Herbert began creating music with found objects whilst at Exeter University (UK) in the 1990s, where he studied Drama. From bottles, books, and pepper pots he progressed to recording places and experiences, effectively using the sampler as an instrument on many of his Doctor Rockit and Herbert releases. This style evolved into the overtly political when he began sampling objects from McDonald's and The Gap as a protest against corporate globalism on the The Mechanics Of Destruction album. The CD was distributed free at concerts and available as a free download and has never been available in stores.
His 2003 Big Band album, Goodbye Swingtime combined the political commentary of Radioboy with the song structure of his Herbert albums. Recorded with sixteen musicians from the British jazz world, including saxophonists Dave O'Higgins and Nigel Hitchcock and bassist Dave Green, the band is complemented on stage by long-term vocal partner Dani Siciliano and occasionally Arto Lindsay and Warp recording artist, Jamie Lidell. Recently he has provided music for a number of films, including Dogme director Kristian Levring's The Intended along with original music for TV. Herbert's newest album Plat du Jour addresses world famine.
Down
Herbert Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
through the folds we go
on through
creasing up all around
once twice
dustings of sun and snow
in down
plump up
once twice
here i go here i go
up through
hear a wing beat see a heart leap
once down
softens every body blow
in twice
lay me back can't stop me now
don't stop now
keep falling
i love you
stop me
from falling
i love you
you wanna
you wanna
you wanna put it in my
you see my
and how it's
and how it wants to feel your
peel the beat the beat i'm beating
once twice
heating up the way
cut down
tease the creases
come forth
whisper what you meant to say
up in
side splitting into pieces
once twice
here i go here i go
up through
hear a wing beat see a heart leap
once down
softens every body blow
in twice
lay me back can't stop me now
don't stop now
keep falling
i love you
stop me
from falling
i love you
i will touch the sky
this feels right
The lyrics to Herbert's song Down describe a journey through the folds and creases of life - through highs and lows, dustings of sun and snow, and moments of both hardness and softness. The repeated phrases of "once twice" suggest a sense of repetition and cyclical nature, as if the journey through life is one that is often taken many times. The song speaks of the desire to keep falling and to keep moving forward, despite any obstacles that may come along the way. The final line, "this feels right," suggests a sense of acceptance and contentment with the journey and the experiences that have led up to this point.
Overall, the song Down is a poetic exploration of the ups and downs of life, and the desire to keep moving forward despite any challenges that may arise. It speaks to the human experience of navigating through the complexities of life, and the resilience that we possess to keep going.
Line by Line Meaning
once twice
Repeatedly going through the same cycle
through the folds we go
Navigating through the complex pathways of life
on through
Continuing even when obstacles are faced
creasing up all around
The challenges faced cause more complications
once twice
Repeatedly trying to make progress
dustings of sun and snow
Experiencing the ups and downs of life
in down
During periods of difficulty
plump up
Trying to make the best of the situation
deaden sound
To suppress or dampen emotions
here i go here i go
Ready to take action
up through
Making progress upwards
hear a wing beat see a heart leap
Feeling excitement and anticipation
once down
When things don't go according to plan
softens every body blow
Finding comfort and solace in difficult times
in twice
During repeated hardships
lay me back can't stop me now
Continuing to move forward despite obstacles
don't stop now
Urging to keep going
keep falling
Keep moving forward
i love you
A declaration of love
stop me
Asking for help to avoid failure
from falling
From experiencing defeat
you wanna
Asking if an action is desired
put it in my
Allowing someone to take control
you see my
Making someone aware of what is being offered
and how it's
The current state of affairs
and how it wants to feel your
Desiring a connection with another person
peel the beat the beat i'm beating
Removing the superficial layers to reveal what is underneath
heating up the way
Increasing intensity and energy
cut down
Overcoming obstacles
tease the creases
Finding enjoyment in the little things in life
come forth
Moving forward with confidence
whisper what you meant to say
Expressing oneself honestly
up in
Rising above challenges
side splitting into pieces
Breaking apart from pressure
i will touch the sky
Aspiring to achieve great things
this feels right
Being content with the current situation
Contributed by Matthew A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.