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.
Herbert
Herbert Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This future's far behind
Suddenly
I have no points of reference now
So suddenly
Our magnetic worth
Won't point the same way north
So suddenly
Far away from it all
But I can't move at all
This plan is not like mine
These walls aren't my design
Suddenly
I have no scale or balance now
So suddenly
These creases are folding in and up
And closing
Suddenly
I'm free to fall
Far away from it all
But I can't move at all
In the song "Suddenly" by Herbert feat. Dani Siciliano, the lyrics talk about feeling lost and disoriented in a world that seems unfamiliar. The opening lines "This world is not like mine, this future's far behind" convey a sense of detachment and disconnect from the surroundings. The word "suddenly" repeated throughout the song underscores the suddenness of this feeling of alienation. As the lyrics progress, it becomes clear that the singer is struggling to find any bearings, both metaphysically and physically. The line "I have no points of reference now" indicates a loss of direction and purpose, as though a familiar map has been erased or rewritten. The metaphor of magnetic worth losing its direction also reflects the shift of gravity and orientation, that can be felt in such a situation.
The second verse continues this theme of unease and unfamiliarity, with the singer realizing that the plan they had for their life is no longer valid. They find themselves in an environment that is not of their design, like a fish out of water, so to speak. The metaphor of "these creases are folding in and up" suggests a loss of structure and form, as the familiar lines become blurred and distorted. In the end, the singer is "free to fall" but finds that they "can't move at all", perhaps indicating the powerlessness that comes with that sense of dislocation.
Line by Line Meaning
This world is not like mine
The current situation is not familiar or comfortable to me.
This future's far behind
I feel disconnected from what lies ahead.
Suddenly
The change in circumstances has occurred abruptly and unexpectedly.
I have no points of reference now
I am without familiar landmarks or indicators to guide me.
So suddenly
The change in circumstances has occurred abruptly and unexpectedly (repeated for emphasis).
Our magnetic worth
The attraction between us has diminished or changed.
Won't point the same way north
We are no longer moving in the same direction or toward the same goal.
So suddenly
The change in circumstances has occurred abruptly and unexpectedly (repeated for emphasis).
I'm free to fall
I am unencumbered by past expectations or constraints.
Far away from it all
I have distanced myself emotionally or physically from my former situation.
But I can't move at all
Despite my newfound freedom, I am stuck in a state of inaction and indecision.
This plan is not like mine
The current agenda or strategy differs from my own.
These walls aren't my design
The structures or boundaries in place are not of my choosing or creation.
I have no scale or balance now
I lack a sense of proportion or equilibrium in this new environment.
These creases are folding in and up
Things are becoming more complicated or difficult to manage.
And closing
The situation is becoming more restrictive or claustrophobic.
Lyrics © THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC.
Written by: DANI SICILIANO, MATTHEW HERBERT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-yh4qf6nf9i
Every nightmare has a meaning
my nightmare:
@Kingelijah555
Same
@Poke-mapper82
Same my nightmares make sence
@beas_espofficial6245
Same my nightmares have a meaning as well
@jason___1697
The meaning is a pedo is gonna come after you soon
@user-fc8tl1si2r
@Mike the puppy #saveukraine sense*
@emmachavez3569
Whenever Herbert finds kids his energy becomes infinite
@godherobrine6449
Damn 111 in 6 min
@HiHi-yl7gu
Hungary
@badbitch4143
Adam woods switched his cialis with meth 😂