Cuckoolander is the eclectic electro-folk project of Holly Hardy, a multi-i… Read Full Bio ↴Cuckoolander is the eclectic electro-folk project of Holly Hardy, a multi-instrumentalist from Dorset, England. Hardy grew up in a musical family: Her mother was a professional backing vocalist, while her sisters had a band that they wouldn't let her join. Nevertheless, Hardy learned to play piano and drums and began writing songs at 15, finding inspiration in the forest surrounding her home as well as the concerts she attended with her mother. While studying music in college, she was particularly captivated by the jazz, funk and psych-rock albums she found in her mother's record collection. While touring as a session musician, Hardy began Cuckoolander as a bedroom recording project. In 2014, she supported the Libertines and released a self-titled debut EP. She also signed with the publishing company of production duo StarGate and, in 2015, released the Dimitri Tikovoï-produced single "Mother Nature." Early in 2016 another single, "Beating Myself Up," arrived; produced by Rostam Batmanglij, the song was issued via Vroom Vroom, the boutique label of Charli XCX, for whom Hardy played drums on the road. Cuckoolander also worked with Nick Zinner and Daniel Ledinsky on a full-length album expected later in 2016.

Mercury
CuckooLander Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Lying alone, staring at the ceiling
Garden overgrown, wallpaper peeling
Colors fade to grey, this house don't feel the same
Standing in line, searching through the faces
Lost in the eyes of lonely strangers
Begging to be heard without saying a word

So be my mercury

When the dark is taking over me
Be my, be my mercury
Running through my body
Be my mercury
Light up, light up
Light me up
Light up, light up
Light me up
Oh, be my mercury
Light up, light up

Walking through streets, the world around me sleeping
Whispering leaves share secrets I've been keeping
Pulls away, I'm left behind again

So be my mercury
When the dark is taking over me
Be my, be my mercury
Running through my body
Be my mercury
Light up, light up
Light me up
Light up, light up
Light me up
Oh, be my mercury
Light up, light up

Oh be my, be my, be my
Light me up
Oh be my, be my, be my
Light me up
Oh be my, be my, be my
Light me up
Oh be my, oh be my mercury

Light me up
Light up, light up
Light me up
Oh, be my mercury
Light up, light up
Oh be my mercury
Light up, light up
Light me up
Light up, light up
Light me up

Oh be my mercury
Light me up

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of CuckooLander's song "Mercury" suggest a feeling of loneliness and isolation. The first verse speaks of lying alone and feeling disconnected from the world, with the surroundings becoming dull and grey. The second verse describes the feeling of being left behind and not fitting in with the rest of the world. However, the chorus brings a sense of hope and the desire for a source of light - a metaphorical "mercury" - to light up and help overcome the darkness. The repetition of "light up, light up, light me up" at the end of each chorus further emphasises the desire to be seen and heard.

The use of the word "mercury" in the song title and chorus may have various meanings. Mercury is commonly associated with light and energy, and it can also refer to the Roman god of messaging and communication. Thus, it may serve as a symbol of personal growth and communication. Furthermore, mercury is a highly reactive metal that is also a liquid at room temperature, and the lyrics suggest the desire for something fluid that can adapt and light up the darkness.

Overall, "Mercury" is a song that explores the theme of finding inner strength and light during a time of loneliness and uncertainty.

Line by Line Meaning

Lying alone, staring at the ceiling
The singer is alone and feeling down, unable to sleep.

Garden overgrown, wallpaper peeling
The surroundings are unkempt and in disrepair, mirroring the singer's mood.

Colors fade to grey, this house don't feel the same
The singer feels like their life is losing color and vibrancy, and their home doesn't give them comfort anymore.

Standing in line, searching through the faces
The singer is in a crowd of people, feeling lost and disconnected.

Lost in the eyes of lonely strangers
The singer tries to find connection in the people around them, but everyone else seems to be as lonely and lost as they are.

Begging to be heard without saying a word
The singer wants someone to understand them and their pain without them having to explain it.

Walking through streets, the world around me sleeping
The world is in a state of rest while the singer is still lost and struggling.

Whispering leaves share secrets I've been keeping
Nature provides a sense of solace, and the singer feels like they can confide in the natural world.

Pulls away, I'm left behind again
Despite trying to find something to hold onto, the singer still feels like they're being left behind by the rest of the world.

So be my mercury
The singer wants someone to be their calming influence, like the element mercury.

Running through my body
The singer wants this calming influence to permeate through their entire being.

Light up, light up
The singer is looking for something to bring them out of their darkness and into the light.

Oh, be my mercury
The singer repeats their request for someone to be their calming influence.

Writer(s): Olly Burden, Danny Murcia, Holly Hardy, Victoria Hardy

Contributed by Joshua L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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