The band met and formed in Greenville, North Carolina, USA while studying art at East Carolina University. Their first band was Art Lord & The Self-Portraits, which was also composed of Adam Beeby and Kymia Nawabi and lasted from 2003 to 2005. In 2006, Cashion, Herring, and Welmers formed Future Islands, along with Erick Murillo, the bassist for The Kickass. Other former members include Samuel N. Ortiz-Payero (drums, 2008) and Denny Bowen (drums, 2009–2013 in studio; 2013–2014 touring)
Future Islands released Little Advances in April 2006, and a self-released split CD with Welmers' solo project Moss of Aura in January 2007. In July 2007, they recorded their debut album, Wave Like Home, with Chester Endersby Gwazda at Backdoor Skateshop in Greenville, North Carolina. After a Halloween party in 2007, Murillo quit the band. In late 2007 and early 2008, the band relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, USA. The "Feathers and Hallways" 7" was recorded in Oakland, California during their first US tour and was their first release as a focused three-piece. Upset! the Rhythm released Wave Like Home on 25 August 2008. The cover art was designed by Kymia Nawabi, a former member of Art Lord & The Self-Portraits. In 2009 the band signed to independent Chicago record company Thrill Jockey.
Their second album, In Evening Air, was recorded in the band's living room in the historic Marble Hill neighborhood in Baltimore and released on 4 May 2010.Their third full-length album, On the Water, was recorded in Elizabeth City, NC's historic, waterfront Andrew S. Sanders House. It was released on 11 October 2011.
These early albums from Future Islands are often associated with other bands affiliated with Wham City, such as Videohippos, Santa Dads, Blood Baby, OCDJ, Adventure, Dan Deacon, Weekends and Double Dagger.
In 2014, they released Singles with hit-track Seasons (Waiting on You). The band and song gained critical acclamation from Pitchfork and NME and performed the song on the Late Show with David Letterman, a performance that went viral. In 2017, they released The Far Field and most recently in 2020 they released As Long As You Are.
The Fight
Future Islands Lyrics
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We packed away the dream
And pocketed the loss
In a world without a little bit of doubt
Are we just the cost?
I couldn't stand the rain, so I ran away
And all I found was snow
Another winter in a shadow, in shadow
Can I do it alone?
Now I'm back in my cell
Back with myself
Waiting on the phone
But I will, I will keep fighting
I won't fade away
I will face every day
As if it's my last one
And I will keep you safe
Just like our past was
Fight for love every day
The day I went away
From everything I chose
To everything I own
It was the day I lost
It wasn't only you
Or the springing well of youth
But the certainty of love
Now I'm back on my own
Another winter in a shadow
Just me and my shadow
Can I do it alone?
Now I'm back in my cell
Back in my shell
But I'm backing myself
'Cause I will, I will keep fighting
I won't fade away
I will face every day
As if it's the last one
And I will keep you close
Just like our past was
Fight for love every day
'Cause this could be my last one
This could be my last one
It could be my last one
This could be my last one
So I will keep fighting
I will keep fighting
I'll keep on fighting
And I'll fight every day
The lyrics of "The Fight" by Future Islands delve into the themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the ongoing struggle to persevere through challenges. The opening lines reflect on a past experience where dreams were shattered and losses were incurred, questioning the value of sacrifices made. The singer expresses a sense of disillusionment in a world that lacks uncertainty, wondering if their struggles are simply a "cost" to bear. The imagery of rain and snow symbolizes the emotional turbulence and harsh realities that the singer encountered during their journey.
As the song progresses, the singer finds themselves in a solitary place, facing another cold and isolating winter. Despite feeling trapped in their own thoughts and emotions, the lyrics convey a sense of determination to confront their inner demons and uncertainties. The metaphor of being in a "cell" or a "shadow" suggests a feeling of confinement and self-reflection, highlighting the internal struggle to find a way forward.
The chorus serves as a powerful affirmation of the singer's resolve to keep fighting and not succumb to despair. Emphasizing the importance of living each day as if it were the last, the lyrics convey a sense of urgency and determination to cherish and protect what truly matters. The mention of "safe" and "love" reflects a desire to hold onto precious memories and relationships, even in the face of adversity.
In the final passages, the repetition of "This could be my last one" underscores the fragility and preciousness of life, motivating the singer to continue battling against their inner demons and external challenges. The repeated declaration to "keep fighting" conveys a message of hope, bravery, and resilience in the face of uncertainty, echoing the universal human experience of persevering through hardships and embracing the unknown future with courage.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Gerrit Welmers, Mike Lowry, Samuel T Herring, William Cashion
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@simbolografico3865
HOLA FUTURE ISLAND SALUDOS DESDE GUADALAJARA MÉXICO LOS ESPERAMOS CON MUCHO CARIÑO SALUDOS A LIZBETH QUE TAMBIEN ES SUPER FAN
@isabellaschorno3714
Yo también estoy súper emocionada! 🎉
@elianalmeida6314
Soo good!! ✨
@aPlace4Grace
It's been a tough day and I came home, sat down beside my dog, listened to this and reminded myself how beautiful it is to exhale. Whatever my mood, it's in your music that I find the remedy 🙏 Thank you 💚
@JuanJose16
Wise words. Hoping today is better for you.
@piperofsimms
Wow ! Sam killed the vocal. The whole song full of subtle excellence. Bravo !
@alexandrebusatto5486
Chorei ouvindo essa música 😢❤❤❤
@Atikribo
SO EXCITED!! you are my comfort band, thank you for being awesome 🤟
@valentinarybakova5256
5 years ago a very important person in my life and my soulmate shared your music with me and I didn’t feel any connection
Now every your song, your videos touches my heart so deeply. I’m dreaming to experience your concert soon✨
I love you, thanks for what you are doing🤍
@outrosmakesbloodyears
I showed Future Islands to a friend many years ago, she also didnt feel any connection. 2 years later she sent me a link to the same video having "found" an amazing band she just had to show me. lol