Lead-singer Grog would never define Feline's music any more than acknowledging those dark elements within it, but admitted to some influences such as Sonic Youth, Iggy Pop, and The Pixies. A classically trained pianist, Grog wrote the bulk of Feline's material; some of the songs she recorded with Feline were written by her prior to the band's formation.
Generally getting good write-ups in the rock press, such as NME and Kerrang!, they released a number of singles, a limited release album and a single full-length album between 1997 and 1998 but were not as successful as their potential showed. Their record company dropped them in 1999 as part of a company-wide roster clear out, and they split, with several members moving on to form Ultraviolet, and then, the relatively more successful Die So Fluid (who have to date released 4 albums with a fifth slated for 2017).
The name "Feline" was also used by the Belfast-based band The Feline Dream between 1993 and 1995.
The female german singer Swantje Schneemann from Hamburg used the name "Feline" for her first and only single "Magic Carpet Ride"
Highway
Feline Lyrics
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Your face pressed up against that tree
It cuts and scratches her knees
You're supposed to be kind to me
A man on the run's
Not a glamorous one
Highway (highway)
Highway (highway)
Highway
She is the best that you ever had
She is the best that you ever had
She is the best that you ever had
It looks so good on the screen
Twisting the reality
The music muffles her screams
You're supposed to be saving me
I knew that you'd won
When you pulled out that gun
Highway (highway)
Highway (highway)
Highway (highway)
Highway
She is the best that you ever had
She is the best that you ever had
She is the best that you ever had
(Had)
I can't be sure how it started
That your own friend to the core
So cruel to tease the damn-hearted
They'd think you even the score
Highway
Highway
She is the best that you ever had
She is the best that you ever had
She is the best that you ever had
(had)
The lyrics to Feline's song "Highway" tell the story of a woman who has been mistreated by a lover, who is now on the run. The opening lines "Now it's your turn to see/Your face pressed up against that tree/It cuts and scratches her knees/You're supposed to be kind to me" suggest that the woman has somehow turned the tables on her abuser, and is now in control. However, the following line "A man on the run's/Not a glamorous one" reminds us that the situation is not ideal, and that both parties are in danger.
The chorus of the song ("Highway") is repeated several times, creating a sense of urgency and motion. It seems that the woman and her lover are on the road, perhaps fleeing from something or someone. The woman is described as "the best that you ever had", indicating that their relationship was once strong, but has now soured.
The second verse of the song, "It looks so good on the screen/Twisting the reality/The music muffles her screams/You're supposed to be saving me" suggests that the woman is either in a dangerous situation or experiencing a mental breakdown. The line "I knew that you'd won/When you pulled out that gun" suggests that the situation has turned violent.
Line by Line Meaning
Now it's your turn to see
The tables have turned and it's your chance to experience something unpleasant
Your face pressed up against that tree
You are pinned against a tree with no means of escape
It cuts and scratches her knees
The rough terrain is injuring her knees
You're supposed to be kind to me
You have a responsibility to treat me with respect and compassion
A man on the run's
A fleeing individual's
Not a glamorous one
Their situation is far from glamorous and is rather dangerous
Highway (highway)
Repetition of the song's title, emphasizing the central theme of travel and escape
She is the best that you ever had
She has qualities that surpass anyone else you've had in your life
It looks so good on the screen
Something appears positive or desirable when viewed through a particular media
Twisting the reality
Manipulating the truth and presenting a skewed version of reality
The music muffles her screams
The music in the background prevents her cries for help to be heard
You're supposed to be saving me
You have a responsibility to rescue me from harm
I knew that you'd won
I realized that you had achieved your goal and defeated me
When you pulled out that gun
Your use of a weapon signaled your victory
I can't be sure how it started
I am unsure of the origins of our conflict
That your own friend to the core
Someone who you considered a close friend betrayed you deeply
So cruel to tease the damn-hearted
It is unkind to torment those who are defenseless and vulnerable
They'd think you even the score
They would believe that you have made things right, but in reality, you have acted unjustly
She is the best that you ever had
Reiteration of a previous line, highlighting the importance of this person in the singer's life
Had)
The last word of the song, possibly conveying a sense of finality or regret
Contributed by Levi R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Birmingham Abigail
I sing to Feline regularly