For the 2004 album No Roots, Faithless were joined by rapper/vocalist LSK.
Rollo's studio relationship is quite unique as he has synesthesia [a clinical condition where sounds have colour] . He also acted as producer for the second half of his sister Dido's debut album, No Angel.
Dido has been a guest singer on a number of Faithless tracks, including "Flowerstand Man" from the 1995 debut album Reverence, "Hem of his Garment" from Sunday 8PM, "One Step Too Far" from Outrospective and "No Roots" from the album of the same name.
Faithless have now released 5 studio albums, with a remix album for the first three (Reverence, Sunday 8pm and Outrospective) and an instrumental for the last (No Roots), plus a Greatest Hits collection (Forever Faithless) and 2 DVDS, one of which showcased their universally acclaimed live performances. Their most mature album and arguably their best is the latest album 'To All New Arrivals' released on 27th November 2006, the album name being inspired by the recent birth of two babies to Rollo and Sister Bliss.
Part of one of their tracks featured on the 'Greatest Hits' album (Taruntula) was remixed by the BBC and used as the theme for their World Cup coverage in 2002.
It was reported that Faithless were to split up after their 2005 tour, which was due to end on 30 April 2005. Speculation started after Rollo wrote "We set out thinking it would be our last album, feeling maybe we have had our time in the sun". Fortunately, this was not meant to be. A fresh clutch of tour dates prolonged the tour until December 2005.
In 2006 the band made several summer festival appearances, including the V Festival in England.
In August of 2006, Faithless released a 3 CD compilation for the Renaissance series titled, "Renaissance 3D". The first CD contains a mix of then current club hits, the second CD is a collection of Faithless remixes and productions, and the third CD is a laid back chill out CD.
On the 27th of November 2006, Faithless released its fifth studio album titled "To All New Arrivals". Previews of the tracks were made available via the Faithless website in early October.
Their 'Music Matters' tour in the UK started in early 2007.
In May 2010, Faithless released "The Dance", their best selling album to date in Europe. The album has been followed a few months later by an upgrade, including a remix bonus CD, "The Dance Never Ends".
On March 16th 2011, Maxi Jazz announced on his website that Faithless would cease to be, commenting "But, like when writing a song, you always just ‘know’ when it’s finished… this is and was the “Thank YOU And Goodbye’ tour".
Hercules
Faithless Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Check our your own back yard before you check out someone else
Railroad track, in my neighborhood
Ain't no trains around that part just ain't no good
Wanna know, what's going down,
When the pimp on the corner looks like the sharpest cat in town
Jungle rule, can't be no fool
Might get caught by the hook of a crook no time for cool
Look out jay, what you say, what you carrying brother
I hope you're clean cause the man is mean, don't come another further
We all know the answer, will come out in time
I might even carry some of your load, right along with mine
Thank you ma'am, mister please
â??Cause I must be Hercules
I must be Hercules
Like a bird, on the wing
I just wanna be free enough to do my thing
I can feel the pressure, from every side
If you ain't gonna help, don't hurt, just pass me by
Oh, no
Hercules
I must be Hercules
Jungle rule, can't be no fool
Devil is on the loose, no coo
Got your feet, in the sand
Got to be down with the cats that around and still got the face the man
Talk about me if you please but I must be Hercules
Hercules
I must be Hercules
Duckin' rocks, catchin' stones
Movin' how can I survive what's going on
Big steely borrow
Somehow I've got to make it to tomorrow
Can't depend, on no-one else
Comin' up the hard way I've got to save myself
Must be Hercules
I must be Hercules
Talk about me if you please
I must be hercules
The song "Hercules" by Faithless speaks about the need to withstand societal pressure, face one's fears, and remain confident in one's abilities. The opening lyrics state that "all you fear is fear itself," suggesting that fear can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. The next line ("check our your own backyard before you check out someone else") implies that before judging others, one ought to take a good hard look at oneself.
The song then moves on to discuss the dangers and temptations that one might face in certain neighborhoods. The line "when the pimp on the corner looks like the sharpest cat in town" refers to the idea that sometimes one's oppressors can appear both alluring and intimidating. The reference to "jungle rule" suggests that survival can sometimes depend upon being cunning rather than being purely honest.
Later in the song, the lyrics implore listeners to "just wanna be free enough to do my thing." This suggests that the pressures of society can often restrict individuals from pursuing their own dreams or desires. The repeated phrase "I must be Hercules" appears to be a rallying cry to oneself, an affirmation of one's strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
All you fear, is fear its self
Don't let fear control you, as it has no real power
Check our your own back yard before you check out someone else
Before you judge someone else, take a look at your own flaws and problems
Railroad track, in my neighborhood
There's something dangerous or ominous in my immediate surroundings
Ain't no trains around that part just ain't no good
There's something wrong or dysfunctional about the environment
Wanna know, what's going down,
Wanting to understand the truth of the situation
When the pimp on the corner looks like the sharpest cat in town
When even those who seem to have power and control are still vulnerable and uncertain
Jungle rule, can't be no fool
In an environment where power and violence rule, you can't be naive or unprepared
Might get caught by the hook of a crook no time for cool
You might get caught up in someone else's schemes or evil deeds, so you need to be vigilant and aware
Look out jay, what you say, what you carrying brother
Be careful what you say and what you carry with you, as it could lead to trouble
I hope you're clean cause the man is mean, don't come another further
The authorities will not hesitate to punish you if you're caught with something illegal
We all know the answer, will come out in time
The truth will always eventually be revealed
I might even carry some of your load, right along with mine
I might help you with your problems, as we share the same burdens
Thank you ma'am, mister please
Being polite and respectful to others
â??Cause I must be Hercules
I must be strong and resilient in the face of adversity
Like a bird, on the wing
I want to be free and unencumbered by the challenges of life
I just wanna be free enough to do my thing
I want the freedom to pursue my own goals and desires
I can feel the pressure, from every side
Being weighed down by the pressures and expectations of society and others
If you ain't gonna help, don't hurt, just pass me by
If someone isn't going to help, they shouldn't add to your problems and should just leave you alone
Hercules
A repeated assertion that the singer must be strong and resilient
Jungle rule, can't be no fool
Reiterating the need to be smart and proactive in dangerous environments
Devil is on the loose, no coo
Evil or malevolent forces are at work and causing chaos
Got your feet, in the sand
Being stuck or trapped in an undesirable situation
Got to be down with the cats that around and still got the face the man
Having to work with others in a similar situation to yours, and still dealing with authority figures
Duckin' rocks, catchin' stones
Being under attack and trying to avoid harm
Movin' how can I survive what's going on
Having to keep moving and adapting in order to stay alive
Big steely borrow
Dealing with overwhelming debts or obligations
Somehow I've got to make it to tomorrow
Finding a way to keep going and to push through to the next day
Can't depend, on no-one else
Having to rely solely on oneself to survive and succeed
Comin' up the hard way I've got to save myself
Having to struggle and overcome challenges without external help to achieve personal success and happiness
Talk about me if you please
Others can say what they want about me, it won't affect me
I must be Hercules
Final reiteration and affirmation of strength and resilience
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Allen Toussaint
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind