The band released their second album, Some Loud Thunder on January 29, 2007, in the UK, and January 30, 2007, in the United States. On September 18, 2007, Live at Lollapalooza 2007: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah was released on iTunes. It features the band's complete live set from Lollapalooza, professionally recorded on August 4, 2007.
May 2011 brought news the third album, reassuring fans that they had not broken up. The band released Hysterical, produced by John Congleton, on September 12 in the UK, Europe, Japan, and Australia, and on September 20 in the United States. It was announced via a post on the band's official website with a video of the band rehearsing a few new songs from the album in the studio. A vinyl reissue of a remastered edition of the first album, released on June 14, 2011, was also announced. A music video for "Maniac" was made by Belgian director Pieter Dirkx. It was released on September 14, 2011.
On August 1, 2013 Clap Your Hands Say Yeah digitally released their EP Little Moments on their Bandcamp page. It consisted of four songs, two of which were to be included in a different form on their forthcoming LP, Only Run. Little Moments featured a new sound for the band that included a heavier reliance on synths and drum machines and fewer guitars. The band recorded the EP in Alec Ounsworth's home studio, mixing and mastering the EP themselves. Additionally, 500 10 inch vinyl EPs were put on sale on the band's Bandcamp page.
On December 31, 2013 the band announced via email the completion of their forthcoming album called Only Run with a release date of June 3, 2014. Its first single, Coming Down, featured vocals from The National's Matt Berninger.
Lost & Found
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah Lyrics
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The Revolution never happened
Sigh
A little die
No more a child
Goodbye
Now where's the woolen sweater
Imply
The other guy
And scandalize the lion
A clean shave in the morning
And a full beard with no warning
Time has gotten by on alibis and wine
Success is so forbidding
But it makes me think I'm winning
Quiet
Dim the lights
Adopt another lifestyle
Come on come on come on
Come on come on come on
Come on come on come on
Come on come on come on
Come on come on come on
Come on come on come on
Come on come on come on
Over and over again
You look like David Bowie
But you've nothing new to show me
Start another fire
and watch it slowly die
The song "Lost & Found" by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah is a reflection on the loss of innocence and the disappointment that often comes with growing up. The opening line "I heard it from a friend, the Revolution never happened" sets the stage for the disillusionment that characterizes the rest of the lyrics. The singer has come to the realization that the idealism of youth is not always fulfilled, and that things do not always turn out as planned. The line "time has gotten by on alibis and wine" captures the sense of indifference and apathy that can set in as one grows older.
The second verse addresses the frustration of pursuing success, with the line "Success is so forbidding, but it makes me think I'm winning". The singer recognizes the allure of success, but also recognizes that it comes with its own pitfalls and challenges. The closing lines of the song express a sense of resignation and acceptance, as the singer acknowledges that sometimes things just don't work out as planned.
In many ways, "Lost & Found" is a song about the loss of innocence that comes with growing up, and the realization that the world is not always what we hope it will be. It's a somber reflection on the difficulties of navigating the complexities of life, but it's also ultimately a hopeful song, as it suggests that it's possible to find a new direction and a new way of living, even after experiencing disappointment and disillusionment.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard it from a friend
I received this information secondhand
The Revolution never happened
The political and social upheaval that was anticipated never transpired
Sigh
A heavy exhale expressing feeling of dissatisfaction or disappointment
A little die
Small increments of death; symbolic of the passage of time and the inevitability of mortality
No more a child
The artist has matured past the stage of youthfulness
Goodbye
A farewell
Now where's the woolen sweater
Inquiring about a specific piece of clothing
You mentioned in the letter?
Referencing an earlier communication that touched upon the article of clothing
Imply
Suggest or hint at something indirectly
The other guy
The person that is not present in the current conversation or situation
And scandalize the lion
To turn a powerful figure or entity against someone through false accusation or malicious gossip
A clean shave in the morning
The act of grooming oneself by removing facial hair
And a full beard with no warning
Growing facial hair in a spontaneous manner
Time has gotten by on alibis and wine
Time has passed in a hazy blur, marked by excuses and substance abuse
Success is so forbidding
Achieving success can be intimidating or daunting
But it makes me think I'm winning
Despite the perceived difficulty, the acquisition of success instills confidence
Quiet
Silent; without noise or commotion
Dim the lights
Turn down the brightness of the room's illumination
Adopt another lifestyle
Start living in a different manner or conforming to a different set of beliefs or values
Come on come on come on
Encouragement to proceed or act
Over and over again
Repeating actions or events in a cyclic manner
You look like David Bowie
Flattery directed towards one's appearance, likening them to an admired figure
But you've nothing new to show me
Although the person is praised for their appearance, they are criticized for not offering anything novel or interesting
Start another fire
Ignite another flame, either literally or metaphorically
And watch it slowly die
Observe as the flame subsides and eventually extinguishes
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Alec Ounsworth, Lee Sargent, Robbie Guertin, Sean Greenhalgh, Tyler Sargent
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind