Hailing from Montreal, Canada, Islands is a 6 piece band founded in 2005 by The Unicorns co-founder/songwriter Nick Thorburn (often performing as "Nick Diamonds") and drummer J'Aime Tambeur. Following the untimely disbandment of The Unicorns as they teetered on the brink of breaking through, Islands' debut release entitled Return to the Sea, with its quirky sounds and refreshing, catchy melodies includes collaborations with members of Arcade Fire and Wolf Parade. This debut picks up where The Unicorns left off and takes the music to new heights without departing from The Unicorns' unique if sometimes peculiar appeal.
Islands plays beautiful pop melodies, intertwined with elements of afro-pop, hip hop, and indie rock, among others. One of the main gimmicks of the band is the recorder brought over from The Unicorns, which is prominently featured in the song "Jogging Gorgeous Summer." Nick Diamonds rules over the band with an iron fist. Other members include: Patrice Agbokou, Aaron Harris, Alex Chow, Sebastian Chow, and Patrick Gregoire. Return To the Sea, their rookie effort, was released on April 4th, 2006 on the brand new label, Equator Records, and Rough Trade in the UK. Digital Distribution handled by Alpha Pup.
On May 20, 2008, Islands released its second album, Arm's Way, on Anti- Records.
On September 22, 2009 Islands released their third full length album, Vapours.
On February 14, 2012 Islands released their fourth full length album, A Sleep & A Forgetting.
On September 17, 2013 Islands released their fifth full length album, Ski Mask
On May 13, 2016 Islands released their sixth and seventh full length albums, Should I Remain Here, At Sea? and Taste.
Don't Call Me Whitney Bobby*
Islands Lyrics
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It's not the milk you seek
It's the sun you need
And the sleek sleek skeleton I hold
Where are the hidden folds
Where's the meat that you eat
Total boy
Sometimes they make me sorry
I need another
I need another
Sugar doughnut and muffin baby
This world is going crazy
I think I'm through listening to you
Bones bones brittle little bones
Its not the milk you see
Its just the sun you need
And the sleek sleek skeleton I hold
Where are the hidden folds
Where is the meat that you eat
Gonna make some plans
Wait and see
Turn it off
Turn me on
Open your eyes look around you
Fuck what you heard
You were lied to
Sweetheart
Sick body part
Sickheart
Sweet body part
Bones, bones brittle little bones
Its not the milk you seek
Its the sun you need
And the sleek sleek skeleton I hold
Where are the hidden folds
Where's the meat that you eat
The lyrics of Islands' song Don't Call Me Whitney, Bobby depict a person who is trying to see through the false promises of a manipulative person who tells stories that sometimes make the singer feel pitiful. The opening lines of the song "Bones bones brittle little bones, it's not the milk you seek, it's the sun you need" sets the tone of the song where the singer tries to explain to the person that what they are searching for won't be found in materialistic things like milk, but rather in spiritual experiences. The sleek skeleton that the singer holds refers to the physical body of the person, but the singer is curious about the hidden folds and the meat that they eat, which might indicate that they are interested in the person's deeper emotions and secrets.
The lyrics could also touch upon the unrealistic beauty standards created by society and how people often seek to achieve them through food products like milk. The sugar doughnut and muffin indicate a temporary source of happiness, whereas finding oneself is a more profound experience.
Towards the end, the singer urges this person to open their eyes and look around, to differentiate between what they heard and what is true. The repeated phrase "Bones bones brittle little bones, it's not the milk you seek, it's the sun you need" emphasizes the message of the song, that true happiness lies in spiritual growth and self-discovery.
Line by Line Meaning
Bones bones brittle little bones
The fragility of our physical existence is emphasized
It's not the milk you seek
Your needs are deeper and more complex than just basic sustenance
It's the sun you need
You crave warmth, light, and positivity to thrive
And the sleek sleek skeleton I hold
The image of a slim physique is held up as an ideal
Where are the hidden folds
The desire to be flawlessly thin is pervasive, leading to self-hatred and even eating disorders
Where's the meat that you eat
Questions about bodily imperfections and what is deemed 'acceptable' are prevalent
Total boy
A clueless male who represents societal expectations and gender norms
Tells me stories
The media perpetuates harmful narratives about beauty, leading to insecurities
Sometimes they make me sorry
The realization of the falsehoods and damage caused by these narratives creates regret
I need another sugar doughnut and muffin baby
Comfort food is a temporary salve for the pain of not fitting into societal beauty standards
This world is going crazy
The pressure to conform to impossible standards is unhealthy and even maddening
I think I'm through listening to you
Rejecting harmful societal expectations and beauty standards
Gonna make some plans
Empowerment to take control of one's own narrative
Wait and see
Patience and determination to achieve personal goals
Turn it off
Rejecting negative influences and toxic narratives
Turn me on
Finding motivation and excitement from one's own inner strength and passion
Open your eyes look around you
Encouragement to see beyond societal norms and find true beauty and inspiration
Fuck what you heard
Rejecting the lies and negativity that pervade society
You were lied to
The realization that societal beauty standards are harmful lies that must be rejected
Sweetheart
A term of endearment, inviting the listener to embrace self-love
Sick body part
A paradoxical statement indicating that even 'imperfect' parts of the body are still beautiful and worthy of love
Sickheart
A commentary on how societal beauty standards can lead to emotional and physical sickness
Sweet body part
Further emphasizing the message of self-love and that every body is beautiful
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Nicholas Shanahan Thorburn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind