They released their first three full length albums, Constantines, Shine a Light and Tournament of Hearts on the Canadian label Three Gut Records. Following the demise of that label in 2007 they released their fourth album, Kensignton Heights on the Arts and Crafts label in the spring of 2008. Outside Canada they are on the Sub Pop label.
Thieves
Constantines Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Barefoot and unbuttoned to the waist
The street car runs all night
And I can't wait
So meet me down behind the abattoir
With the last of the summer kings
Meet me down at the lake
I said, these waves come in from California
And summer is easy
living in the city downtown
Thieves in the city
Bees in the flowerbeds
Kissing downtown and then the sun come up
In your summer dress you said
A culture with shaking breath, I want it now
Well in my mouth the sun will sound
When that evening sun go down
Down to the lake, past the windmill like a fireball
Through your broken window
Down to the lake with shaking breath and the bloody owls
At the end of summer racket
You said, tonight we can't be held by fences or by chains
Down at the lake with a bad moon shining in the waves
The song "Thieves" by the Constantines is all about living it up in the city during summertime. The lyrics describe the singer sweating in his room with his clothes unbuttoned to the waist, and eagerly waiting for the street car to go meet up with someone behind the abattoir. The singer and his companion then proceed to the lake, where they discuss the incoming waves from California and how they signify a new beginning. The next day comes as they kiss in the downtown and see the sunrise in their summer outfits. Despite the theme of summer and fun, the lyrics also express a desire for something more, something deeper that can only be found through risk-taking and exploration.
The song's title, "Thieves," suggests that this sense of yearning and adventure is not something that can be found without some form of risk. It is not enough just to enjoy the summer sun as it comes and goes; the singer wants something more, something that requires a sense of daring and danger. The mention of bees in the flowerbeds and bloody owls also denotes the duality of life in the city, with beauty and danger coexisting side by side.
Line by Line Meaning
Sweating it out in my room
I'm hot and bothered in my room working on something.
Barefoot and unbuttoned to the waist
I'm dressed down and relaxed, trying to keep cool.
The street car runs all night
The city never sleeps, and I'm ready to get out there.
And I can't wait
I'm antsy and excited for what's to come.
So meet me down behind the abattoir
Let's meet up behind the slaughterhouse to get away from it all.
With the last of the summer kings
Let's enjoy the end of summer and its chills before it's too late.
Meet me down at the lake
Let's escape to the lake for some peace and quiet.
I said, these waves come in from California
I'm noticing the waves in the lake, and comparing them to the west coast.
You said, these waves are all brand new
You're more interested in the present moment, focusing on the new waves.
And summer is easy living in the city downtown
Summer is a great time to live and enjoy the city lifestyle.
Thieves in the city
There's a sense of danger and uncertainty in the city.
Bees in the flowerbeds
Nature and civilization coexist in the city.
Kissing downtown and then the sun come up
The night is young in the city, where anything can happen.
In your summer dress you said
You're expressing yourself through your clothing in the summertime.
A culture with shaking breath, I want it now
I'm craving excitement and immersion in the culture of the city.
Well in my mouth the sun will sound
I'll feel the warmth of the sun in my mouth, savoring the present moment.
When that evening sun go down
The evening is an exciting time for me, filled with anticipation.
Down to the lake, past the windmill like a fireball
I'm visualizing a beautiful and exciting trip to the lake, reminiscent of a fireball.
Through your broken window
We're seeing this experience through a flawed perspective, but it makes it more authentic and personal.
Down to the lake with shaking breath and the bloody owls
We're both excited about this trip, but also a bit apprehensive and nervous.
At the end of summer racket
This trip to the lake is the perfect way to end the chaos of summer.
You said, tonight we can't be held by fences or by chains
We're free to experience and enjoy life without being tethered to anything, including societal rules and constraints.
Down at the lake with a bad moon shining in the waves
This peaceful moment at the lake is made even more enchanting by the mysterious and ominous presence of the moon.
Lyrics © ARTS & CRAFTS MUSIC INC DBA GALLERYAC MUSIC
Written by: BRYAN WEBB, DALLAS WEHRLE, DOUG MACGREGOR, STEVEN LAMBKE, WILL KIDMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
benny
absolutely fantastic.
James Knott
thank you for uploading this.
Jason Boon
I said, "these waves come in from California."
You said, "these waves are all brand new,"
saw them live in Victoria @ Lucky Bar,,, cant remember the year...but great bar show. probably around 2006-07.
jkrycz
too realistic.