Following the release of their seventh studio album Cageless (2017) and its accompanying tour, current members of Hedley faced accusations of sexual misconduct with young women over the course of their career. After Hoggard faced additional accusations of sexual assault by two women, the group confirmed they would enter an indefinite hiatus.
On July 23, 2018, Hoggard was charged with one count of Sexual Interference and two counts of Sexual Assault Causing Bodily Harm. On June 5, 2022, Hoggard was convicted of sexually assaulting the Ottawa woman.
On November 8, 2018, former drummer of the band Chris Crippin spoke out against Hoggard's behaviour during his time with the band. Crippin stated he was routinely called a "f*ggot" and was told to "shut the fuck up" when he tried to speak out. In a separate interview in July 2019, Crippin said that Hoggard was "extremely rude" and it wasn't behaviour he wanted to be around.
On October 20, 2022, Hedley frontman Jacob Hoggard was sentenced to 5 years in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting an Ottawa woman.
The Knife
Hedley Lyrics
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How 'bout never?
Maybe you could be a star
Maybe I couldn't do better
Maybe we, we took it too far
I'm not saying no one's happy
But I'm not gonna lie
Between your lips and fading lights
We're gonna get no sleep tonight
And I love the way you twist the knife
We're gonna get no sleep tonight
Have a look
Why'd you go sideways?
Where did you, you learn those words?
Maybe I set it on fire
Maybe we wanna watch it burn
Between your lips and fading lights
We're gonna get no sleep tonight
And I love the way you twist the knife
We're gonna get no sleep tonight
Let it go in slow motion
Let it go in slow motion
I don't wanna say goodnight
I don't wanna say goodbye
I'm not saying no one's happy
But I'm not gonna lie
The way you smile when everyone's laughing gets me every time
Between your lips and fading lights
We're gonna get no sleep tonight
And I love the way you twist the knife
We're gonna get no sleep tonight
And I love the way you twist the knife, yeah
We're gonna get no sleep tonight, no
And I love the way you twist the knife, yeah
We're gonna get no sleep tonight
The song "The Knife" by Hedley is a poignant depiction of a complicated relationship. It is a powerful commentary on the dynamics that reign in tumultuous relationships and how they can lead to sleepless nights. The lyrics reveal the complicated emotions that characterize this kind of relationship. One of the main themes of the song is the ambivalence of the singer's feelings towards his partner. The lines "How 'bout now? How 'bout never? Maybe you could be a star. Maybe I couldn't do better. Maybe we, we took it too far" are a quintessential example of this ambivalence. On one hand, the singer is unsure about the future of the relationship, but on the other hand, he acknowledges the value of his partner.
The lyrics also reveal the contrast between moments of intimacy and moments of discord. The lines "Between your lips and fading lights. We're gonna get no sleep tonight. And I love the way you twist the knife" suggest that the singer is drawn towards his partner, even though she may cause him pain. The reference to "fading lights" implies that they are in a private setting, maybe a bedroom, where they can surrender to their intense emotions. However, this moment of intimacy is often disrupted by arguments, which are characterized by harsh words and accusations. The lines "Why'd you go sideways? Where did you, you learn those words? Maybe I set it on fire. Maybe we wanna watch it burn" illustrate this sentiment.
"The Knife" is a powerful song that speaks to those who have experienced the highs and lows of a tumultuous relationship. The lyrics are honest, vulnerable and raw, making it a relatable track for many. The song has received critical acclaim and has been hailed as one of Hedley's best songs.
Line by Line Meaning
How 'bout now?
Asking about the current state of affairs.
How 'bout never?
Asking if it's too late to fix things.
Maybe you could be a star
Suggesting potential success for the other person.
Maybe I couldn't do better
Self-deprecating, implying that the artist isn't good enough.
Maybe we, we took it too far
Acknowledging the possibility that the relationship may have gone too far.
I'm not saying no one's happy
Recognizing that not everyone is unhappy.
But I'm not gonna lie
Admitting what comes next may not be easy.
The way you smile when everyone's laughing gets me every time
The artist is attracted to the other person's laughter and energy.
Between your lips and fading lights
Referring to the physical situation at hand.
We're gonna get no sleep tonight
Expecting to stay up late.
And I love the way you twist the knife
The singer is enjoying the other person's teasing or testing.
Have a look
Inviting the other person to examine the situation.
Why'd you go sideways?
Asking why the other person changed.
Where did you, you learn those words?
Asking about the other person's language.
Maybe I set it on fire
The singer may have caused the problem.
Maybe we wanna watch it burn
Wondering if both people have a fascination with the situation's inevitable end.
Let it go in slow motion
Suggesting to approach the situation carefully.
I don't wanna say goodnight
The singer doesn't want the fun to end.
I don't wanna say goodbye
The singer doesn't want to end the relationship.
And I love the way you twist the knife, yeah
Repeating that the artist enjoys the other person's teasing or testing.
We're gonna get no sleep tonight, no
Already pointed out earlier.
We're gonna get no sleep tonight
Repeating the earlier sentiment.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALLESON ROSE SHELDAN, JACOB WILLIAM HOGGARD, JARET MICHAEL HOLMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind