Their name was devised by Justin Burford, because his opinion on the ideals of fashion itself but also because of its open interpretation. "I want to break down the walls - within that context, that image, we can do anything we want no matter whether it’s super cheesy or punk, I want to kill fashion, see the end of it."
Frontman Justin Burford and guitarist Rodney Aravena are both ex-members of the Australian group The Sleepy Jackson.
March 2004 saw them release the Rough Diamonds EP, and they followed it up with the Too Careful EP later on in the same year.
After performing at SXSW they were picked up by EMI/Capitol records for a worldwide distribution contract. On 25 August 2005, End of Fashion released their self titled debut album. Their debut single, O Yeah, won two ARIA Awards in 2005.
Their sophomore album Book of Lies was released in Australia in late 2008 and two singles, Fussy and Dying for You, have been released.
End of Fashion are currently working on new songs for their third album.
American
End of Fashion Lyrics
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Which I took as a compliment
How ignorant of me
No sense and no excuse in philosophy
Can I get my cable here, the land of nothing's free
And nobody loves you like me
You're not a part of this scene, she said
Don't take it personal
You're photogenic but you're ugly in life
Oh no!
She said don't take it personal
Dramatic over load where we used to run
This is not the kind of fun I'd trust my memory
There's nothing good on TV
And nobody loves you like me
You're not a part of this scene, she said
Don't take it personal
You're photogenic but you're ugly inside
Oh no!
Can you see me through the mud in your eyes
It's alright, much better if we try
Nobody wins
She said, don't take it personal
But you're still breathing
Still sorry, still documenting your still life
Still kissing, still wishing good luck to enemies
There's nothing good on TV
And nobody loves you like me
You're not a part of this scene
Don't take it personally
I'm alone but I'm a part of the world
You're just a spoilt little girl
Take me away if you could
She said, don't take it personal
You're photogenic but you're ugly in life
Don't take it personal
Can you see me through the mud in your eyes
Don't take it personal
You're photogenic but you're ugly inside
Oh no
She said, don't take it personal
The lyrics of End of Fashion's song "American" convey complex emotions and reflections on identity and self-worth. The singer begins by sharing an encounter where someone tells them they dress like an American. Initially, the singer takes this as a compliment, highlighting their ignorance and lack of understanding.
The lyrics touch on the idea that philosophy cannot excuse or justify this kind of ignorance and misunderstanding. The mention of cable alludes to the pursuit of entertainment and distraction in a society where nothing comes for free. It suggests that even though the singer may find comfort in certain aspects of American culture, there is a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction present.
The next section addresses the singer's personal life. They express a feeling of being excluded from a particular social scene, urging themselves not to take it personally. The lyrics suggest that the singer might be attractive in appearance, as indicated by being photogenic, but feels ugly when it comes to their inner self. The use of "you're photogenic but you're ugly in life" suggests a disconnect between the external image projected and the internal reality.
As the song progresses, the singer reflects on a past full of drama, indicating that this type of excitement is not something they trust their memory with. The repetition of "there's nothing good on TV" could signify a dissatisfaction with the shallow and empty entertainment options available. The line "you're photogenic but you're ugly inside" could imply that the singer recognizes a certain shallowness in the world around them and perhaps in themselves too.
In the final section, the lyrics address the singer's ongoing existence. Despite the challenges faced and wrongs endured, the singer is still breathing and trying to make the best of their situation. They emphasize their willingness to document their life, kiss, and wish good luck to their enemies. The declaration "I'm alone but I'm a part of the world" indicates a sense of isolation but also resilience and a desire to find their place.
The song concludes with a repetition of "don't take it personal." This serves as a reminder to the singer that they should not internalize the negative perceptions or exclusion they experience. The line "you're photogenic but you're ugly inside" is reiterated, reinforcing the theme of the inner conflicts and dissonance between surface appearances and true self. The song ultimately invites introspection and self-reflection on the complexities of identity and personal worth.
Line by Line Meaning
She said that you dress like an American
She commented on your style, implying that you dress in a manner associated with Americans
Which I took as a compliment
I mistakenly interpreted her comment as a positive remark
How ignorant of me
I now realize my lack of understanding in this situation
No sense and no excuse in philosophy
There is no logic or justification in this line of thinking
Can I get my cable here, the land of nothing's free
Amidst this environment where everything comes with a cost, can I still enjoy the luxury of cable television?
There's nothing good on TV
There are no worthwhile programs to watch on television
And nobody loves you like me
No one else holds the same level of affection for you as I do
You're not a part of this scene, she said
She asserted that you do not belong or fit into this particular social group
Don't take it personal
Do not interpret this as a personal attack
You're photogenic but you're ugly in life
You may appear attractive in photographs, but your true nature is unappealing
Oh no!
Expressing surprise or concern
Dramatic over load where we used to run
A surge of intense emotions in a place where we once found freedom or solace
This is not the kind of fun I'd trust my memory
This unpleasant or unsatisfying experience is not worth holding onto as a cherished memory
You're photogenic but you're ugly inside
Your outward appearance may appear attractive, but your inner self is unappealing
Can you see me through the mud in your eyes
Can you perceive my true self despite the biased lens through which you view the world?
It's alright, much better if we try
It's acceptable, but it would be greatly improved if we put in effort
Nobody wins
In this situation, there are no winners
But you're still breathing
Despite everything, you are still alive
Still sorry, still documenting your still life
You continue to apologize and observe the stagnant existence you lead
Still kissing, still wishing good luck to enemies
You continue to show affection and offer well wishes even to those who oppose you
I'm alone but I'm a part of the world
Despite my solitude, I still hold a place in this vast world
You're just a spoilt little girl
You are merely an indulged, immature individual
Take me away if you could
If it were possible, remove me from this situation
She said, don't take it personal
She reiterated that I should not perceive it as a personal attack
You're photogenic but you're ugly in life
You may appear attractive in photographs, but your true nature is unappealing
Can you see me through the mud in your eyes
Can you perceive my true self despite the biased lens through which you view the world?
Don't take it personal
Do not interpret this as a personal attack
You're photogenic but you're ugly inside
Your outward appearance may appear attractive, but your inner self is unappealing
Oh no
Expressing surprise or concern
She said, don't take it personal
She once again emphasized that I should not perceive it as a personal attack
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind