The band was formed in 2005 by Philippakis and Bevan, both former members of math rock band The Edmund Fitzgerald, and Andrew Mears of Youthmovies. Mears left the band after their first single to focus on Youthmovies. In January 2018, it was announced that Walter Gervers was also leaving the band.
In early 2007, the band released the limited edition 7" singles Hummer and Mathletics, both produced by Gareth Parton. In the summer of 2007 Foals began working on their debut album in New York. It was produced by Dave Sitek of TV On The Radio, however, the band decided to mix the album themselves, stating that Sitek made the first master copy of the album sound like "it was recorded in the Grand Canyon". Yannis has stated multiple times during various interviews that Foals and Dave Sitek are on good terms, even though the copy by Sitek was rejected by the band.
Foals released their debut album, entitled Antidotes, on 24 March 2008 in the UK and 8 April 2008 in the US. The album was a commercial success in the United Kingdom, debuting at No. 3 in the UK Albums Charts. The album was a minor success in other countries, charting in Japan, France and the Netherlands. Non-UK versions of the album include the early Parton produced singles.
In August 2009, Foals started recording their second album at Svenska Grammofon Studion in Gothenburg, Sweden. The album, Total Life Forever, has been described by the band members as sounding like "tropical prog" and "like the dream of an eagle dying". The band have described the album as being "a lot less funk" than they had originally planned. The album was produced by Luke Smith, formerly of Clor, and its title is named after an element of Ray Kurzweil's theory of singularity. The band's frontman Yannis Philippakis has professed a long time interest in futurology, with it informing numerous songs on Total Life Forever.
On 1 March 2010, the promotional single "Spanish Sahara" was first played on Zane Lowe's show Radio 1. Foals' new website was updated that night with the release of a video for the track directed by longtime collaborator Dave Ma. On 6 March, the Total Life Forever site was officially launched. Puzzles revealed images, lyrics and sound clips of songs from the album. The last clip appeared on 12 March, and resulted with a password entry for the Foals' new website. The site was opened on 13 March and presented the whole new art concept and media including samples of songs, photos and videos. Lead single "This Orient" was released on 3 May 2010. The album was finally released on 10 May 2010. "Spanish Sahara" was later released as a full physical single in September 2010, featuring an edited remix starring the strings of London Contemporary Orchestra. The album was nominated for the 2010 Mercury Prize.
http://foals.co.uk
Moonlight
Foals Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I walked out of the past
You were riding on a black horse
To sing the songs at the table, again
I walked into the desert
I walked into the dawn
And you came to me on the black horse
Be lightweight when I roam
Be lightweight when I go
Be lightweight when I roam
Be lightweight when I go
Roam
Roam
The lyrics to Foals' song "Moonlight" are open to interpretation, but one possible interpretation is that the song is about leaving the past behind and moving on to a new beginning. The singer of the song is described as walking into the desert to leave the past behind, possibly symbolizing the idea of shedding old habits or memories. As they walk out of the past, they encounter someone on a black horse, who is described as singing "the songs at the table, again." This person could be a symbol of the past, representing the memories and experiences that the singer is leaving behind.
As the song progresses, the singer is reminded of all they've said and done, possibly suggesting a sense of regret or nostalgia for what's been left behind. The refrain of "be lightweight when I roam" could be interpreted as the singer reminding themselves to not let the weight of the past hold them back as they move forward. The repetition of "roam" at the end of the song could be interpreted as a call to embrace the unknown and explore new experiences.
Overall, "Moonlight" is a reflective and introspective song that explores the idea of letting go of the past and embracing new beginnings.
Line by Line Meaning
I walked into the desert
I put myself in a desolate and barren place for introspection
I walked out of the past
I left behind the things that haunt me and can no longer define me
You were riding on a black horse
You were the embodiment of strength and power, leading the way for me
To sing the songs at the table, again
To celebrate life and find joy in the little things, like singing with loved ones gathered around a table
I walked into the dawn
I emerged from the darkness and into a new day
And you came to me on the black horse
You were my guide and support during this new journey
To remind all I’ve said and done
To reflect on my past actions and words in order to grow and better myself
Be lightweight when I roam
I want to travel through life without carrying the burden of my past
Be lightweight when I go
I want to leave this world without negative attachments or unfinished business
Roam
To wander without the burden of the past weighing me down and to embrace every new experience that comes my way
Lyrics © DistroKid, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Edwin Thomas Congreave, Jack William Bevan, James Andrew Smith, Yannis Barnabas Emanuel Philippakis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kylie
Lyrics:
I walked into the desert
I walked out of the past
You were ridin' in a black hole
To sing the songs at the table again
I walked into the desert
I walked into the dawn
You came to me in the black hole
To right all I've said and done
Belong with our own
Belong with our own
Belong with our own
Belong with our own
Oh
Oh
Rebus Bebus
[Verse]
I walked into the desert
I walked out of the past
You were riding on a black horse
To sing songs at the table again
I walked into the desert
I walked into the dawn
You came to me on a black horse
To remind me of all I've said and done
[Outro]
"Be lightweight,"
When I roam
"Be lightweight,"
When I roam
"Be lightweight,"
When I roam
"Be lightweight,"
When I roam
CS100
I'll forever wonder why they didn't make this song longer
Humberto Júnior
Incrível como uma música consegue expressar tantas emoções.
Foals Forever <3
...It's all too wrong to make it right... The Cure Forever!!!!
This song deserves an extended version!
Dr3amon
I love how Yannis keeps on evolving his musical style and never repeats himself! A true musical genius! looking forward to seeing you perform in Greece!!
sKiiTs8
you mean "foals" right? it's not just yannis although he is a genius
Yuri Arin
Yannis varoufakis
thewhatness
The lads have really been on it this album cycle. My favorite opening track of the year so far.
pretendonline
Slow Foals make you feel like you're swimming in sound :)
gerosari
No better description
Boo
The beginning is awesome! Please more sound like that one!