Hospitality released its first self-titled EP in 2008. It came about after the band met Karl Blau at a show they both played at the Cake Shop. Blau heard Hospitality's soundcheck and asked if he could record them in exchange for Hospitality acting as his backing band sometime in the future. The EP garnered a few favorable reviews and earned Hospitality the title of band to watch from Stereogum.com.
Hospitality remained quiet for the next few years as they worked on side projects and Papini tended to a death in the family. They eventually recorded their first full length album and signed to Merge Records in September 2011.
They released their second album, Trouble, in 2014.
Monkey
Hospitality Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stains the the brow of a cameo
A crisp little photograph
Brings good fortune to another hemisphere
You take my ego
I'll take the monkey's bone
Screamin' and Hollerin'
The lyrics to "Monkey" by Hospitality are a unique blend of abstract imagery and metaphorical statements. The opening lines "Lap of luxury stains the brow of a cameo" seem to be a commentary on the fleeting nature of privilege and financial success. The use of the term "camero" in this context could refer to a small, intricately carved piece of jewelry or artwork. It invokes the idea of beauty and attention to detail, but also the idea of something that is easily tarnished or damaged.
The next line, "A crisp little photograph brings good fortune to another hemisphere" seems to be speaking to the idea of the power of images and symbols, and how they have the ability to transcend physical borders and cultural differences. This line could be interpreted as a nod to the idea of good karma or positive energy being spread across the globe through kindness and generosity.
Line by Line Meaning
Lap of luxury
Being in a very comfortable, opulent and extravagant situation.
Stains the brow of a cameo
A wealthy and privileged lifestyle bringing its own problems, visible as sweat on the forehead.
A crisp little photograph
A clear and well defined image, usually of something cherished.
Brings good fortune to another hemisphere
The photo, perhaps of a loved one, bringing happiness and luck to someone far away.
You take my ego
Someone taking advantage of another person's pride or self-importance.
I'll take the monkey's bone
The person is willing to accept a less desirable situation, represented by the leftovers from a monkey's meal.
Screamin' and Hollerin'
Loud and chaotic noises.
Like a telephone connection on a train
A metaphor for a difficult and unstable line of communication, perhaps due to physical movement or interference.
Contributed by Sydney C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.