On The Memory Machine Julia employs the talents of a range of musicians from her musical community and undertakes production duties alongside co-producers Keiran Kelly and Brad Albetta.
Subtle, minimal arrangements show the self-assuredness that Julia has brought to this timely project and though characteristically sweet and melodious, the subjects of her stories often run to the darker side, reflected in the artwork inspired by old horror flick posters. Written and recorded over five months in a variety of locations these songs comprise a journey of their own.
Her songs can comfortably inhabit the surreal, where love is an unreliable latchkey kid (‘Where Does the Love Go?’); an internal dying fire warms the hands of grasping sycophants (‘Lights Inside this Dream’); My Baby harks back to the sweet serenades of the fifties and ‘Catastrophe’ provides a delightful romp through the disasters of clumsy connections. The title track, ‘The Memory Machine’, is a paean to lost love from a simpler era with Julia’s hushed vocal veering into dreamy longing.
Julia Stone’s talents as a musician are evident, providing not only vocal and guitar, but also piano, bass, ukulele and percussion, though it is Julia’s characteristic and unique vocals that shine here. She works as an professional artist since 2006.
The Memory Machine is an intriguing, disturbing, moving and ultimately enchanting solo debut from an accomplished and self-assured artist.
By the Horns
Julia Stone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Except for you
I learned my lesson, we're all trying to hide
Doing the best we can, in order to survive
But some of us keep it simple
And some of us will deceive
We tell half of the story, so we can take the things we need
And some of our efforts are colorful
And some people live in the shadows
So they never have to choose
You spread your darkness, like a disease
Then you offer your body, as the only remedy
I believe in love
I believe in love
No, darling, you can't take that away from me
I believe in love
I believe in love
No, darling, you can't take that away from me
You had me by the throat
You had me by the horns
You had me in the same bed
While it was still warm
My hair was still on the pillow
My clothes were still on the floor
You didn't care, no darling, the hungry always want more
Oh, my hair was still on the pillow
My music was still in the air
You didn't care to tell her why I had been there
And you knew that she was scared
But you took her anyway
You told her she was everything, then you had your way
And she told you that she loved you
And you told her you were tired
Oh, the things we say
Once we've got what we desired
I believe in love
I believe in love
No, darling, you can't take that away from me
I believe in love
I believe in love
No, darling, you can't take that away from me
I believe in love
I believe in love
No, darling, you can't take that away from me
I learned my lesson, nobody is to blame
Except for you
The song "By the Horns" by Julia Stone is about learning a hard lesson in life and understanding that people can be deceitful and manipulative. The first verse sets the tone of the song, where Julia explains that she has learned her lesson, but there is no one else to blame except for the person who put her in this situation. The second verse makes a comparison between people who keep it simple and those who deceive others by telling half the story to manipulate their way through situations.
In the chorus, the artist emphasizes her belief in love, which is something that cannot be taken away from her, no matter how hard someone tries to manipulate, deceive or hurt her. The third verse is about a specific situation where someone spread their darkness like a disease but pretended to offer their body as a remedy. The song concludes with the artist reiterating that she has learned her lesson, but nobody else is to blame apart from the person who caused the turmoil and that love is something that cannot be taken away from her.
Line by Line Meaning
I learned my lesson, nobody is to blame
I understand now that no one else caused the situation but you
Except for you
You are the one who caused everything
I learned my lesson, we're all trying to hide
I now realize that everyone is trying to hide their problems
Doing the best we can, in order to survive
We are all trying our best to live and get through life
But some of us keep it simple
Some people live simply and don't complicate things
And some of us will deceive
Others will lie and cheat to get what they want
We tell half of the story, so we can take the things we need
We only share a part of the truth to get what we want
And some of our efforts are colorful
Some of us try to stand out
And some people they lose
Others end up failing
And some people live in the shadows
Some people choose to live hidden lives
So they never have to choose
To avoid having to make difficult decisions
You spread your darkness, like a disease
You infect others with negative emotions
Then you offer your body, as the only remedy
You use sex as a way to make yourself feel better and control others
I believe in love
I have faith in the power of love
No, darling, you can't take that away from me
You can't change my belief in love
You had me by the throat
You had complete control over me
You had me by the horns
You manipulated me and took advantage
You had me in the same bed
We slept together
While it was still warm
Right after someone else was there
My hair was still on the pillow
My presence was still there
My clothes were still on the floor
Evidence of our actions was visible
You didn't care, no darling, the hungry always want more
You were selfish and always wanted more
My music was still in the air
My energy was still present
You didn't care to tell her why I had been there
You didn't tell the truth about what happened
And you knew that she was scared
You were aware that she was afraid of losing you
But you took her anyway
You pursued a relationship with someone else despite her fears
You told her she was everything, then you had your way
You manipulated her emotions to get what you wanted
And she told you that she loved you
The other person expressed their feelings for you
And you told her you were tired
You rejected the other person despite leading them on
Oh, the things we say
We often say things we don't truly mean
Once we've got what we desired
Once we've obtained what we wanted, we don't care anymore
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JULIA STONE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
cats r pretty cool
I remember when my dad had shown me this song a few years ago. I loved it, and I've just come back to it.. and It's still amazing, I still love it just as much as I use to.
Gibran Vargas
I've been listening to Angus and Julia since they started and I immediately fell in love with them. I've heard mostly all of their songs including their solo work and they never seem to disappoint me, I hope they continue with their work for a long time and maybe some day become major stars in the music industry! Keep up the good work Julia!
Bala Hala
Just came back from her show. It was so beautiful that it was heart-breaking and heart-warming at the same time! Thank's a lot to you Julia, you'll be in my heart forever, with your incredible music! <3
Victoryisalways
I'm going through a lot right now, dealing with some people. The lyrics are like medicine for me right now. And Julia's voice just makes it all better. It's amazing how music can help people get through a tough time.
kardoz
¡Qué mujer tan completa y talentosa! Su música es hermosa...
Sally Cyprus
Really beautiful music video! It really captures the feeling and meaning behind the song 💕
Trang
This was a beautiful music video.. so captivating! So glad I found Julia and Angus <3
JulieLiedtke
Beautiful video and song of course. You are truly amazing! <3
shweeb24
I am absolute in love with this CD. It's amazing. I've been listening to it over and over for the past few days. Pure magic.
Sharon Smoke
Wow! Amazing song! Gave me goosebumps! I have learned the hard way to watch out for those horny little monsters no matter how cute they seem! :)