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.
Everything
Herbert Lyrics
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Everything's changed
The closer I get to the top
The more it feels strange
Everything's moved
Everyone move
The closer I get to the drop
If and or when I might stop
Please do not follow me
If and or when I might drop
Please don't swallow me
Turning round
The sound of falling
Everything's new
Everything's new
The closer I get to the drop
The more my vision pulls me through
Somethings the same
Somethings don't change
The passing of others below
Always remains
If and or when I might stop
Please don't follow me down
Please don't follow me
If and or when I might drop
Please don't swallow me
Please don't follow me
The lyrics of Herbert's song "Everything's Changed" can be interpreted as a commentary on fame and success. The opening lines of the chorus suggest that the more success one achieves, the more disorientating and unfamiliar the experience becomes. The reference to "the top" and "the drop" could be symbolic of the peaks and valleys of one's career or personal life. The verses continue this theme, with the singer acknowledging that they are losing touch with others and their surroundings as they ascend towards their goals. However, there is also a sense of caution and fear, with the repeated plea for others not to follow or swallow them should they stumble or lose their way.
The chorus repeats the idea that everything is changing, but also highlights the idea that some things remain the same, such as the passing of others below. This could be a reference to the fact that even as one achieves success, there will always be others who are struggling or falling behind.
Overall, the lyrics of "Everything's Changed" paint a complex picture of the experience of success and the toll it can take on an individual. It suggests that even as one achieves their goals and experiences new things, there is always a fear of losing oneself or becoming disconnected from others.
Line by Line Meaning
Everything's changed
The singer is expressing that everything in their life has drastically changed.
Everything's moved
The singer notes that everyone and everything around them is also constantly moving and changing.
The closer I get to the top
The more it feels strange
The singer finds that as they move closer to success or achievement, they feel more disconnected from their previous self and surroundings.
The closer I get to the drop
The more that I lose
Conversely, when the artist approaches potential failure or loss, they feel like they are giving up more of themselves.
If and or when I might stop
Please do not follow me
The artist is warning others in anticipation of a future change that may be detrimental to them as well.
Please don't swallow me
The singer seems to be expressing a fear of being overwhelmed or consumed by their circumstances.
Everything's new
The closer I get to the drop
The more my vision pulls me through
Despite the ongoing changes, the singer feels a renewed sense of clarity and purpose when faced with daunting challenges.
Somethings the same
Somethings don't change
The passing of others below
Always remains
Though much is in flux, the artist acknowledges that some things, such as the presence and actions of others, remain somewhat constant.
Please don't follow me down
Please don't follow me
If and or when I might drop
Please don't swallow me
Please don't follow me
The artist reiterates their plea to others to stay away from them while they navigate the ongoing changes, for fear of causing harm or becoming collateral damage.
Lyrics © WARP MUSIC LIMITED
Written by: MATTHEW HERBERT, JAMIE LIDDERDALE, PETE WRAIGHT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind