Their first single was 1993's "Stutter", which was a word-of-mouth hit largely due to the promotional efforts of Radio 1 DJ and Deceptive Records label boss Steve Lamacq. In spite of a period of relative quiet, Elastica's fame grew throughout 1994 as Frischmann's relationship with Blur's Damon Albarn made tabloid headlines. Elastica's first LP, Elastica, entered the charts at #1.
Further UK chart hit singles followed: "Connection" and "Waking Up". In 1995 there was a lawsuit from Wire claiming that many of the band's melodies were taken from Wire compositions. Notably, Wire's "I Am the Fly" has a chorus similar to Elastica's "Line Up", and the intro of "Connection" is nearly identical to Wire's "Three Girl Rhumba". Indeed the band had originally intended to sample the intro of the song directly. The Stranglers also passed comment that Elastica's "Waking Up" bore a marked resemblance to their song "No More Heroes". The band did not deny these accusations and were not ashamed by these similarities, stating that all pop bands have borrowed ideas and all music was eventually recycled.
Elastica were able to garner better American sales than other Britpop bands, replacing Sinéad O'Connor on Lollapalooza in 1995. "Connection" and "Stutter" were huge airplay favorites on modern rock radio in the United States and also both charted Pop. Among their extensive tour schedule the band performed at Glastonbury in 1995, where their set was interrupted by a streaker, a George Best look-alike, who would briefly join the band as a keyboard player in 1997.
After extensive touring, the band began to experience personnel problems. In 1997, bassist Annie Holland left the band, citing repetitive strain injury following excessive touring as her reason for departure. In 1999 Donna Matthews left the band. There were several line up changes and keyboard players. Various supporting musicians came and went. Their second album was much delayed after several years of recording. There were worrying rumours of entire albums being scrapped and band tensions due to the perfectionism of Frischmann. The "lost years" of the band were often compared to the Stone Roses recording their Second Coming album.
A quickly recorded lo-fi self-titled EP was released in 1999, and the follow-up LP, The Menace, was finally released in 2000 to moderate sales. A less focused effort than their debut, the album nonetheless contained some interesting moments and more electronic songs than before. One of the high points was "How He Wrote Elastica Man" featuring Mark E. Smith (of The Fall) on vocals, and a cover of Trio's 1982 hit "Da Da Da". A new line up was revealed with two keyboard players replacing Matthews for tour dates.
The band made their long-awaited UK comeback at the Reading Festival in 1999, where they headlined the Radio 1 stage. A largely successful UK tour followed in 2000 to support the release of The Menace, although their festival appearances that year were marred by illness. The band released a final single "The Bitch Don't Work" on limited edition 7" and announced their break-up in September 2001.
Elastica's song "Connection" was used in May 2004 in Garnier television commercials, and was also used as the theme of Trigger Happy TV.
Nothing Stays the Same
Elastica Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Credit is due for the life of leisure
Get to work and work gets done
Best at being was not best at all
Face the facts, being best got bitter
Simple tastes won't suit me better
Used to matter but that got done
Nothing stays the same
Always change to remain
Less than fine peace of mind
Keep in check there is no time
Tasks take time and time took effort
Packed in pieces and pieced together
Tend to work and work gets done
Best at being was not best at all
The song "Nothing Stays the Same" by Elastica is a reflection on the changes that happen in our lives over time. The lyrics suggest that while some things might have been great in the past, they don't necessarily stay that way forever. The opening lines "took back time, take an instant pleasure, credit is due for the life of leisure" imply that the singer has reclaimed a moment of happiness or nostalgia, but acknowledges that it was fleeting or temporary. The line "get to work and work gets done, best at being was not best at all" suggests that the singer has shifted their priorities towards more meaningful work rather than simply trying to be the best or most successful.
The chorus of the song, "Nothing stays the same, always change to remain" offers the theme of the song, acknowledging that change is a necessary part of life in order to grow and avoid stagnation. The lines "less than fine peace of mind, keep in check there is no time" reflect the pressure of modern life, and the need to constantly be productive or on the move.
Line by Line Meaning
Took back time, take an instant pleasure
I took a step back in time to enjoy a moment of instant gratification
Credit is due for the life of leisure
I acknowledge that living a leisurely life requires recognition
Get to work and work gets done
I find that when I start working, I am able to complete tasks
Best at being was not best at all
I realized that being the best at something is not always worth it
Face the facts, being best got bitter
I confronted the reality that striving to be the best caused negative feelings
Simple tastes won't suit me better
I know that having basic desires is not fulfilling for me
Used to matter but that got done
I used to care about certain things, but I have moved on
Nothing stays the same
The only constant in life is change
Always change to remain
In order to survive and thrive, one must adapt to change
Less than fine peace of mind
I am not completely content with my state of mind
Keep in check there is no time
I need to be mindful of my priorities because time is limited
Tasks take time and time took effort
Completing tasks is a process that requires time and energy
Packed in pieces and pieced together
I am able to accomplish more by breaking tasks into smaller parts and completing them gradually
Tend to work and work gets done
I find that consistent effort and commitment leads to successful outcomes
Best at being was not best at all
I understand that striving to be the best is not always fulfilling or worthwhile
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DONNA LORRAINE MATTHEWS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind