The group came to prominence in 2012 with the release of their first self-titled album and an unexpected partnership with Skrillex's predominantly electronic Owsla record label. Hundred Waters wrote and produced most of their second album, The Moon Rang Like a Bell, while on tour with alt-J, The xx, Julia Holter and others; it was released on May 27, 2014.
PARADE
Hundred Waters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ready or not, call your name
Hey now, where do I go?
Where do I go?
Wave at children along the side
Catching candy, balloon in the sky
Saying now, where do I go?
Where do I go?
Who do you think you are?
You never cared before
So what are you doing it for?
March two by two
Who do you think
Who do you think, think you are?
Who are you now?
Turn the street
Repeat
The lyrics of "Parade" are delivered in a repetitive and circular manner, evoking a sense of confusion and uncertainty in the singer's mind. From the opening lines, the singer describes a "fine parade" that is about to begin, but at the same time there is a feeling of apprehension in their words, as if they are unsure if they should participate or not. They ask "where do I go?" twice, as if lost in the chaos of the moving parade, and see children catching candy and balloons flying high. The tone shifts as the singer challenges someone with the question "who do you think you are?" and accuses them of not caring before. The final lines are a simple command, urging someone to turn the street and repeat the pattern once again, perhaps caught in a never-ending cycle.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, what a fine parade
Expressing excitement and enjoyment over the parade happening
Ready or not, call your name
Regardless of whether the person is ready, their name is being called for the parade
Hey now, where do I go?
Asking for direction and guidance on where to go for the parade
Where do I go?
Repeating the question for emphasis on needing guidance
Wave at children along the side
Enjoying the moment of waving at children watching the parade
Catching candy, balloon in the sky
Participating in the fun festivities of catching candy and seeing balloons in the sky
Saying now, where do I go?
Repeating the question for guidance once more
Where do I go?
Emphasizing the need for guidance in navigating the parade
Wait up
Asking to slow down and wait for the person asking for guidance
Who do you think you are?
Questioning the person's identity and motives
You never cared before
Accusing the person of not caring in the past
So what are you doing it for?
Questioning the person's motives for participating in the parade now
March two by two
Instructing the group to march in pairs
Who do you think
Repeating the earlier question to emphasize the uncertainty of the person's identity
Who do you think, think you are?
Further emphasizing the uncertainty of the person's identity
Who are you now?
Questioning the person's current identity and motives
Turn the street
Instructing the group to turn down a street
Repeat
Instructing the group to repeat the previous actions or instructions
Writer(s): TRAYER TRYON, NICOLE MIGLIS, ZACHARY TETREAULT
Contributed by Jackson R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.