Formed out of the ashes of First Day Back, the St Albans, United Kingdom hardcore band they formed while still at school, Friendly Fires make razor-sharp post-punk that burns through the memories of all the dismal, skinny jeaned ‘80s revivalists you’ve been hearing these past few years. Sounding brittle, knotty and urgent, Friendly Fires are the real deal. With no fat or padding on them at all, their songs possess an elegant sparseness. As guitarist Edd Gibson notes: “The hardest thing I think is to know what to leave out, to know when something is enough.” But amongst all the stripped-back twists, there are also moments full of deep, blissed-out melodies. “I love lush, massive, tingly chords; the My Bloody Valentine sound,” says bassist and singer Ed MacFarlane.
The Black Arts
Friendly Fires Lyrics
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Somebody to share my scarcity.
All cut from the world, unrelated
(Need somebody, somebody, need somebody)
This time I need somebody to be family,
Some to inspire, to die in fire.
Surrounded, the world on top,
Holding my breath to repossess.
I need somebody, I feel so lonely
(Need somebody, need somebody, need my body)
This time I need somebody to be family,
Some to inspire, to die in fire.
My heart (my brain), my heat, my sweat, my feet.
I need my bones and my blood too,
Need somebody in my body.
"The Black Arts" by Friendly Fires touches on themes of loneliness, the search for connection and the need for a sense of belonging. The lyrics express a deep longing for companionship and the desire to find someone to share life's ups and downs with.
In the first verse, the singer conveys their sense of isolation and the emptiness they feel. They crave someone to fill this void, to share their experiences and make them feel less alone. The line, "All cut from the world, unrelated," suggests a disconnection from society, as if they are standing apart from the rest of the world, feeling detached.
The chorus emphasizes the need for a connection that goes beyond mere companionship. The repeated line, "This time I need somebody to be family," indicates a desire for a deeper bond—a chosen family. This chosen family would not only be a source of support and inspiration but would also be willing to face challenges and even sacrifice for one another. The mention of "inspire" and "die in fire" hints at a connection that is not superficial, but rather one that pushes individuals to their limits and brings out the best in each other.
The second verse further highlights the singer's feelings of being surrounded by a world that feels disconnected from their own. There is a sense of struggle as they try to find their place and reclaim their own sense of self. The line, "Holding my breath to repossess," suggests an internal battle, where the search for meaning and connection becomes almost like a fight to regain control of their own identity.
The bridge of the song brings together various elements of the singer's being, symbolizing their whole being—heart, brain, heat, sweat, feet, bones, and blood. In this moment, they express the need for someone to be truly present in their life, to understand and connect with all aspects of their being. The repetition of "need somebody in my body" further reinforces the intense desire for deep connection and intimacy.
Overall, "The Black Arts" by Friendly Fires presents a yearning for companionship rooted in a desire for true family-like connection and understanding. It speaks to the universal longing for meaningful relationships that go beyond surface-level interactions and have the ability to inspire and encourage personal growth.
Line by Line Meaning
I need somebody, I feel so lonely
In my current state, I am seeking companionship as I find myself experiencing a profound sense of solitude.
Somebody to share my scarcity
I desire an individual who can empathize with and understand the limitations in my life, someone with whom I can share my hardships.
All cut from the world, unrelated
I feel disconnected from society, as if I have been deliberately separated from the rest of the world without any meaningful connections.
(Need somebody, somebody, need somebody)
The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the urgency and depth of my longing for human connection.
This time I need somebody to be family
During this particular period, I yearn for someone who can fulfill the role of a family member, providing emotional support, understanding, and a sense of belonging.
Some to inspire, to die in fire
I seek an individual who can ignite my creativity and passion, someone whose fervor matches mine and is willing to join me in pursuing our passions wholeheartedly.
Surrounded, the world on top
I feel overwhelmed and enclosed by the circumstances and pressures of the world around me, as if there is a weight pressing down on me from above.
Disconnected, digging my soul
In a state of disconnection, I am actively searching within myself, delving deep into the core of my being, in an attempt to regain a sense of wholeness.
Holding my breath to repossess
Metaphorically, I am holding my breath, waiting anxiously to reclaim ownership of my identity and regain control over my life.
(Need somebody, need somebody, need my body)
The repetition of this phrase underscores my intense need for the presence of another person, not only on an emotional level but also in a physical sense.
My heart (my brain), my heat, my sweat, my feet
I require someone to accompany me on an intimate level, to share in every aspect of my existence, both emotionally and physically—capturing my emotional, mental, and physical state.
I need my bones and my blood too
Beyond emotions and sensations, I also yearn for someone who can connect with the fundamental elements of my being, my essence—my bones and blood—as they symbolize the very core of who I am.
Need somebody in my body
Ultimately, what I seek is to have another person become an integral part of my being, to merge with me on every level possible, ensuring that I am never alone and always accompanied by their presence.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: LAETITIA SADIER, TIMOTHY JOHN GANE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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