Formed in 1979 in Edinburgh, Scotland, Josef K was signed to the infamous P… Read Full Bio ↴Formed in 1979 in Edinburgh, Scotland, Josef K was signed to the infamous Postcard label. After recording two albums of materials, only one album, The Only Fun in Town, was released in 1981. After some touring and great success with the record (it hit #3 on the UK Indie Charts), band leader Paul Haig determined that the band did not need to do anything more and dissolved the band in 1982. Guitarist Malcolm Ross went to join Edwyn Collins, the man who signed Josef K to Postcard, in the post-punk band Orange Juice.

Their name is taken from the protagonist of Franz Kafka's novel, "The Trial".

Josef K. is also a pop-rock band from Podgorica, Montenegro debuted in 1988.

Josef K. is also Prague-based rapper debuting with album Linka B in 2020.

The Angle
Josef K Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Just moved in to the scheme of things
For a short while anyway
Don't cry when you see them grin
Not a love anyone can save

And you felt the right performance
Is the means, a means to an end
An end that's always conclusive

And is as is and so intends

But to (at)tempt this recognition
And about to change position.
Feel emotion and let loose my fear -
See yourself from their angle!
Don't move away until you know
A chance like this - can't let it go

Feel emotion and let loose my fear -
See yourself from their angle!

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of Josef K's song, The Angle, introduce the listener to a character who has just entered into an established situation or system. This person is only a temporary member, and therefore is advised to hold back tears when they see those familiar with the scheme grinning. The next lines suggest that the individual desires recognition, but recognizes that the means of achieving it is ultimately an end in itself that brings closure. The final two lines of the first verse focus on a change of perspective, and urge the character to release emotion and confront a sense of fear by seeing oneself as others do, effectively looking at the situation from a different angle.

The second verse builds upon this notion of perspective, emphasizing the necessity of fully understanding a situation before making a decision. The character is urged to stay put until they comprehend the larger picture, and warned against letting an opportunity (like the one currently presented) slip away. Again, there is a focus on seeing things from multiple angles or perspectives, as it is suggested that only then can one truly make an informed decision.

The song as a whole is a commentary on the challenges of trying to establish oneself within established structures or systems, and the importance of perspective in overcoming those challenges. By urging the character (and by extension, the listener) to see things from different angles, Josef K is suggesting that a greater understanding of oneself and one's situation can be achieved, leading to success or at the very least, a greater sense of clarity.

Line by Line Meaning

Just moved in to the scheme of things
I have just recently started to become a part of the situation at hand.

For a short while anyway
Even though I have just started, I know it won't last forever.

Don't cry when you see them grin
Do not be upset when you witness the happiness of others.

Not a love anyone can save
No one can save from a love that is doomed to fail.

And you felt the right performance
You know that performing properly is important.

Is the means, a means to an end
It is a way to get to the end goal.

An end that's always conclusive
The end goal is always certain.

And is as is and so intends
The end goal will happen as it is meant to be.

But to (at)tempt this recognition
Trying to recognize and understand the situation.

And about to change position.
Getting ready to change perspective.

Feel emotion and let loose my fear -
Experience emotions and let go of the fear internally.