Along with the likes of Lily Allen, Jamie T, Kate Nash, Adele, etc, he is often included in the "Estuary English" pack of UK musicians - the 2006/2007 UK trend of young musicians singing without consciously altering their spoken English accent. (Estuary English being the accent commonly found around the south east of England, most notably in London [and even more notably among the youth], considered a compromise between Cockney and RP)
At 17 he started the band Jack's Basement with his friend Felix White. The band split in two, one half going on to form The Maccabees, the other forming Jack Peñate's band, including Joel Porter (bass) and Alex Robins (drums). Having started a Classics degree at UCL he hooked up with London indie club and label, Young Turks and his studies were dropped in favour of a music career.
His eclectic mix of styles incorporates elements of his varied influences which range from rockabilly and folk to jazz and trip-hop. He lists Prince, Jeff Buckley, Shuggie Otis, Todd Rundgren, JJ Cale, Harry Nilsson and Herbie Hancock among his influences. Yet he delivers a genuine London voice and still manages to sound original.
His live performances are characterised by his much commented, "individualist" style of dancing where he plays guitar and dances simultaneously with a vigorous fluidity - he finds it hard to keep still.
In autumn 2006, Peñate signed to XL Recordings who delivered main-stream success with the release of his debut album Matinée. It was followed up in 2009 with Everything is New.
Give Yourself Away
Jack Peñate Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And fly into the till
But never steps, you're struck by heat
Escaping outside until
Give yourself away
Go on, do it
Give yourself away
Give yourself away
I don't bet you can do it
Give yourself away
You're in the door and on the floor where bodies bounce to bass
But you ignore the dance floor and choose a hiding place
Stand alone like a marble stone, they sit against the wall
But the mystery to me is what are you here for
Oh poor, poor girl
Awkward girl, awkward girl
You come to watch and then pretend
It's you that's dancing til the end
Give yourself away
Give yourself away
Give yourself away
Give yourself away
Give yourself away
Give yourself away
Give yourself away
Give yourself away
Give yourself away
Give yourself away
Give yourself away
Give yourself away
Give yourself away
I bet you can do it
I bet you can do it
I bet you can do it
I bet you can do it
I bet you can do it
I bet you can do it
Give yourself away
The lyrics of Jack Peñate’s song “Give Yourself Away” seem to be a message to an individual in the crowd of a dance club or party. The first verse describes someone dropping five gold coins into the till, then escaping the heat of the crowded room, never stepping but giving themselves away. It’s unclear what this means exactly - perhaps this person is trying to blend in with the crowd or not draw attention to themselves in some way. The chorus begins with a daring challenge: “Give yourself away / I dare you to do it”. It’s unclear what exactly the challenge is, but it seems to be asking this person to let go of whatever it is they are holding back or hiding from the world. This is repeated throughout the rest of the song.
The second verse provides some more context for this person’s behavior. They are at the party but not really participating in the action. The lyrics describe them standing alone “like a marble stone” while others dance around them. The mystery to the singer is why this person is even there in the first place. The final lines of the song repeat the chorus over and over again, with an added twist - the singer now claims to bet that this person can give themselves away, that they have the bravery to let go and be vulnerable.
In many ways, the song seems to be reflecting on the fear and anxiety that can come with social situations, particularly when it comes to dancing or otherwise putting oneself out there. The challenge to “give yourself away” could be interpreted as an encouragement to be vulnerable, take risks, and let one’s guard down.
Line by Line Meaning
Five gold coins fall from your fingers
You've just made a successful transaction and have cash in hand.
And fly into the till
The money is being safely stored and protected in its rightful place.
But never steps, you're struck by heat
Despite being in a crowded, active environment, you feel frozen and unsure of what to do next.
Escaping outside until
You retreat from the chaos inside to a more peaceful space outdoors.
Give yourself away
Open yourself up to the world and let others see who you truly are.
Go on, do it
Encouragement to take that step and be vulnerable.
I dare you to do it
A challenge to step out of your comfort zone and potentially face rejection or judgment.
I don't bet you can do it
Skepticism that you have the courage to give yourself away.
You're in the door and on the floor where bodies bounce to bass
You've made it inside the club and can feel the energy of the music and crowd.
But you ignore the dance floor and choose a hiding place
Despite being in an environment where people typically let loose and dance, you retreat and avoid the spotlight.
Stand alone like a marble stone, they sit against the wall
You are physically present but emotionally closed off, while others around you are socializing and enjoying themselves.
But the mystery to me is what are you here for
Others may wonder why you are even in this environment if you're not going to participate or engage with others.
Oh poor, poor girl
A sense of empathy or pity for the person who is struggling to let themselves be seen.
Awkward girl, awkward girl
A label that may be unfairly applied to someone who is struggling to fit in or participate in a particular social scene.
You come to watch and then pretend
You may be observing others and their behaviors in an attempt to mimic them or blend in.
It's you that's dancing til the end
A reminder that you are the only one who can take the first step toward opening up and being yourself.
Contributed by Emily W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.