FU or Former Utopia are an East London based Rock band who alternate betwee… Read Full Bio ↴FU or Former Utopia are an East London based Rock band who alternate between alt-folk to heavy post punk.

FU have toured throughout the UK, Italy and Europe and shared stages with Shonen Knife, Bitch Magnet, Bottomless Pit, Shannon Wright, Julie Doiron, The Thalia Zedek Band, Geoff Farina & Chris Brokaw, Thee More Shallows, Swell, PW Long, Uzeda, Bellini and David Grubbs.

George-Guitar/Vocs
Rama-Drums
Russ-Bass

PRESS

Gaffa “…The band’s timing was absolutely superb, and the chemistry between Rama and George was a pleasure being a spectator. The heavy drums and the piercing guitar cultivated melodic love. Definitely a band to well could bear to hear again,..”.

Leicester Mercury “cast a bewitching spell as each tune unfolded in an unforced, languid haze”

The Line Of Best Fit “a gentleman blessed with an imposing baritone halfway between Bill Callahan and Absentee”
John Kennedy XFM Radio “FANTASTIC!”

Tom Robinson on FU’s ‘A Love Like Infinity’ : “It starts out like vintage Tyrannosaurus Rex then develops into a meanering lofi epic that’s not quite like anything else I’ve heard this year. Lovely liquid guitars, offkilter drums, unexpected harmonies and an approach that’s fresh and uplifting. What’s not to like?”

Postcard
Former Utopia Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You wouldn’t know it less you lived it
Regret and guilt
A sickness weeks before
Ended badly on the floor
And it’s not
It’s not
No, it’s not
Not.

Tiny hands, daughters
Through pockets for keys and deeds
Solitary vigil
Over an open casket
formaldehyde – a painted corpse
You wouldn’t know less you lived it
Regret and guilt
A sickness weeks before
Ended badly on the floor
And it’s not
Not fair
Not fair
So much depends upon a postcard
Words in a line
Symbol occluded
Transgress time
So much depends upon a postcard
Sent in love
Arrived in a world
You fell out of

Not fair
Not fair

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Former Utopia's song "Postcard" delve into themes of regret, guilt, loss, and the significance of communication. The first verse sets the tone by highlighting the invisible nature of a deeply personal experience. The line "You wouldn't know it less you lived it" suggests that unless someone has personally experienced a certain situation, they cannot fully comprehend its emotional impact. This line invites the listener to empathize with the emotions expressed in the song.

Following this introduction, the lyrics explore the sense of regret and guilt that accompany the unnamed experience. The repetition of these words emphasizes their weight and suggests that they have plagued the singer for an extended period. The phrase "A sickness weeks before" implies that there was an illness or turmoil leading up to a tragic event that ultimately ended in a somber way. The mention of the floor indicates a physical location associated with a negative outcome.

The second verse introduces the image of "tiny hands, daughters" and the search through pockets for "keys and deeds." This imagery suggests a desperate situation where the singer is searching for something significant, possibly to unlock or resolve a conflict. The mention of a solitary vigil over an open casket and the reference to "formaldehyde – a painted corpse" evoke a funeral scene, reinforcing the notion of loss and grief. The lines that follow, mirroring the first verse, reiterate that without personal experience, it is difficult to truly understand the emotions attached to such a situation.

The chorus expresses the belief that so much can depend upon a simple postcard. This everyday object holds immense significance in the context of the song. It is a means of communication, symbolizing connection and affection. The line "Words in a line / Symbol occluded / Transgress time" suggests that the words written on the postcard have a power that transcends time and meaning. They hold profound significance to both the sender and receiver.

The final repetition of "Not fair" in the lyrics emphasizes a feeling of injustice. It underlines the sense that the pain and loss experienced by the singer were undeserved or unjust. This repetition allows the listener to empathize with the emotional turmoil being expressed and reinforces the song's theme of grappling with various complex emotions.

Overall, the lyrics of "Postcard" by Former Utopia invite listeners to contemplate the weight of regret, guilt, and loss. They highlight the significance of communication and the power of simple objects to hold profound meaning. The song ultimately seeks to evoke empathy and understanding for the emotional journey conveyed within its verses.

Line by Line Meaning

You wouldn’t know it less you lived it
If you haven't experienced it, you wouldn't understand it

Regret and guilt
Feelings of remorse and self-blame

A sickness weeks before
An illness that had been present for some time

Ended badly on the floor
Ended in a disastrous way, possibly resulting in a physical collapse

And it’s not
The situation is not what it seems

It’s not
It doesn't feel right

No, it’s not
No, it's definitely not

Not.
Absolutely not.

Tiny hands, daughters
Small, delicate hands belonging to the artist's children

Through pockets for keys and deeds
Searching through pockets for important belongings

Solitary vigil
Remaining alone and watchful