Flunk is a Norwegian electronic band consisting of producer Ulf Nygaard, gu… Read Full Bio ↴Flunk is a Norwegian electronic band consisting of producer Ulf Nygaard, guitarist Jo Bakke, drummer Erik Ruud, and vocalist Anja Øyen Vister.

The band began as a project between Ulf and Jo in Oslo, Norway in the winter of 2000-01. Starting out as an instrumental and sampled vocal project, they were signed for a track on a compilation by Beatservice Records in Winter 2001. On hearing the finished track, label manager Vidar Hanssen signed the unnamed band for a full album.

During early Summer 2001, Ulf and Jo recorded most of the album and Anja improvised the vocals. After their vocals, Jo layered the guitars, but it would be a year before the album would be completed and released.

In Spring 2002, the band was known as Flunk and they released their first single, a cover of New Order's Blue Monday in April. The track was well received in the UK and was included on numerous compilations in North America and Europe. Later in April, their debut album For Sleepyheads Only was released which garnered great reviews in Norway. With the success of their album, BBC invited them to do a recording session for the Radio 1 show The Blue Room in London. Shortly after Notting Hill Art's Club would become the location to their live debut. In the United States, they became signed to Guidance Recordings.

By Summer 2002, raving reviews were being returned by British electronica magazines and in July they played Norway's finest rock festival. In October For Sleepyheads Only was released in the US through Guidance Recordings. By November they played the London Jazz Festival.

Throughout 2003 their debut, For Sleepyheads Only was still being echoed across the globe in staggered releases with special editions released to Russia and Greece. Beatservice Records then went on to release Treat Me Like You Do (For Sleepyheads Only Remixed) in June. While their debut continued to make it's way around, the band wasted no time and began work on their second album for the majority of the year, which was recorded in Paris in October.

Their sophomore album, Morning Star was finished in March 2004 and saw a Norwegian release in May while the rest of the world received it in June. In 2005, Play America was released on Beatservice Records which included bonus tracks from the US version of Morning Star along with remixes.

A third effort, Personal Stereo was released in 2007, with the accompanying remix album Democracy following soon after.

Change My Ways
Flunk Lyrics

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I've got to change my ways
I've got to change my ways
I've got to change my ways
I've got to buy a new dress, and do my hair
My hair is everywhere - these days
I've got to change my ways

I could change my name, and change my number

Change my frame of mind from slumber
I've got to change my ways

I've got to change my ways
I want to change the world, I can't even change this girl
I want to change the world, but I can't even change myself
I've got to change my ways

I've got to change my attitude
I've got to change my diet
I've got to change my quiet moods
I've got to change that hi hat
I've got to change that ringtone on my phone
I've got to change my habits

I've got to go to Rome in the fall
Before I've had it

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Flunk's song Change My Ways are an introspective look at the need for change in one's life. The repetition of the phrase "I've got to change my ways" conveys a sense of urgency and determination to make changes in order to better oneself. The first verse specifically mentions a desire to improve one's appearance with a new dress and styled hair. The line "my hair is everywhere - these days" suggests a lack of control or care in one's appearance, which the singer wants to change.

The second verse broadens the scope of change beyond just physical appearance. The singer considers changing their name and phone number, suggesting a need for a fresh start and to distance oneself from the past. They also express a desire to change their mindset, moving away from passive inaction ("slumber") towards actively making changes in their life.

The third verse highlights the paradox of wanting to make a positive impact on the world but struggling to change oneself. The singer recognizes the need to change their attitude, habits, diet, and even their musical preferences ("change that hi hat"). The final line, "I've got to go to Rome in the fall before I've had it," adds a sense of urgency to the desire for change, highlighting the need to take action before reaching a breaking point.

Overall, the lyrics of Change My Ways convey a universal message of the human desire for self-improvement, and the recognition that change starts with oneself.

Line by Line Meaning

I've got to change my ways
The singer acknowledges the need to improve their behavior and actions.

I've got to buy a new dress, and do my hair
The singer feels the need to improve their physical appearance to feel more confident and self-assured.

My hair is everywhere - these days
The singer acknowledges that their appearance is currently unkempt and not up to their standards.

I could change my name, and change my number
The artist is willing to make drastic changes to their personal identity to escape their current situation.

Change my frame of mind from slumber
The artist wants to alter their mindset from laziness or inactivity to one of motivation and productivity.

I want to change the world, I can't even change this girl
The singer desires to have a positive impact on the world, but recognizes their inability to influence others in a meaningful way.

I want to change the world, but I can't even change myself
The singer understands that before they can make a difference in the world, they must first work on improving themselves.

I've got to change my attitude
The artist acknowledges the need for a more positive or open-minded outlook on life.

I've got to change my diet
The artist recognizes the need to improve their eating habits for their own health and well-being.

I've got to change my quiet moods
The artist wants to become more outspoken and communicative instead of keeping to themselves.

I've got to change that hi hat
The singer wants to alter the sound of their music, likely for creative or artistic reasons.

I've got to change that ringtone on my phone
The artist wants to personalize their phone ringtone to reflect their current tastes and preferences.

I've got to change my habits
The singer acknowledges the need to break negative or unproductive routines and establish healthier or more beneficial habits.

I've got to go to Rome in the fall, before I've had it
The singer has a desire to travel to Italy before they become too overwhelmed or stressed with their current situation.

Contributed by Claire W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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