After the three founding members originally met in high school, a bassist and a drummer were found, and they all moved to a house in Silver Lake in 2008 to record their album. Their debut album as Local Natives, "Gorilla Manor", was released in the UK on November 2nd, 2009, and saw a US release date of February 16th, 2010. The band's sound has been described as "afropop-influenced guitars with hyperactive drumming and hooky three-part harmonies". They started to attract the attention of the music press after playing nine shows at the 2009 SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. Initial reviews of Local Natives have drawn favourable comparisons to Arcade Fire, Fleet Foxes and Vampire Weekend.
Utilizing lots of vocal harmonies and drifting, dreamlike melodies, Local Natives have an intricate sound based around the delicate interconnectedness of all of their parts. This gives the band a sound that is able to be orchestral while still feeling understated, evoking the carefully assembled pop of Grizzly Bear. Their debut, Gorilla Manor, arrived in 2009 through U.K. label Infectious Records (with a domestic release coming by way of Frenchkiss in 2010). In 2011, Andy Hamm left Local Natives, leaving them to continue on as a quartet. In 2013, the band returned with its sophomore album, Hummingbird, featuring the single "Breakers".
Official website: http://www.localnatives.com
Breakers
Local Natives Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My words to catch like I'm trying
To strike a match that's soaking wet
See through skull
See through skin
Leave all the lights on
Can't see out, but they see in
The color drain from my eyes
Cold cereal and TV
Before I go to sleep
Breathing out, hoping to breathe in
I know nothing's wrong, but I'm not convinced
No, I know, I know, I've already told, myself
Maybe I'll believe it from somebody else
No, I know, I know, I've already told, myself
Maybe I'll believe it from somebody else
Breathing out, hoping to breathe in
I know nothing's wrong, but I'm not convinced
I can let it happen, just let it happen
Just don't think so much, don't think so much
The lyrics of Local Natives' song "Breakers" depict a sense of internal conflict and overwhelming self-doubt. The opening lines "Waiting for / My words to catch" suggest the singer's struggle to find the right words to convey their thoughts and feelings, as if they are trying to ignite a match that is not lighting up. The following lines, "See through skull / See through skin," introduce an image of vulnerability and transparency, suggesting that the singer is struggling to maintain a facade.
The final lines of the first verse, "Can't see out, but they see in," further highlight this sense of exposure; while the singer feels trapped within their own mind and unable to express themselves, they feel that others can still see through their "see through" exterior. The second verse continues this theme by describing the singer's despondent state and reliance on mindless distractions like "cold cereal and TV" before bed.
The chorus of the song expresses the singer's frustration with their own thoughts, as they admit that "nothing's wrong" but they cannot shake the feeling of uncertainty and anxiety. The repeated refrain of "No, I know, I know, I've already told myself / Maybe I'll believe it from somebody else" speaks to the power of external validation; the singer cannot convince themselves of their own worth or sanity, and is seeking reassurance from others.
Line by Line Meaning
Waiting for
Anticipating something to happen.
My words to catch like I'm trying
An attempt to make an impact, but failing to do so.
To strike a match that's soaking wet
Trying to ignite something that cannot start.
See through skull
A head full of transparency.
See through skin
An open book; a heart on the sleeve.
Leave all the lights on
Inability to find peace, leading to fear of the unknown.
Can't see out, but they see in
Feeling exposed, people are judging.
Stare down my nose, watching
Judging oneself.
The color drain from my eyes
Emotions disappearing; numbness.
Cold cereal and TV
A routine to deal with the mundane routine of life.
Before I go to sleep
End of a long day, looking forward to some sleep.
Breathing out, hoping to breathe in
Seeking some relief.
I know nothing's wrong, but I'm not convinced
Trapped in sadness and depression.
No, I know, I know, I've already told, myself
Trying to convince oneself that everything is fine.
Maybe I'll believe it from somebody else
Desiring someone else’s perspective.
I can let it happen, just let it happen
Letting go, accepting what comes.
Just don't think so much, don't think so much
Suggestions to avoid overanalyzing things.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: Aaron Brooking Dessner, Kelcey Paul Ayer, Matthew James Frazier, Ryan Clinton Hahn, Taylor David Rice
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@brunanazario3543
Waiting for
My words to catch like I'm trying
To strike a match that's soaking wet
See through skull
See through skin
Leave all the lights on
Can't see out, but they see in
Stare down my nose, watching
The color drain from my eyes
Cold cereal and TV
Before I go to sleep
Breathing out, hoping to breathe in
I know nothing's wrong, but I'm not convinced
No, I know, I know, I've already told, myself
Maybe I'll believe it from somebody else
No, I know, I know, I've already told, myself
Maybe I'll believe it from somebody else
Breathing out
Hoping to breathe in
I know nothing's wrong, but I'm not convinced
I can let it happen, just let it happen
Just don't think so much, don't think so much
@Imberlovesluffy
this song wasn't in life is strange but I will forever be grateful for life is strange for introducing me to them
@dyc1104
+NinnaLinna the same ^^
@marcosbc
me too!
@HarryBillyBobGeorge
Exactly how I feel about Life is Strange for Breton, Tales from the Borderlands for Twin Shadow, Mass Effect for Faunts, Mirror's Edge for Solar Fields and Chvrches, SSX for The Joy Formidable... shit, was I introduced to ALL my favorite bands through video games?
@angeloarroyo1939
NinnaLinna FOR REAL
@stephenarmstrong4279
NinnaLinna life is strange was a really good game i just wish it was a film
@AJ-fo6ix
It’s so crazy to think just 6 years ago this song helped me through my depression, I could never fully express how this song made me feel other than whole. Can’t wait to finally see them live one day.💋
@thatcokestuff
I am glad you're doing better! They're so amazing live, seen them a few times and it was the best. 💜
@rorylidster4844
Ill be seeing them live tomorrow, only took 10 years haha
@Ipoop7colors
I met them 3 years ago and didn't knew who they were. They recorded some songs in a studio and I was filming. I really liked it and they were really nice.